Chapter 13
Among wealthy families, arranged marriages often mean both parties lead separate lives.
A man keeping mistresses on the side is hardly a concern.
As long as the wife's position is secure, the outside dalliances are merely diversions.
Victoria Roscente considered herself an enlightened mother-in-law.
She never excessively interfered in her son's private life.
Speaking to Sophia Sullivan today was already a tremendous concession on her part.
But the expected scene of tearful gratitude never materialized.
Sophia merely glanced at her coldly, a faint, mocking smile curling her lips.
"Mrs. Roscente, save your charity for those who actually need it."
"Ethan and I have already broken up."
"From now on, let's just be strangers."
In the past, for Ethan's sake, she had endured Victoria's endless nitpicking.
Her degrees were never good enough, she lacked an overseas education, she had no career achievements.
In short, she was never worthy of the Roscente family heir.
But now, she didn't even want Ethan anymore.
What right did this would-be mother-in-law have to judge her?
Sophia leaned forward slightly, her red lips parting.
"Let me offer you some advice."
"Try not to be so cutting with your words in the future."
"It might get you slapped."
"And one more thing—"
"A monkey in fine clothes is still just a monkey."
"You should learn some manners."
She turned and walked into the library, her skirt swaying gracefully.
Victoria stood frozen on the spot, her face livid with rage.
"How dare she speak to me like that?!"
"Who does she think she is?! Does she still want to marry into our family?!"
Amelia Roscente winced from her mother's tight grip, finally snapping back to reality.
"Mom... did she say she broke up with Ethan?"
"Don't tell me you believe that nonsense?"
"Everyone knows Sophia is obsessed with Ethan."
"She used to cling to him like a desperate dog, refusing to let go."
Amelia checked the time.
"Let's go meet the university administrators. We're going to be late."
Victoria took a deep breath, forcing her anger down.
"Let's go. Don't let that trash delay important matters."
...
The MIT library held vast collections and was revered as an academic sanctuary.
Sophia circled twice before finding an empty seat.
The bioinformatics section was right behind her.
Her gaze swept across the top shelf, where she unexpectedly spotted Alexander Laurent's work.
Curious, she pulled it out. The cover featured a deep, cosmic star chart.
It perfectly captured his essence—vast, serene, and profoundly enigmatic.
It was a research notebook on protein molecular structures.
A cross-disciplinary study blending biology and physics.
The title page bore a handwritten inscription: 'All things are connected. Knowledge has no borders.'
Only a genius like him could state interdisciplinary study so matter-of-factly.
Sophia became engrossed, unaware of how much time had passed.
Though her undergraduate major was bioinformatics, her physics grades were equally outstanding.
By 1 PM, she closed the book and returned it to its place.
Her stomach ached with hunger.
Just as she stepped out of the library, her phone rang. It was Olivia Lopez.
"Vivi?"
"Are you home?"
"I'm at the library. What's up?"
"That scumbag Ethan came looking for you yesterday!"
"He demanded to know where you were. Like I'd ever tell him?"
"You haven't run into him lately, have you?"
Sophia took a sip of water.
"No."
"Good." Olivia sighed in relief. "Are you free tonight? I need a favor..."
...
After meeting the university administrators, Amelia's mood improved.
The frustration Professor Eleanor Watson caused had completely vanished.
"Mom, let's get in the car."
Victoria stared intently toward the library, her brow furrowed.
"You go ahead. There's something I need to take care of."
She called for another family driver.
Amelia assumed her mother was heading to a tea party and didn't think much of it.
Unbeknownst to her, Victoria got in the car and instructed directly,
"Take me to Ethan's office."
...
Ethan had just finished a meeting when he saw his mother approaching with a stormy expression.
He felt a headache coming on. "Mom, what are you doing here?"
"Can't I visit my son?"
"That's not what I meant." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
Victoria snorted coldly and settled onto the sofa.
"If you can't control your woman, I can step in and handle it for you."
Ethan was baffled. "What?"
"Look at Sophia's attitude! It's all because you spoiled her!"
"I ran into her at the MIT library earlier. She actually talked back after I said just a few words!"
"She called me cutting and mocked me for being uneducated!"
"Trash from a low-class family has no manners!"
Ethan frowned. "You saw her at the library?"
"Instead of staying home to cook and clean, she prances around the library pretending to be intellectual!"
"Does she think that will make me respect her? Dream on!"
"She even claimed she's broken up with you and that you're strangers now!"
"Since when does a junior speak to an elder like that?!"
Victoria suddenly fixed her gaze on him. "Did you two really break up?"
Ethan found himself saying, "Of course not."
"Hmph! I knew it! She'd never let go of her golden ticket!"
"Go home and teach her a proper lesson! Women need discipline to behave!"
Ethan was growing irritated.
"Mom, I have another meeting soon. Let me have someone drive you home."
Seeing his son's darkening expression, Victoria wisely dropped the subject.
"Just remember to discipline her. Women only listen when they're taught a lesson!"
"Mm."
After seeing his mother out, Ethan loosened his tie and let out a long breath.
The setting sun cast long shadows through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
He didn't want to return to the Beverly Hills mansion.
Remembering Isabella Langley's birthday was in two days, he texted Charlie Lowell for gift ideas.
Charlie replied instantly: [Jewelry is always safe. A necklace or bracelet.]
Ethan: [I'm bad at picking. Come with me.]
Charlie: ? Since when does being single make me an expert?!
They met at the SKP mall downtown.
Inside the jewelry store, a sales associate greeted them warmly.
"What can I help you gentlemen find today?"
Ethan: "A gift for my girlfriend."
"This heart pendant necklace is very popular with young women. It's understated yet sweet—"
Charlie, bored with jewelry, glanced around.
Suddenly, he exclaimed excitedly, "Sophia?!"
Ethan stiffened, then turned casually as if nothing was wrong.
Olivia had a business banquet tonight and had asked Sophia to pick up her custom jewelry.
She never expected to run into them here.
Sophia smiled at Charlie. "Charlie."
"Long time no see! Been busy lately?" He sneakily glanced at Ethan. "Since we ran into you, want to grab dinner together?"