Chapter 212

Sophia Sullivan spoke softly. "Habits can be changed."

"For others, maybe. Not for you."

"..."

The three of them walked out of the restaurant.

Hannah Morse took out her phone to book a ride.

A black Mercedes-Benz slowly pulled over.

The window rolled down. Sebastian Evans's gaze settled on Sophia. "Get in. I'll drive you."

Hannah looked at Sophia.

Sebastian chuckled lightly. "The wait for a ride at this hour is over two hours."

Marcus Lawrence stood silently.

Hannah checked the app. 216 people were in the queue ahead.

It really would take a long time.

Sophia opened the car door. "Thank you, Mr. Evans."

The corner of Sebastian's mouth lifted. "You're welcome, Sophia."

"..."

The navigation indicated Sophia would be dropped off first.

But at an intersection, Sebastian took the wrong lane.

The route was recalculated.

Hannah first, then Marcus, and finally Sophia.

The car stopped at the mouth of the alley.

Sebastian got out and opened her door. "Watch your step."

Sophia stood firm. "Thank you."

"For the ride? Or for buying the instrument?"

"Both."

"Aren't you going to invite me up for tea?"

Sophia was silent.

"I'm joking. Don't think of me as a bad guy."

Sophia looked directly at him. "Are you?"

The man laughed softly. "No. But I'd like to be. And I don't dare to be."

"I don't understand."

"Maybe it's better that you don't."

Some things don't need a reason.

Just like he didn't understand why he kept thinking of Sophia Sullivan.

That first time he saw her at the school gate, it wasn't just Ethan Roscente whose heart skipped a beat.

It was him too.

And Daniel Anderson.

Ethan moved the fastest.

Daniel was close behind.

He hesitated and missed his chance.

By the time he heard the news, the two were already together.

He never thought Ethan would be serious.

He never thought he'd succeed.

In that moment, Sebastian understood. Opportunities are fleeting.

But he always believed there would be a second chance.

Because he knew Ethan too well.

He knew his true nature never changes.

All he had to do was wait.

Wait for the relationship to break. Wait for Sophia to give up.

Finally, he had waited.

"If not tea, then a simple 'goodnight' will do?"

Sophia said, "Goodnight, Mr. Evans."

"Drop the title."

"...Goodnight."

"So good."

He quickly ruffled her hair.

By the time Sophia stepped back, he had already turned to leave.

He didn't look back, just waved his hand.

Sophia gritted her teeth.

Ethan Roscente saw it all.

Red roses fell from his arms.

He rushed out of the alley.

"Sebastian Evans—"

Sebastian paused, his hand on the car door.

A fist came flying towards his face.

It grazed his cheekbone.

The dull thud was unnaturally clear in the night air.

Ethan threw another punch.

Sebastian grabbed his collar and hit back.

The two men scuffled together.

Sebastian wiped blood from his lip. "Saw everything, did you?"

Ethan's eyes were bloodshot.

"You can't handle this? There will be more intimacy in the future. Will you fight every time?"

"It's useless. You can't stop it."

Ethan suddenly calmed. "Did she agree to be with you?"

Sebastian's smile stiffened slightly.

Ethan sneered. "I see. She didn't. You couldn't catch her then. What makes you think you can win now?"

"I at least had her for six years. You? You don't even dare to touch her carefully."

"Are you that happy picking up someone else's castoffs?"

Sebastian suddenly grabbed his collar. "Say that again."

"Isn't it the truth?"

Sebastian's eyes turned icy. "Say whatever you want about me. Don't insult her."

"She gave you six years of her youth. She gave you all her love."

Ethan let himself be grabbed, a mocking smile on his lips. "Admit it. You're just jealous of me."

"Jealous? Why would I be jealous of trash who couldn't keep her?"

Sebastian spoke each word clearly. "I just feel sorry for her. For having loved garbage like you!"

A punch landed on Ethan's nose.

"That's for her."

Another punch hit his cheekbone.

"And that's payback."

"You're dead—"

Ethan immediately fought back.

Two men in tailored suits brawled at the alley's entrance.

Charlie Lowell and Julian Winston arrived.

"I knew something would happen!"

"Stop them! Quick!"

They rushed forward to pull them apart.

Charlie held Ethan tightly. "Calm down!"

Julian blocked Sebastian. "Enough!"

Ethan roared. "I'm going to kill him!"

Sebastian laughed coldly. "I just need to take out the trash!"

"Who are you calling trash?!"

"Whoever answers!"

Just as they were about to start again, Julian suddenly shouted—

"Sophia Sullivan, you're here…"

Both men froze instantly.