Chapter 274
A shadow flickered in Alexander Laurent's eyes.
Sebastian Evans' lips curved slightly. "I heard Professor Laurent is very busy, always in the lab. You're home quite early today."
"Heard?" Alexander's tone was flat. "From whom?"
He had taught a class today, covering a core course for the School of Life Sciences. Sophia Sullivan hadn't been in the lecture hall.
Hannah Morse said she had taken the day off.
The lab project was at a critical stage. He usually went straight there after class and rarely came home at this hour.
But today...
Sebastian chuckled lightly. "Sophia told me, of course."
Alexander's expression remained blank. "Did she also mention you can't park at the alley entrance?"
"Leaving now." Sebastian pressed the accelerator.
The car pulled away.
After a short distance, he suddenly froze.
Just now...
Did Alexander call her "Sophia"?
...
Watching the car disappear, Alexander turned and entered the building.
His jaw was tight, his gaze cool.
He reached the seventh floor but didn't go to his own apartment. Instead, he knocked on the door next door.
"Sophia, are you in?"
A few seconds later, the door opened.
"...Professor?"
Alexander looked her over. "Are you alright?"
"...Huh?" Sophia was confused.
"You weren't in class today. Your advisor said you took leave."
"Yes, I had some things to handle."
"Related to the lab rectification?"
"Right." Sophia nodded.
"Did it go smoothly?"
Sophia smiled. "Just one final step left."
"Do you need any help?"
"No."
Sebastian was right. Unless Ethan Roscente signed willingly, no one could force him.
Alexander's gaze shifted subtly. "I ran into Sebastian Evans downstairs just now."
"He gave me a ride home."
"You were together?"
"No," Sophia explained. "We happened to meet. He helped me with something."
Alexander's eyes deepened.
"As long as you're alright. Your father's braised beef was excellent. Please thank him for me."
Sophia laughed. "My dad will be thrilled to hear that."
"I'm just being honest. His cooking is truly exceptional."
...
Meanwhile, after leaving the restaurant, Ethan Roscente didn't return to the office.
He had Liam Evans arrange a golf game with Zachary Wang.
Liam was surprised.
Hadn't he canceled the dinner meeting? How did it end so quickly?
It seemed...
The talk with Miss Sullivan didn't go well.
Time to be extra careful again.
Liam sighed inwardly.
...
Blue skies, white clouds, a gentle breeze.
On the lush green golf course—
Ethan gazed into the distance and swung his club.
Thwack!
The white ball traced a perfect arc through the air.
Clap, clap, clap—
Zachary applauded. "Great shot!"
Ethan walked to the rest area, his face expressionless.
Zachary studied him. "Something on your mind, Mr. Roscente?"
Ethan took a sip of water and said nothing.
"Business troubles?"
Ethan didn't react.
Zachary understood. "Ah, a woman then."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You have experience?"
"Women," Zachary said, sitting beside him. "They can be decoration or a crutch. Understand their use, and life becomes comfortable."
"Oh? Do tell."
"You need one at home to manage the trivialities," Zachary explained. "For social events, bring a young one along. They can shield you from drinks and entertain guests. A little money is all it takes."
Ethan: "Your wife doesn't mind?"
Zachary: "Why would she? Big house, luxury brands, buys whatever she wants with a card, no need to work.