Chapter 296

Sophia didn't answer.

Silence filled the car.

It lasted until the car stopped at the entrance of the alley.

"It's here," Sebastian said.

"Thank you for lending us the crew, Mr. Evans. My brother will settle the cost with you," Sophia replied.

"Alright."

He didn't refuse. His businesslike attitude made Sophia relax a little.

"Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Clara."

...

Ryan Sullivan moved quickly.

He took over the construction crew the next day.

They agreed on a price and signed the contract.

Work officially began on the third day.

"We've agreed," Ryan said. "You, me, and him. We'll have a weekly progress meeting."

Sophia frowned. "Do we need to include Sebastian Evans?"

She couldn't really let him act as a foreman.

Besides, Sebastian was so busy. He wouldn't have time for such a small matter.

"That's what I said," Ryan replied. "But he insisted on participating."

His reason was solid—

It's my crew. I need to take responsibility.

Workers and employees are the same. There's no difference.

"He also asked me to give you a message."

"What is it?"

"He said he's happy to be the one wielding the knife."

"..."

Ryan snorted. "Is that kid trying to chase you? His intentions are too obvious. But I respect his directness. He has good taste and courage. But Clara—"

His tone turned serious. "Men are unreliable. Don't let him fool you."

Sophia chuckled. "Don't worry, Ryan. He can't fool me."

After those six years with Ethan Roscente, she had finally broken free.

How could she possibly jump back into the fire of love?

Studying, experimenting, researching, writing papers—wasn't all that better?

Why bother with romance?

...

The week passed quickly.

Sophia, Marcus Lawrence, and Hannah Morse had already moved into the biology lab at Stanford University.

Apart from the inconvenience of traveling between the two universities, everything else went smoothly.

The cafeteria at Stanford—

Was especially delicious!

This delighted Hannah to no end.

She hadn't even finished her current meal before she started thinking about the next one.

"Ahem! Using this lab long-term wouldn't be so bad. Look, it's close to all three cafeterias. Just a short walk away..."

"Convenient for you to eat anytime, right?" Marcus saw right through her.

"Eating is the most important thing! Don't you eat when you're hungry?" Hannah retorted.

Marcus was stumped. "...I eat less. Three meals a day."

Hannah instantly bristled. "Are you making fun of me for eating more and having snacks? I didn't think you were that kind of person!"

"...No, I—"

"Don't explain! Explaining is just your trap! You organize these two sets of data yourself! I'm going for my fourth meal! Hmph!"

Marcus: "?"

"...You're really leaving?"

Hannah walked away without looking back.

Sophia silently packed her things. "I'm heading out too."

Marcus: "Wait..."

They're both leaving?

Sophia was going to eat, but not at the cafeteria. She was going to the small restaurant she had visited before with Ryan.

However, there was an extra person today...

By the time Sophia arrived, Ryan and Sebastian were already there.

The food had just been served, steaming hot.

All her favorite dishes.

Sophia pulled out a chair and sat down. "Have you been waiting long?"

"I just got here too," Ryan said. "Mr. Evans was the earliest."

Naturally, he had ordered the food.

Today was the trio's first weekly meeting.

Sebastian helped her hang up her bag before returning to his seat. "Shall we talk while we eat? The food won't taste as good when it's cold."

"Okay."

The three began to eat.

Sophia and Ryan were regulars here, so they were very casual.

Surprisingly, Sebastian seemed quite comfortable as well.

Then again, he could even eat boxed lunches at a construction site. What couldn't he accept?

A flicker of appreciation passed through Ryan's eyes.

"Ahem—" He finished two pieces of ribs and put down his chopsticks. "Let's start with this week's progress... The foundation is done, and we've started building the structure. The civil engineering is expected to be completed next week."

"So fast?" Sophia was a little surprised.

Ryan looked at Sebastian. "Thanks to Mr. Evans's crew."

You only realize the difference when you actually see them work.

They were far better than his own workers.

Naturally, progress was swift.

Sebastian picked up a piece of meat, his tone casual. "It's what should be done."

"About the payment..."

Sebastian interrupted. "Speaking of which, monthly payments are too troublesome. I'll cover the costs first, and you can settle everything with me once the project is finished. Don't worry, the accounts will be clear."

Ryan waved his hand. "Mr. Evans, you must be joking. A big boss like you wouldn't skim off our small change."

Sebastian's expression turned serious. "Business is business. Following the rules is better for everyone."

Ryan paused, then nodded. "...You're right. I was being too simplistic."

"Here's to that." Sebastian raised his glass.

Both were driving, so they were drinking soda.

"Cheers." Ryan raised his glass.

Sebastian looked at Sophia. "You join too. Since you're here."

"Alright." Sophia put down her chopsticks. "To the successful completion of the lab."

Their glasses clinked. Sophia took a sip.

The carbonation rushed up her nose.

She didn't really like cola.

Fortunately, she drank little and recovered quickly.

Sophia continued eating.

Sebastian called the waiter over. "Do you have coconut milk?"

"Yes, we do."

He looked at Sophia. "Get her a bottle."

The waiter asked, "Iced or room temperature?"

Sophia was momentarily stunned. "...Room temperature, thank you."

Soon, the coconut milk and a straw were delivered.

Sebastian pulled the tab, inserted the straw, and pushed it toward her.

His movements were practiced and utterly natural.

Just then, the hostess's "Welcome!" rang out.

A man and a woman walked in.

Sophia was facing the door. She looked up and her eyes collided with Ethan Roscente's.

He was slightly taken aback, then nodded calmly.

He tightened his arm around the woman beside him.