Chapter 300

Sophia Sullivan shook her head gently.

She politely declined the dance invitation.

The young man left, disappointed.

No sooner had one left than another approached.

After turning down five in a row, Sophia pulled Hannah Morse toward a secluded corner.

The lighting was dim here.

The spot was hidden.

She could finally catch her breath.

"Sophia, you're so popular. Even I want to ask you for a dance."

"For you, I might consider it."

Hannah immediately puffed out her chest. "Those guys must be so jealous of me!"

"Is that a bad thing?"

"Of course not~"

They shared a smile.

Hannah stood up. "I'm going to get some pastries!"

"Okay."

Sophia unscrewed her water bottle and took a few sips.

She had zero interest in socializing. She pulled out her tablet and began reviewing a research paper.

Hannah returned with a plate of snacks and froze at the sight.

This scene made her feel utterly inadequate.

This table had remained empty.

It was perfect.

But trouble always finds you.

"Is this seat taken? May I sit here?"

"Sorry, we—" Hannah began to refuse.

Sophia looked up and started.

"Professor? What are you doing here?"

Alexander Laurent wore a grey suit, his black overcoat draped over his arm.

He gave a slight nod. "May I sit?"

Sophia smiled and nodded. "Of course."

It took Hannah a few seconds to process. "Hello, Professor! Are you here for the mixer too?"

"Yes," Alexander replied flatly.

But this was clearly a freshman mixer.

The mystery was soon solved.

The host announced it was time for the Spotlight Roulette.

A beam of light swept across the room.

"Three, two, one!"

A white light suddenly shot into their corner.

All three instinctively squinted.

The light landed squarely on Alexander.

He rose calmly and accepted the microphone.

The host grinned. "It's Professor Laurent! Would you like to say a few words to kick off the mixer?"

It was clearly pre-arranged.

Alexander offered a few polite remarks and sat back down.

The spotlight moved away.

"That's it?" Sophia whispered.

"What else?" He chuckled softly. "Should I have given an academic report?"

"You could try," she teased.

"I'd put everyone to sleep."

"So you came specifically for the opening remarks?"

"Work obligation," he said, his tone neutral.

Sophia muttered, "I didn't think you attended events like this…"

Alexander never did.

Invitations in previous years were always declined.

Except this year.

He accepted immediately.

Quincy Evans was stunned. "Alex, are you feeling alright?"

Alexander didn't look up.

Quincy pointed at the invitation. "This is a social mixer! Not an academic conference!"

"I know."

"And you're still going?"

"Is there a problem?"

"This is unbelievable…"

Quincy suddenly noticed the school name.

"School of Life Sciences? That's Sophia's school, right?"

Alexander's movements paused almost imperceptibly.

Quincy leaned in for a closer look. "Alex, you've got it bad!"

"Do you like that girl?"

"Does she know?"

"You're so much older than her. Would she even accept that?"

The rapid-fire questions left Alexander silent.

…

"Professor?" Sophia's voice was soft.

Alexander snapped back to the present. "What?"

"Are you heading home or back to the lab after this?"

"Home."

Sophia nodded. "Then we can—"

Before she could finish, a figure stopped beside them.

She looked up.

Sebastian Evans smiled slightly. "What a coincidence. Is this seat taken?"

He turned to Hannah. "Would you mind moving over?"

Hannah nodded, flustered. "O-okay."

She shuffled sideways.

Sebastian thanked her and sat down, close to Sophia.

Sophia was surprised. "What are you doing here?"

Sebastian glanced at Alexander. "Professor Laurent is here too."

"He gave the opening remarks. What about you?"

Sebastian shrugged. "I'm here as a sponsor."

University events often sought investments from alumni.

This particular CEO alumnus was a prime target.

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Do you personally attend every event you sponsor, Mr. Evans?"

That sounded exhausting.

"Of course not," he said bluntly. "I came for you."

Sophia was speechless.

Alexander's gaze darkened.

Sebastian wore a faint, challenging smile.

Hannah intervened quickly. "I'm going for more food. Sophia, come with me?"

"Yes!" Sophia stood up immediately.

They hurried away.

Sebastian offered a water bottle. "Water, Professor?"

Alexander took it. "Thank you."

"I didn't expect to see you at a mixer, Professor."

Alexander looked up. "You're here too, Mr. Evans."

"I came for Sophia. And you?"

"Likewise."

Sebastian's eyes turned cold. "What do you mean, Professor?"

"Exactly what you think I mean."

Sebastian's expression was blank. "What? Has the Professor developed feelings too?"

"I am only human."

"Quite frank, Professor. But some thoughts are best kept in check."

Alexander gave a light laugh. "I could say the same to you, Mr. Evans."

Sebastian fell silent.

The music started again.

The spotlight swept over the crowd.

The host's voice boomed. "Who will be the next lucky one? Get ready for the light—"