Chapter 301

The spotlight focused on the central round table.

Its beam enveloped a man and a woman.

The host exclaimed, "Wow! Our lucky audience members! Care to introduce yourselves?"

Fiona Valentine took the microphone and stood. "Bioinformatics major, Fiona Valentine."

The host turned. "And the handsome gentleman beside you?"

Ethan Roscente remained expressionless.

Fiona chuckled lightly. "My boyfriend, Ethan Roscente. He's from another school, came here just to be with me."

"Whoa—" The room instantly erupted in cheers.

A couple at a singles mixer was practically public displays of affection.

"You're a legend, man!"

"Goddess Fiona is top-tier in our department. So many guys have their eyes on her, and you actually won her over."

"Such a prize, and she went to an outsider..."

Fiona was exceptionally beautiful with a gentle personality, always popular.

Ethan remained aloof.

The surrounding chatter was just background noise to him.

His gaze had long drifted to a corner.

He had watched Sophia Sullivan enter, reject advances, and witnessed the arrivals of Alexander Laurent and Sebastian Evans.

He saw her every move.

Including now—

She and Hannah Morse returned to their seats with desserts, completely oblivious to the commotion.

She probably hadn't even noticed him.

Of course, Sophia heard.

Fiona's declaration, "My boyfriend, Ethan Roscente," came through clearly.

But it stirred nothing within her.

Like a wind passing over stagnant water, leaving no ripples.

Hannah said, "The tiramisu is better than the macarons. What do you think, Sophia?"

"Didn't try the macarons. The tiramisu is okay, a bit heavy on the rum."

"Oh! Your palate is so sharp, Sophia! Try this shortbread cookie. My favorite today."

Sophia took a bite. "Definitely the best."

"Let me try—" Sebastian Evans casually snatched the remaining half and popped it into his mouth.

He chewed and nodded. "So sweet~"

Sophia was speechless.

Hannah: [Shudder] JPG

So cringe it gave me goosebumps, dude!

Alexander Laurent shot him a cold glare.

The spotlight then landed on Sebastian.

He swallowed the cookie, stood up calmly, and took the microphone. "No introduction needed. I'm not from the School of Life Sciences."

"How did you get in then?" the host asked curiously.

Sebastian replied, "Sponsor."

Whoosh—

"The benefactor!"

"A sponsor this young and handsome? Shatters all illusions..."

The host's eyes sparkled. "May I ask a question on behalf of all the single women here?"

Sebastian gestured for her to proceed.

"Are you... single?"

Sebastian answered, "Currently, yes."

"Does that mean there's a chance for anyone?" the host pressed boldly.

"No."

"Why not?"

Sebastian said, "There's someone I like."

His smiling gaze fell on Sophia Sullivan.

Alexander Laurent's expression was stony. The water bottle in his hand subtly deformed.

Hannah glanced at the preening Sebastian, then at the indifferent Sophia, and decided to focus on eating.

Mmm, so good~

Sebastian ignored the sighs from the crowd and returned the microphone before sitting down.

Out of the corner of his eye, Sophia was still eating, her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel.

He surprised himself with how fixated he was on this one woman.

He'd had his share of relationships, but no one had ever captivated him like this, fascinated him, even...

Consumed him.

He couldn't get enough of looking at her. At one point, he even thought he could watch her forever.

Alexander Laurent spoke abruptly, "You're in high spirits tonight, Mr. Evans."

"Professor Laurent isn't doing so badly either."

Their eyes met,杀气弥漫ing the air between them.

"Ahem!" Hannah couldn't take it anymore. "Sophia, come to the restroom with me?"

"Okay." She was more than willing.

The moment they stepped away from the table, she let out a long sigh of relief.

Hannah giggled softly. "Feeling better now?"

"Thanks. You saved me."

"Hehe~ Don't mention it!"

Away from the battlefield, let the roosters peck at each other.

...

The spotlight segment ended, transitioning into an open dance session.

Music swelled, lights swirled.

The host announced, "Gentlemen, the floor is yours. Invite your desired dance partners!"

With a bow, he exited the stage.

Thunderous applause followed.

Fiona introduced Ethan to some familiar classmates.

She wore an expensive tweed suit.

Ethan had bought it for her without batting an eye.

He'd even特意 chosen a matching necktie.

To outsiders, they looked like the perfect fairy-tale couple.

But Fiona knew the truth.

Ethan's body was here, but his mind was long gone.

It had flown to Sophia Sullivan!

He tried hard to act indifferent, but his peripheral vision was locked on that corner.

He was also wary of being noticed by Sophia and Sebastian.

Fiona saw it all clearly.

Her heart felt pierced. It took her a moment to compose herself before she turned to him with a smile. "Well, boyfriend, aren't you going to ask me for a dance?"

Ethan frowned. "Is that necessary?"

Fiona looked directly at him. "Don't you want to see how Sophia reacts when she sees you holding someone else while you dance?"