Chapter 302
Ethan Roscente’s brow arched slightly.
He extended his hand toward her.
Bending at the waist in an inviting gesture.
Fiona Valentine smiled and placed her hand in his palm.
Together, they glided onto the dance floor.
Sophia Sullivan and Hannah Morse returned from the restroom just in time to see this.
A handsome man and a beautiful woman made a perfect pair.
It was nice.
She calmly averted her gaze.
Suddenly—
Two hands extended toward her at once.
One on the left.
One on the right.
Sebastian Evans and Alexander Laurent were both inviting her.
Hannah Morse took two frightened steps back.
This…
A major showdown?
Sebastian Evans smiled. "Sophia, would you honor me with a dance?"
Alexander Laurent's lips curved. "What a coincidence. I was just about to ask the same."
Sebastian Evans turned to look at him.
Alexander Laurent met his gaze calmly.
The air crackled with tension.
Sophia Sullivan was completely stunned.
What was happening? Did these two plan this?
She instinctively looked at Hannah Morse.
Hannah Morse shook her head with a pained expression: Sis, I really can't help you this time.
The commotion in the corner initially went unnoticed.
But the onlookers had a keen sense for drama.
They quickly gathered around.
"Wow—Professor Laurent and Mr. Evans?!"
"Who are they inviting? Sophia Sullivan? That explains it."
Beautiful, academically top-tier, published in 'Science' as a first-year grad student.
The acknowledged campus belle.
"Tsk tsk... This is intense!"
"Not even a TV drama would dare plot this!"
A love triangle never goes out of style.
All three protagonists were figures of gossip.
The onlookers expressed: Love this, give us more!
Not far away, Ethan Roscente saw this scene, his hand abruptly tightening.
"Ouch—"
Fiona Valentine gasped in pain.
"Apologies." He released her and strode directly off the dance floor.
Leaving Fiona Valentine standing alone.
Sophia Sullivan's scalp prickled.
She looked at Sebastian Evans. The expectation in the man's eyes made her afraid to look deeper.
Then she met Alexander Laurent's gaze.
His pupils were deep as the ocean, tenderness hidden within, a superficial smile on the surface.
Sophia's heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly looked away.
"Sorry, I just remembered some experimental data I need to process. I have to go."
She turned and walked away quickly.
Sebastian Evans watched her fleeing figure, his eyes darkening.
But then he reconsidered. She hadn't accepted Alexander Laurent either.
"Tsk, disappointed, Professor Laurent?"
Alexander Laurent calmly withdrew his hand.
"Disappointed by something so trivial? What would I do then in the future?"
Sebastian Evans frowned. "...The future?"
"Yes," he said, a slight smile touching his lips. "There will be time."
With that, he turned and left.
"Neither succeeded? Interesting!"
"Is Sophia Sullivan that aloof?"
"If I had a 'Science' publication, I'd be aloof too!"
The crowd gradually dispersed.
No drama to watch, the spectators naturally drifted away.
But two people remained.
Simon Lowell called Lillian Lopez's name twice.
She didn't respond.
He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder.
Lillian Lopez finally snapped out of it.
"...What did you say just now?"
"I asked what you were looking at."
"Nothing." Lillian brushed his hand away. "I need to speak with Professor Laurent."
She immediately hurried after Alexander Laurent.
Simon Lowell looked at his now empty hand, then at her retreating, eager figure, a puzzled frown forming.
He hadn't expected Lillian Lopez to be interested in the mixer.
Since she wanted to attend, he accompanied her.
He'd specifically contacted the graduate student union to attend in his capacity as a faculty advisor.
Lillian Lopez had smiled brightly when she saw the invitation.
Simon Lowell rarely saw her smile like that. He felt it was worth it.
"Professor, wait a moment—"
Alexander Laurent paused, turning to see Lillian Lopez approaching with a smile.
"Lillian, is something the matter?"
"Professor," she said half-jokingly, "Since Sophia is busy, perhaps I could have this dance with you instead?"
Alexander Laurent's eyes darkened. "That won't be necessary."
Lillian Lopez's smile stiffened, then she forced a light tone. "Just a joke... I actually came to ask about that aging equipment in the lab. When will it be replaced? Professor Quincy has complained several times."
Alexander Laurent frowned. "I sent a group email two days ago. It detailed the resolution plan and the installation schedule for the new equipment."
Lillian Lopez's expression froze. "R-really? I must have missed it... My apologies."
"Lab regulation number two requires daily clearing of the work email inbox."
"Professor, I—"
"As a researcher, I hope you will focus more of your energy on your research."
Lillian Lopez lowered her head. "Understood."
"Hmm."
He turned and left.
Lillian Lopez had been thoroughly rebuffed and lectured. She gritted her teeth in anger.
Simon Lowell walked over and handed her a glass of juice, his tone gentle. "Lillian, your favorite lime soda."
Lillian Lopez looked up sharply.
For a moment, Simon Lowell thought he saw... disgust in her eyes?
She was disgusted by him?
When he looked more closely, there was nothing in those beautiful eyes.
"Thank you," Lillian Lopez said, taking a sip. "It's quite good."
But her hand holding the glass tightened until her knuckles turned white.
Why?
Why did Alexander Laurent actively invite Sophia Sullivan, yet dismiss her so completely?
Sophia Sullivan had rejected him!
Why were so many men orbiting around Sophia Sullivan?
What was so great about her!
"Who is more beautiful, me or Sophia Sullivan?" Lillian Lopez asked suddenly.
Simon Lowell was taken aback.
It took him a few seconds to process the question before he answered with a smile. "You and Sophia are both beautiful, but in my heart, you are the most beautiful, Lillian. No arguments!"
Such sweet talk didn't please Lillian Lopez. Instead, her expression darkened further.
Yes, she was this beautiful. So why couldn't Alexander Laurent see it?