Chapter 306

Second, Professor, you have strong nerves. You can take a joke."

"Where did you get the idea that I can take a joke?" Alexander was both amused and exasperated.

"Just now." She stated matter-of-factly.

They walked upstairs together. Alexander asked her, "Are you getting used to Professor Feng's lab?"

"Mmhmm! Professor Feng is nice, and the equipment is new."

"Everything's settled in?"

Sophia was about to answer when a dog bark suddenly came from upstairs.

Before either could react, a Husky charged straight down.

Sophia only saw a black and white blur rushing at her. Terrified, she shut her eyes and desperately needed to get her feet off the ground.

Driven by instinct, she leaped violently.

Dog fur brushed past her calf as the Husky continued charging downstairs.

She breathed a long sigh of relief, and then...

Embarrassingly realized she had jumped onto Alexander Laurent!

She wrapped her arms around the man's neck, clinging to him.

Sophia Sullivan was like a startled koala.

Alexander Laurent was the steady tree.

"I'm sorry... a dog suddenly ran out..." Her voice trembled as she tried to get down.

But the man's hand remained firmly on her waist.

Even through her heavy coat, she could feel the warmth of his palm.

Sophia's cheeks flushed rapidly.

The blush spread all the way to the tips of her ears.

"Professor..." she called softly.

Alexander didn't let go.

"Scared?" His voice was low.

It was unclear if he meant the dog, or himself.

Sophia nodded gently.

"You jumped on me yourself," he stated the fact.

Her ears burned hotter. "I was too frightened..."

The moment the dog charged out, there was nowhere to hide in the stairwell.

Her instinct was to throw herself at him.

Now she was embarrassed, but not regretful.

"Can you put me down?" she whispered.

Her warm breath brushed past his ear.

Alexander's body stiffened slightly. He stepped back a little, but his hand still rested on her waist.

"...Sure?" His voice was even huskier.

Sophia looked down.

One sneaker was being carried away by the dog.

Her beige cotton sock was exposed to the air.

The stairwell floor was covered in dust.

She instinctively tightened her arms around his neck.

"Do you still want to get down now?"

She fell silent.

Alexander stopped teasing her.

He simply scooped her up into his arms and carried her steadily upstairs.

Sophia curled against his chest.

Looking up, she could see his clean jawline.

His breathing was even. His steps were sure.

The scent of sandalwood lingered around her.

"...We're here."

She snapped back to reality.

"Keys," he reminded.

Sophia flusteredly dug her keys out of her bag.

After opening the door, he gently set her down on the entryway floor.

Her cotton sock was still pristine white.

Alexander turned to leave.

Sophia changed into slippers, her heart still racing.

She poured a glass of hot water.

The warmth in her palm couldn't compare to his touch earlier.

A sudden knock sounded at the door.

Alexander stood outside, holding her shoe.

"Thank you, Professor."

"Don't mention it."

...

That afternoon, Sophia arrived at the lab on time.

Marcus Lawrence was already busy.

Hannah Morse walked in carrying bubble tea.

A dedicated break area was set up in one corner.

Marcus naturally took the drink Hannah offered.

Sophia was a little surprised.

He never used to drink these voluntarily.

Hannah smiled, her eyes curving. "Is the new flavor good?"

"...Yeah."

"Try mine next time."

"...Okay."

Sophia turned to look out the window.

The sky was growing dark.

The three of them worked until evening.

Hannah and Marcus left first.

Sophia stayed behind to finish up.

At exactly seven, she locked the lab door.

The wind was bitterly cold.

She buried her face in her scarf and shoved her hands into her pockets.

She looked like a round little penguin.

"Sophia—"

A familiar voice called from behind.

She turned, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Professor?"

"Here to take care of something," he said, his gaze direct.

The morning's scene flashed through her mind.

Sophia's ears grew warm.

"Have you eaten dinner?" he asked.

She shook her head.

"Together?"

Her phone suddenly rang.

Sebastian Evans's voice came through. "Where are you?"

"Just left the lab."

"Don't forget the weekly meeting tonight," he reminded.

Sophia finally remembered the prior arrangement.

She looked apologetically at Alexander.

"Is that Mr. Evans?" Alexander smiled.

She nodded.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line.

Sebastian's tone was light. "Since you ran into each other, why not join us for dinner? We can have our meeting. He can do his own thing."

He added the last part deliberately.

Alexander responded calmly. "Sure. I don't want to intrude."

Sebastian: "..."

Sometimes he really felt like slapping himself.