Chapter 42
The black sports car cruised down the Outer Harbor Road.
The night sky was illuminated by countless drones.
They arranged themselves into shifting patterns.
Sebastian Evans slowed the car.
He rolled down the window.
Cold air rushed into the cabin.
Sophia Sullivan followed his gaze.
The drones formed a brilliant Milky Way.
"Guess how many there are?" he asked.
Sophia shook her head. "Too many to count."
"Ninety-nine," he stated with certainty.
"Why?"
"For eternity."
As the words left his mouth.
The drones spelled out "Marry me".
Sophia was slightly stunned.
Sebastian pointed towards the viewing platform.
A man in a tailored suit was on one knee.
He held a bouquet of red roses.
"Impressive," she murmured softly.
In this moment, Sebastian.
Was completely different from the playboy she remembered.
Professional, sharp, perceptive.
During dinner, when Ninghai Tech's stock price was mentioned.
He had pinpointed the key issue with a few words.
His trading methods were extremely sophisticated.
Ethan Roscente's friends.
Were indeed all extraordinary characters.
That world was far too complicated.
She just wanted to extract herself in time.
"Just stop here," she pointed towards the alley entrance.
The headlights illuminated the narrow lane.
Sebastian didn't insist.
He watched her enter the building's entrance.
He waited until her figure disappeared.
Then he pressed the accelerator.
His phone screen lit up.
Charlie Lowell's caller ID flashed.
"Where did you guys go?" The background noise was chaotic.
Sebastian put on his Bluetooth headset.
"Sophia had something to do. I took her back first."
"What about Ethan? Weren't we supposed to run into him?"
"Couldn't reach him," his tone was flat.
Charlie muttered about it being a shame.
The call ended.
Sebastian pulled over to the side.
A crisp transfer notification sound rang out.
An unknown number sent a thank you text.
He called back.
A woman's voice answered with a laugh. "So generous, Mr. Evans."
"Keep your mouth shut."
"Don't worry~ But why did you need to keep Charlie occupied?"
Sebastian's eyes turned cold.
"Curiosity killed the cat."
The other end of the line fell silent instantly.
He pressed the end call button.
His fingertips tapped lightly on the steering wheel.
…
Sophia stepped out of the bathroom, drying her hair.
Research papers and materials covered the entire desk.
Her phone screen suddenly lit up.
Sebastian had sent a photo.
A pair of beige leather gloves lay on the passenger seat.
[You left these in my car]
She then remembered forgetting them when she got out.
[Please just mail them COD]
He replied quickly.
[Couriers aren't allowed in your complex]
[How about we set a time? I'm doing my MBA at MIT]
[I heard you're an alum. Would you mind showing me around?]
Sophia hesitated for a moment.
It was her oversight after all.
[Okay]
[Next Friday at eleven?]
She replied with an OK hand emoji.
…
The café was filled with a rich aroma.
Sebastian sat by the window.
Sunlight streamed through the glass, falling on his shoulders.
Sophia was five minutes late.
"Sorry, traffic was bad."
He pushed a brown paper bag towards her.
"Your gloves."
A record player flowed with jazz.
He had ordered an iced Americano.
She chose a hot latte.
"Come here often?" he asked.
Sophia shook her head. "Occasionally."
The river was covered with a thin layer of ice.
Willow branches were dusted with remnants of snow.
"Miles' tune," he said suddenly.
"Not many people know this one."
Sophia looked up. "You know a lot."
"Jack of all trades, master of none," he smiled.
Remembering Charlie's mention of his musician mother.
She fell silent at the appropriate time.
When their coffee cups were empty.
Sebastian stood up.
"Let's go."