Chapter 425
The doorbell rang.
The elderly lady hurried to open the door.
Sophia Sullivan stood outside.
A young man was beside her.
He was tall and carried a cool, reserved air.
The elderly couple exchanged a glance.
Florence Atlante's eyes swept over Alexander Laurent.
She smiled at her granddaughter. "Sophia, who is this?"
Sophia was about to speak.
Alexander stepped forward. "Grandma, Grandpa, hello. My name is Alexander Laurent."
His tone was steady and polite.
Isaac Atlante raised an eyebrow. "The Laurent family's boy?"
"Yes." Alexander gave a slight nod.
"Frederick Laurent is your father?"
"My father intended to pay his respects personally. I simply beat him to it."
Isaac studied him. "The third son? The one in physics?"
A faint smile touched Alexander's lips. "Yes."
The elderly lady's eyes lit up. "In the same field as Sophia?"
Isaac chuckled. "How else do you think they met?"
The old woman immediately beamed.
She had a natural fondness for academic high achievers.
"Alexander, it's so late and you brought Sophia home. Would you like to stay for dinner?"
Alexander had only intended to say hello.
He hadn't expected a dinner invitation.
He hesitated slightly. "Wouldn't that be an imposition?"
"Not at all! Not at all!" The old woman waved her hands dismissively. "It's so dark out. I worry about Sophia coming home alone. It's good you brought her back. This is actually the first time she's brought a friend home."
Sophia couldn't help but laugh.
She sounded just like a kindergarten parent.
She looked at Alexander. "Grandma's right. Stay for dinner. I can hitch a ride back with you later."
Alexander stopped refusing.
He had just sat down.
The old man hadn't even finished brewing the tea.
Another engine sound came from outside.
Sebastian Evans pushed the door open.
He was taking off his shoes as he asked, "Is Sophia here? Do I need to go pick her up?"
Isaac laughed jovially. "She's already here."
Sebastian's movements halted.
He looked up and saw Alexander.
His face instantly darkened.
The old woman didn't notice, still excitedly introducing him. "Sebastian, come here. This is Sophia's friend, Alex—"
"Grandma, we know each other," Sebastian interrupted her.
His voice carried a chill.
"You know each other? Even better! You young people chat. I'll go check on the food in the kitchen." The old woman finished and headed towards the kitchen.
Sebastian sat on the sofa.
His gaze collided with Alexander's.
He immediately looked away.
Alexander also had no intention of making conversation.
They sat far apart.
Sophia didn't notice any of this.
She brought up the family's collection of physics books.
Alexander immediately became interested.
They chatted intently.
Sebastian couldn't get a word in.
He took out his tablet to handle some work.
But his attention kept being drawn away.
Watching Sophia's radiant smile.
Watching Alexander speak with ease.
In the kitchen.
The old woman didn't actually have much to do.
The ingredients were prepped, just waiting to be cooked.
Isaac had followed her in to keep her company.
The old woman shot him a look. "You don't know how to cook. What are you doing in here?"
"Keeping you company," the old man said with a laugh.
"Old man, what do you think of young Alexander? Handsome, polite, good family background. The Laurents have a upright reputation. Never any messy scandals."
Isaac was puzzled. "Why bring that up? But he does seem like a fine young man."
The old woman glanced toward the living room. "Do you think he and Sophia…"
"Don't let your imagination run wild! They're just friends."
"I'm not imagining things. Whether they're friends or more, we still have to vet him for Sophia, right?"
"Sophia's a grown woman. She knows how to handle her friendships. Let's not interfere."
"I know, I know. Just a private assessment."
"Fine. Just don't say anything to make Sophia uncomfortable."
The old woman pouted. "Do I seem that tactless to you?"
Isaac quickly shook his head. "No, no."
"Hey, don't you think Sebastian seems in a bad mood?"
Isaac frowned. "Does he?"
"He came in with a dark expression, hasn't said a word, just buried in work. He radiates displeasure."
"Maybe work isn't going well. Men his age are building their careers. A little pressure is normal."
The old woman sighed softly. "I hope that's all it is."
...
Dinner was served.
Alexander noticed two dishes he particularly liked on the table.
The old woman smiled. "Sophia said you prefer light flavors. I made these specially. See if they suit your taste."
Her cooking skills were, naturally, excellent.
Alexander proved it with his appetite.
Florence watched happily, continuously serving him more food.
The food in his bowl piled up like a small mountain.
Alexander looked helplessly at Sophia for assistance.
Sophia cleared her throat lightly. "Grandma, we can serve ourselves. You should eat too."
"Okay, okay."
The old woman agreed verbally, but her hands didn't stop.
She just slowed her pace a little.
Alexander finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Sebastian, this is your favorite—" The old woman served Sebastian some food.
Sebastian sounded resigned. "Grandma, I'm not a child. I can serve myself."
"In my eyes, you're all children."
Sebastian and Alexander's eyes met.
A second later, they each looked away.
Alexander was gentle and polite, winning the elders' favor.
From the meal until his departure, the elderly couple were exceptionally warm.
They even saw him to the door when he left.
They urged him to visit often.
Alexander agreed with a smile.
Sophia stood by his side. "Grandma, Grandpa, I'm heading back now."
"Be careful on the road. Thank you for your trouble, Alexander."
"No trouble at all." The corner of Alexander's mouth lifted slightly. "It's my pleasure."
Sebastian stood behind the elderly couple.
Keeping his distance.
He watched this scene heavily.
Warm and harmonious.
As if they were the family.
Sebastian suddenly felt...
a little wronged.
Why?
What right did Alexander Laurent have?