Chapter 477

Eleanor Watson returned to her room first.

Alexander Laurent handed the shawl to Sophia Sullivan.

He asked softly, "Are you alright?"

Sophia took the shawl.

She smiled. "I'm not drunk."

Alexander let out a sigh of relief.

Sophia looked at him. "Thank you for this morning."

He raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

"You called on me."

"The question was simple. Anyone could have answered it."

His gaze was gentle. "I gave you the opportunity, but you had to be ready to seize it."

Sophia was slightly taken aback.

Alexander's voice was low. "Thank yourself."

"Thank me?"

"Yes. Thank yourself for your usual hard work."

He paused. "Opportunity favors the prepared."

Sophia nodded.

Alexander looked at her. "Go back and rest."

"There's another meeting tomorrow."

Sophia turned and entered her room.

Alexander watched until her door closed.

Only then did he swipe his card and enter his own room.

Lillian Lopez watched everything through the peephole.

Her nails dug into her palms.

Jealousy burned painfully in her chest.

Her phone suddenly vibrated.

She snatched it up to look.

Simon Lowell's name glowed on the screen.

Lillian's face darkened.

She threw the phone onto the bed.

The vibration continued incessantly.

She turned it off directly.

She lay down on the bed and closed her eyes.

...

Dr. Zoe Langley removed her mask.

She saw Simon Lowell standing at the doorway.

"Simon?"

Simon turned around and forced a smile. "Dr. Langley."

"You're still here?"

Zoe glanced at the phone in his hand.

Simon quickly put it away. "Working overtime analyzing data."

Zoe nodded. "Don't overwork yourself."

"How is your mother's health?"

Simon was momentarily stunned. "She's been hospitalized for treatment."

Zoe patted his shoulder. "Take care of yourself."

She turned and left.

Simon took out his phone.

The screen stayed on the call log.

Lillian hadn't answered his call.

He frowned in thought.

Was the meeting that busy?

He pursed his lips in frustration.

Finally, he sent a WeChat message.

["Goodnight, Lillian."]

...

The final day of the conference.

The morning was reserved for free communication.

Eleanor Watson took Sophia Sullivan around.

Many people initiated conversations with her.

Seniors in the field of biology were very friendly.

The physics circle also showed her respect.

Alexander Laurent made personal introductions.

He smiled as he introduced her to an old friend. "This is Sophia Sullivan."

Someone teased, "Professor Laurent, so enthusiastic?"

Alexander said calmly, "She's my junior fellow apprentice."

Everyone laughed.

Lillian Lopez wanted to join in.

But no one paid her any attention.

She felt like a ghost.

Awkward and humiliated.

After the lunch break, a bus took them to the fishing village.

Jinshanzui was the last fishing village in the city.

It retained its original style after development.

The tour guide led everyone to visit the cultural center.

They experienced net weaving and fish salting in the old houses.

After that, it was free time.

Alexander looked at Sophia. "Going to the beach?"

Sophia nodded.

There were many beautiful bed and breakfasts by the sea.

Sophia looked around curiously.

Alexander walked by her side.

The sea breeze lifted her long hair.

Sophia took off her canvas shoes.

She stepped barefoot into the sand.

The cool sensation made her squint.

Alexander reached out his hand. "Give me your shoes."

Sophia was startled.

Alexander chuckled softly. "Don't you want to collect seashells?"

The tips of her ears turned slightly red.

Alexander took the shoes.

He pointed into the distance. "Go play."

Sophia ran toward the sea.

Waves rolled onto the sand.

Alexander watched her retreating figure.

His gaze was tender and indulgent.