Chapter 481
Sophia Sullivan's lips curved into a smile.
But there was no trace of amusement in her eyes.
"In your view, do all accomplished women achieve success by relying on men?"
"Professor Rui Bai from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is a top astrophysicist in the country."
"A specially appointed professor at the National Space Administration."
"Who did she rely on?"
"Who in this field is more accomplished than her?"
"How dare you dismiss her efforts with a single sentence?"
"Just because your mind is filthy?"
"You see everyone through a distorted lens?"
"Or is your brain only capable of such narrow thinking?"
"Completely blind to the contributions of women in science?"
"Before today, I thought this summit was attended by esteemed scholars."
"Clearly, I was mistaken."
Song Wei's face turned ashen.
He was about to retort.
Eleanor Watson entered through the door on the left.
Her gaze behind her glasses was icy cold.
"Professor Song, I heard everything you just said."
"Sophia is my student."
"I don't know what you were implying."
"But I will not allow my student to be slandered."
"Apologize to her."
Eleanor's tone was firm.
Her protective nature was evident.
Song Wei looked uncomfortable.
Seeing the growing crowd of onlookers.
He ultimately cared about saving face.
"It was just a joke..."
Sophia cut him off coldly.
"That joke wasn't funny at all."
Alexander Laurent added calmly.
"If the joke involves belittling women's academic achievements."
"And slandering student-teacher relationships."
"Then it's gone far beyond a joke."
Song Wei knew he couldn't salvage the situation.
He offered a reluctant apology.
Then hurried away.
Alexander watched his retreating figure.
His voice remained even.
"Next time, feel free to record openly."
"No need to be sneaky about it."
The man stumbled slightly.
He practically fled.
Eleanor took Sophia's hand.
Her tone softened.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"I even slapped him."
Eleanor nodded.
"Good for you."
"Thankfully Professor Laurent arrived in time."
Eleanor turned to Alexander.
"Alexander, thank you for protecting Sophia tonight."
Alexander's lips quirked upward.
"It was the least I could do."
Besides...
Song Wei's attack was clearly aimed at him.
After the drama.
None of them were in the mood to stay.
They left the banquet early.
Alexander returned to his hotel room.
As he entered, he noticed a faint scent.
He assumed it was cleaning product.
He didn't think much of it.
He changed into slippers.
He went straight to the shower.
After his shower.
He wore a robe.
He turned on the air conditioning.
The night air was cool.
He adjusted the temperature higher.
The room warmed up quickly.
He opened his laptop.
He took out his documents.
He began to work.
Some time passed.
He felt thirsty.
He retrieved two bottles of cold water from the mini-fridge.
He drank a few sips.
He buried himself in the data again.
Only the sound of keyboard clicks filled the room.
Alexander reached for the water bottle again.
He found both were empty.
He was still parched.
Sweat beaded on his back.
He stood up and turned off the air conditioning.
He opened the window.
He continued working.
His focus was intense.
He didn't notice the scent in the room growing stronger.
Soon.
Alexander felt his body heating up.
He impatiently loosened his robe.
Revealing his well-defined chest.
He thought it would bring relief.
But the internal heat did not subside.
Until—
His breathing became ragged.
He finally realized something was wrong.