Chapter 482

Lillian Lopez paced her room.

She kept checking her watch.

Time moved too slowly.

She bit her lip.

The silence was unnerving.

It made her anxious.

She picked up her phone several times.

Then put it down.

The appointed time finally arrived.

She took a deep breath.

Opened her door.

Walked across the hall.

Adjusted her expression.

Raised her hand to knock.

She tried to sound calm. "Professor? Are you there? I found an issue with the A-3 data while compiling the report. I'd like to discuss it."

No response came from within.

"Professor? It's Lillian Lopez."

Still silence.

She assumed the drug had taken effect.

"Professor?! Are you okay? Please open the door? I'm worried..."

She knocked for two full minutes.

Her hand turned red.

Still no answer.

She frowned.

Had he not returned?

Impossible.

She saw Alexander Laurent enter forty minutes ago.

Had he gone out again?

Unlikely at this hour.

Given Alexander's character.

He would respond even if he didn't open the door.

He wouldn't just stay silent.

Lillian peered through the peephole.

It was pitch black inside.

She pressed her ear against the door.

Heard nothing.

She knocked again. "Professor, I know you're in there. It's urgent. Could you please open the door?"

Dead silence.

Her expression grew increasingly grim.

"Professor, if you don't open the door, I'll have to call the front desk. I'm serious?"

She took out her phone.

Still no response.

A sense of foreboding washed over Lillian.

She dialed the front desk. "Hello, my friend in his room might be in trouble. I need you to open the door..."

As she waited.

Various scenarios flashed through Lillian's mind.

Had he fainted?

Fallen asleep?

Or was the drug too strong, leaving him immobilized?

Regardless.

Alexander should be in there.

Hotel staff arrived quickly.

Used a master key to open the door.

The room was empty!

Lillian rushed in.

Checked the bathroom and balcony.

"How is this possible?"

The bathroom was wet.

Proving Alexander had returned and showered.

A faint scent lingered in the air.

Confirming the drug had taken effect.

But where was he?

"Miss Lopez, your friend—"

The hotel staff began.

Lillian quickly regained her composure. "He must have stepped out unexpectedly. My apologies for the trouble."

"Should the hotel assist in locating him?"

"No, he should be back soon."

The staff left.

Lillian grew more uneasy.

Alexander was under the influence.

Where could he have gone?

Her gaze shifted to the room across the hall.

She walked over and knocked.

"Sophia? Are you there?"

A voice answered from inside. "Who is it?"

"Lillian Lopez."

The door opened.

Sophia Sullivan stood there in pajamas.

Her hair was damp.

Fresh from the shower. "Can I help you?"

Her tone was flat.

Lillian glanced past her. "Have you seen Professor Laurent?"

"I saw him at the banquet. We came back together."

"And after that?" Lillian pressed urgently.

"What do you mean after that?" Sophia looked puzzled.

"After returning, didn't he come to see you?"

Sophia frowned. "Why would the professor come to see me at this hour?"

"I... didn't mean it that way..." Lillian forced a laugh.

Sophia studied her.

Her gaze suddenly sharpened. "You're acting strange. Did something happen to the professor?"

She moved to knock on the door across the hall.

Lillian quickly stopped her. "The professor is resting. Don't disturb him."

"Then why did you ask like that?" Sophia persisted.

"Just making conversation. Is that not allowed?"

Lillian turned to leave.

Muttering under her breath. "Paranoid much..."

She didn't dare stay longer.

Afraid of giving herself away.

Let alone searching Sophia's room.

She just wanted to get away.

Sophia closed the door.

Took a deep breath.

Walked toward the bathroom.

The tub was full of water.

The faucet was still running.

Water had overflowed onto the floor.

She stepped through the water.

A man lay in the tub.

His robe was open.

Soaking in cold water.

Eyes closed.

Breathing heavily.

His cheeks flushed an unnatural red.

It was Alexander Laurent.

Hearing footsteps.

He slowly opened his eyes.

Their gazes met.

Sophia froze.

Those always-calm eyes were now bloodshot.

Clouded with haze.

Deep within them was struggle and endurance.

"Professor..." she called softly.

Alexander's dark eyes were intense.

He gritted his teeth. "Who was it?"

"..."

"Tell me."

Sophia answered truthfully. "Lillian Lopez."

The man let out a short laugh.

It held anger.

And even more disgust.

Sophia noticed his ragged breathing.

"You can't stay in there any longer. Get out now!"

"Get out."

Sophia was stunned.

Alexander spoke each word clearly. "Get. Out. Now!"

"How can I leave you like this?" Sophia was furious.

And he was still being harsh.

"Sophia, listen to me..." the man said with a bitter smile.

His tone was pleading.

If he had remained firm.

Sophia might have argued back.

But hearing his near-pleading tone.

That gentle "Sophia."

Her nose stung.

Damn Lillian Lopez!

How dare she?

This wasn't the time for blame.

Sophia said, "Let me help you up."

She reached for his arm.

The moment she touched him.

He flinched violently.

Shook her off.

Alexander turned away.

Wrapped his arms around himself.

A defensive posture.

"...Don't touch me."

His voice was hoarse.

Sophia was speechless. "You..."