Chapter 6
The glass door of The French Laundry swung open.
Sophia Sullivan walked in.
She was two minutes early.
A waiter led her through the hallway.
A man by the window was drinking coffee.
White shirt, gold-rimmed glasses.
Sunlight fell on his profile.
Like a carefully painted portrait.
Sophia looked down at herself.
White t-shirt, jeans.
No makeup, high ponytail.
It was too casual.
The man turned his head.
"Sit."
His voice was deep and magnetic.
Sophia pulled out a chair.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Alexander Laurent adjusted his glasses.
"I just arrived."
He glanced at his watch.
"I have data to process at the lab."
"I can only give you thirty minutes today."
Sophia nodded.
"That's enough."
The waiter brought lemon water.
Alexander got straight to the point.
"What do you need from me to see Professor Watson?"
Sophia gripped her cup.
"The professor was discharged from the hospital."
"I don't know her address."
"I hope you can take me to visit her."
She paused.
"If the professor gets angry…"
"Please help calm her down."
The corner of Alexander's mouth lifted slightly.
"Alright."
"Let's schedule it for two days from now."
Sophia breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you."
She suddenly looked up.
"Why are you willing to help me?"
Alexander's gaze was profound.
"Because you are Sophia Sullivan."
He slowly set down his coffee cup.
"Professor Watson once said."
"She has three regrets in life."
"Her research career was too short."
"She has no children."
"And—"
He looked at her.
"Sophia Sullivan."
Sophia's fingertips turned white.
Her throat felt dry.
Alexander handed her a note.
A string of numbers was written on it.
The handwriting was neat and elegant.
...
Not far away.
Ethan Roscente toyed with a lighter.
The woman opposite him chattered incessantly.
His eyes were full of impatience.
His gaze swept casually across the room.
It suddenly stopped.
Sophia was sitting opposite a man.
A faint smile was on her face.
Ethan's expression instantly darkened.
He stood up abruptly.
"I have to go."
The woman was stunned.
"But…"
He had already turned and walked away.
...
Alexander was pressed for time.
He stood up exactly thirty minutes later.
Sophia rose as well.
They walked toward the entrance.
Alexander held the door open for her.
"After you."
Sophia smiled and nodded.
"Thank you."
A black car was parked by the curb.
Alexander opened the car door.
"See you the day after tomorrow."
Sophia stood still.
She watched the car drive away.
As she turned.
She collided with a cold stare.
Ethan leaned against the wall.
A mocking sneer played on his lips.
"Found a replacement already?"