Chapter 111

Zachary Evans felt a chill run down his spine and immediately fawned, "Miss Sophia looked at that man with nothing but pure friendliness. But when she looks at you, Mr. Roscente, her gaze practically melts—anyone can see there's something more between you. If you were sitting there, the scene would be even more captivating."

The flattery hit just the right note.

Ethan Roscente's stern expression softened slightly as he withdrew his gaze, though his voice remained icy. "Find out everything about that man."

"Understood."

As the traffic light turned green, the black sedan rounded the corner and disappeared. Sophia Lowell suddenly felt a cold prickle on the back of her neck and glanced out the window in confusion.

Had someone been watching her just now?

"Is everything alright?" Sebastian Valdemar asked with concern.

Sophia scanned the surroundings but found nothing unusual. "It's nothing."

Lunch ended on a pleasant note.

"Do you have classes this afternoon? I can drive you back to campus," Sebastian said, dabbing his lips with a napkin.

"Thank you, but I don't have any classes this afternoon," Sophia replied, noticing him checking his watch repeatedly. "If you have somewhere to be, don't let me keep you. I'll meet up with some friends."

"I do need to pick someone up from the airport," he admitted after a pause. "My sister is returning home."

"Vivian Valdemar?" Sophia's eyes lit up. "She's back?"

Sebastian blinked in realization. "So you're the 'Little Pear' she always talks about?"

The nickname made Sophia smile. Back when she studied under Professor Valdemar, Vivian had treated her like a younger sister. After Vivian went abroad for further studies, they kept in touch sporadically, but Sophia hadn't heard from her in half a year.

"How has she been?" Sophia asked eagerly.

Sebastian checked his watch again. "Why don't you come to the airport with me? She'll be thrilled to see you."

Thinking of the sisterly bond they shared, Sophia happily agreed.

The arrivals area was packed with people.

Sebastian subtly positioned himself beside Sophia, shielding her from the bustling crowd. She stood on tiptoe, searching for a familiar face among the throng.

"Vivian!" Sophia suddenly called out, waving.

The next second, both of them froze.

Vivian Valdemar emerged, pulling her luggage behind her. Her loose dress couldn't hide the slight swell of her abdomen.

Sebastian's face darkened instantly. He strode forward. "Vivian, what's going on?"

The moment Vivian saw her brother, her cheerful expression crumbled. Tears welled up in her eyes as she threw herself into his arms, sobbing. "Brother... I missed you so much..."