Chapter 192

"I should've pulled out that sharp tongue of hers last night." Ethan Roscente flicked his cigarette, his tone dripping with mockery.

Emily Laurent frowned. "Must you always speak so violently?"

Sophia Lowell stood silently, nails digging into her palms. She checked her phone. The ride would arrive in three minutes.

"My car's coming. I should go." She turned to leave.

Emily caught her arm. "Stay for breakfast."

"I have an 8 AM class." Sophia pulled away. "I remember the birthday banquet."

She hurried through the garden, her silhouette vanishing into the morning light.

"What birthday banquet?" Ethan tapped his cigarette, watching her go.

"Tyler Roland's coming-of-age party. Half the elite circle's invited." Emily sighed. "Your fourth brother has ties with the Rolands. We can't decline. At my age, I'd rather skip the fuss. Sophia and Jason will represent me."

She suddenly gasped. "Oh! I forgot to tell Jason. That boy's always racing cars—I need to call him now."

Ethan's gaze darkened as Emily rushed off.

Two days later, outside the lecture hall.

Jason Roscente blocked Sophia's path, one hand in his pocket. "Emily sent me to pick you up for the Roland event. Give me your WeChat for the location."

"Can't we just meet at the Rolands'?" Sophia scowled.

"No." Jason held his phone steady. "Emily's orders."

Sophia suppressed an eye roll. Since when did this rebellious Roscente heir obey anyone?

"Sophia!" Vivian Ashcroft called from across the quad. "If you take any longer, I'll start growing mushrooms!"

She jogged over, spotting Jason. Her eyes lit up. "Who's this hottie?"

"My aunt's stepson." Sophia kept it brief.

Vivian whispered in her ear, "Damn, he's the puppy-dog type. Not considering him?"

"He's practically a child." Sophia glared. "Don't corrupt minors."

Vivian gave Jason a once-over, smirking suggestively.

Sophia massaged her temples. Her best friend's mind was a gutter.