Chapter 426

"Junior sister."

Sophia was engrossed in scrolling through social media. The trending topic had just been removed, and public attention was clearly waning. Sebastian's voice suddenly sounded beside her.

He leaned in, his long fingers lightly tapping the table. "There's an urgent matter at the university. I need to go back and handle it."

She immediately set down her phone and stood up. "Is it serious? Do you need help?"

"Just a minor issue." Sebastian smiled, reaching out to adjust her crooked sun hat. "Don't believe anything you see online."

His fingertips accidentally brushed against her hair, carrying a familiar warmth.

"Don't push yourself while I'm gone." He paused. "You're not alone anymore. If anything comes up, contact the site supervisor."

With that, he turned and left, his figure soon disappearing into the dust kicked up at the construction site.

Sophia watched him go, an inexplicable unease rising in her chest. Something told her this wasn't as simple as it seemed.

Three days later, Theodore returned from Lingyin Temple. Sophia accompanied him to inspect the final two construction sites, confirming all six main beams had been successfully poured.

"Finally finished." The moment they got home, Sebastian's call came through.

"Mm, we can finally catch our breath," Sophia replied while refilling Calico's food bowl.

"Good timing with finals week. Even someone as tough as you couldn't keep up this pace indefinitely."

"Exactly." She chuckled. "With students busy studying, I can steal some downtime."

Before hanging up, Sebastian suddenly said, "When we're back in Seattle for break, let me treat you to dinner as an apology."

"So formal?" Sophia teased Calico's ears. "You took care of me plenty those two weeks."

A low laugh came through the phone. "Then it's settled."

Her fingers tightened slightly around the device. This time, certain things needed to be made clear.

Meanwhile, at New York Airport.

Ethan had just settled into his car when his phone began vibrating incessantly. Seeing the caller ID, his brow furrowed.

"Dr. Xavier." He answered.

An energetic roar immediately came through. "You brat! Eighteen messages and not a single reply!"

Ethan massaged his temple. Ever since he left the medical field, his mentor had never given him an easy time.

"Just landed." He gave a brief explanation while opening the unread messages, then froze. "You're back in Seattle?"

In the passenger seat, Zachary discreetly perked up his ears. The only person in the world who could command such respect from Mr. Roscente was Dr. Xavier.