Chapter 32

Ryan Clementson had started preparing for his PhD entrance exams since his first year of graduate school. After two years of refining his approach, he'd developed a highly effective study method.

Under his influence, Evelyn Langley's study efficiency improved dramatically.

She completed two full practice tests in just one morning.

When Ryan graded them, he was stunned to find she'd scored over 95% accuracy on both.

Considering Evelyn had graduated three years ago and only recently resumed studying, this level of performance...

It was unbelievable!

No wonder Professor Eleanor Roland held her in such high regard.

Unaware of Ryan's thoughts, Evelyn simply excused herself to the restroom.

Chloe Valentine immediately followed.

"Wait."

Evelyn turned, unsurprised. "Yes?"

"Last night, I brought Nathan some midnight snacks at the villa. He drank every last drop of the millet congee I made."

Chloe's lips curved into a sweet smile, dimples appearing. "And... Nathan let me stay overnight."

"I never knew he could be so domineering yet captivating. I barely slept a wink."

Her deliberately suggestive tone and flushed cheeks made her resemble a delicate flower glistening with dew.

Evelyn's chest tightened, her breathing turning shallow.

"Jealous?" Chloe whispered near her ear. "Too bad. You're already out of the game."

Suddenly, Evelyn laughed, meeting her gaze directly. "How do you know he hasn't done the same with others?"

Chloe's expression froze.

"Maybe you're just one of many? And certainly not the last."

Without another word, Evelyn walked away.

Finishing the last problem, Ryan noticed Evelyn's seat had been empty for a while.

As he reached for his phone, she returned.

"You look pale. Are you feeling unwell?"

Evelyn dug her nails into her palm. "The AC might be too stuffy. Let's keep studying."

By 5 p.m., their session ended.

Ryan recalled yesterday's plan. "There's a new Chaoshan hotpot place near campus. My treat?"

Evelyn seemed distracted.

"Sorry, I'm not feeling great today. Rain check?"

"No problem. Next time."

At home, Evelyn collapsed onto the sofa.

The goldfish in the tank darted about cheerfully.

Watching them blow bubbles, drowsiness crept over her.

She woke at 8 p.m., stomach growling.

The fridge was nearly empty.

The supermarket's seafood section still had fresh options.

She selected a snakehead fish and reached for pickled mustard greens.

Her hand accidentally brushed against another warm one.