Chapter 377

September sunlight streamed through the classroom windows as Evelyn Langley opened her brand-new notebook. Her graduate course schedule was packed from dawn till noon, leaving barely any breathing room.

"Whew—almost late!"

The door burst open as Hannah Flores rushed in, out of breath. She wore baggy shorts and bright yellow Crocs that slapped loudly against the floor.

Evelyn's gaze dropped to her feet. "Hannah, you—"

"What?" Hannah glanced down. "Oh, the shoes? I bought them specially for the first day!"

Liam Kalmien looked up from his textbook. "You call that appropriate?"

"Of course!" Hannah retorted. "Where I'm from, this is considered perfectly presentable."

Liam shook his head and returned to his reading.

When the bell rang, the three headed to the cafeteria together. Hannah chattered nonstop like an excited songbird.

"Evelyn, I found this amazing Sichuan place right across from your apartment!" She gestured enthusiastically. "Their boiled fish—"

A bouquet of vibrant yellow roses suddenly appeared before them.

Nathan Evans stood there in a tailored suit, his tie loosely draped around his neck. With a slight bow, he offered the flowers to Evelyn. "Happy first day."

Hannah immediately yanked Liam's sleeve to pull him back.

"What?" Liam frowned.

"Can't you see he's making a move?" Hannah hissed. "Don't be a third wheel!"

Evelyn took a step back. "Mr. Evans, please maintain some decorum."

"Just flowers," Nathan said with a wry smile. "Won't you spare me this small courtesy?"

"We're over." Her voice remained calm.

A crowd of curious students began gathering around them. Whispers rippled through the hall:

"Isn't that the Evans Group heir?"

"Who's that girl? She's gorgeous!"

"Must be the new grad student..."

Nathan stood frozen, the yellow roses glaringly bright under the sunlight.