Chapter 6

"I owe her an apology for my impulsive actions back then."

Sophia Laurent choked on her red wine, coughing as she patted her chest. "Please, spare me."

"Professor Roland's class was the only elective I ever failed in college. Just seeing her makes my legs weak. Besides, she's mentored so many students—why would she remember someone like me?"

Evelyn Langley pressed her lips together but didn't push further.

Sophia's eyes suddenly lit up. "I know the perfect person."

"Oh?"

"My cousin, Adrian Klein. Remember him?"

Evelyn's fingers traced the rim of her glass as she nodded.

Adrian Klein—the youngest leading figure in the field of physics. Last year, his work was named one of Science magazine's top ten breakthrough discoveries.

Back when he studied biology under Professor Roland, he published five papers in top-tier journals within two years, earning the title of "prodigy." His sudden switch to physics later stunned the academic world.

Talent, it seemed, thrived anywhere.

Evelyn had heard stories about this legendary senior when she first enrolled. It wasn’t until she met Sophia that she learned they were cousins.

"He actually asked about the professor’s condition recently. Perfect timing for you two to visit together."

Sophia dialed the number without hesitation.

A deep male voice answered. "Speak."

The faint hum of machinery buzzed in the background.

Sophia quickly explained the situation.

"Tomorrow. Two p.m. Westshore Restaurant." The call ended just as abruptly as it began.

Sophia winked at Evelyn. "Done!"

The next afternoon.

Evelyn arrived twenty minutes early.

She checked her watch as she pushed open the door—exactly two o'clock.

A waiter guided her through the hallway. By the floor-to-ceiling windows, a man was reviewing documents.

His white sleeves were rolled to his elbows, gold-rimmed glasses perched on his sharp nose. Sunlight scattered flecks of gold across his chiseled profile.

Evelyn glanced down at her white tee and jeans, suddenly feeling underdressed.

Sensing her presence, he looked up.

"Sit."

His voice was rich and smooth, like a cello’s lowest note.

Evelyn took the seat across from him. "Sorry, have you been waiting long?"

Adrian closed the folder. "Just arrived."

He slid the menu toward her. "What would you like to drink?"

"Lemon water, please."

Once the waiter left, Adrian cut straight to the point. "What do you need me to do for this visit?"

His directness was refreshing.

Evelyn absently traced the condensation on her glass. "I’d like you to accompany me. If the professor gets upset..."

She paused. "I might need your help smoothing things over."

A flicker of amusement passed behind his glasses.

"You pick the time," Evelyn added.

"Day after tomorrow." Adrian checked his watch. "I have twenty minutes."

Evelyn suddenly asked, "Why are you willing to help me?"

Adrian studied her for a long moment.

"Because you’re Evelyn Langley."

"Professor Roland once said she had three regrets in life." His tone was even. "Unfinished research, no children, and—you."

Evelyn’s nails dug into her palms.

This was her first time meeting Adrian, yet she recognized the same quiet disappointment in his eyes.

She could picture it—the professor mentioning her name with that exasperated, if only expression.

Adrian pulled out a notepad and wrote down a number.

His handwriting was precise, almost typed.

......

"Your tiramisu, sir."

The server set down the dessert, sneaking a glance at the table’s occupants.

The man’s striking features were edged with impatience, his fingers tapping the table in a steady rhythm. Across from him, a young woman in a Chanel suit chattered nonstop:

"Nathan, I know this amazing Michelin place—"

Nathan Evans flicked his lighter open, then froze.

Through the foliage, Evelyn was laughing with another man.

A cold smirk curled his lips.

"I have business to attend to."

Adrian checked the time and stood to leave.

At the door, he held it open for Evelyn with effortless grace.

"Thank you." She smiled.

As his car pulled away, Evelyn turned—and locked eyes with a glacial stare.

Nathan leaned against a pillar, frost in his gaze.

"Found a new target already?"