Chapter 130

Sophia's heart skipped a beat when Sebastian Royston approached her with champagne.

He knew how to charm women far better than Ethan Sullivan ever could.

"Miss Lowell, you have such exquisite grace." Sebastian swirled his glass, letting his gaze linger on her. "I mistook you for a debutante from some distinguished family."

Her cheeks burned.

She missed the icy detachment in his eyes.

Evelyn Laurent turned away after one glance.

Disgusting.

"Who upset you?" Ethan noticed Evelyn's darkened expression upon his return.

"Nothing." Her tone was glacial.

Ethan wisely didn't press further, silently taking a seat beside her.

Evelyn shifted away.

He didn't dare close the distance again.

"Ethan." Sebastian arrived with Sophia in tow.

"Professor Sullivan!" Sophia chirped sweetly.

Ethan's eyes frosted over. "What are you doing here?"

His revulsion was undisguised.

Sophia paled.

"I found her being turned away at the door." Sebastian chuckled. "She claimed to be your student."

"I have hundreds of students." Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Shall we invite them all in, Sebastian?"

"It's Father's birthday."

"Not some charity event for strays."

His smile remained pleasant, but the words cut deep.

"Professor—" Sophia's eyes welled up.

"Silence." Evelyn's sudden command sliced through the air.

Sophia flinched and hid behind Sebastian.

Only then did Sebastian properly notice Evelyn.

His brow arched. "So this is your type now?"

"I thought you swore to marry only the owner of that token."

"Ah yes, you're engaged to the seventh Miss Laurent."

Leaning closer, he dropped his voice to a venomous whisper: "Playing both sides now?"