Chapter 217

Nigel Winthrop stood at the classroom doorway, sunlight streaming through the corridor windows to cast a warm halo around him.

He leaned forward slightly, offering a paper bag to Sophia Lowell. "Try this."

Sophia froze, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her blouse.

"Take it." Nigel pressed the bag into her hands without waiting for a response. As he turned, golden light caught in his hair.

Sophia cradled the still-warm breakfast, her cheeks flushing pink.

She practically floated back to her seat, fingertips tracing the embossed logo on the bag.

"Oh my god! Isn't this from that bakery with the two-hour wait?" Lydia Montgomery gasped dramatically, covering her mouth. "Sophia, who gave this to you?"

Girls immediately swarmed around, chattering excitedly.

"It must be an admirer!"

"Of course someone would bring Sophia breakfast—she's gorgeous!"

Sophia gave a modest smile. "Just a classmate."

Her gaze flickered toward the other side of the room, but Evelyn Laurent didn't even look up.

Lillian Rothschild scoffed. "Stop pretending. It's just breakfast."

"Exactly. Always showing off," another girl chimed in. "Evelyn wouldn't care about this."

Sophia bit her lower lip and slowly unwrapped the package.

The rich aroma of crab rosettes filled the air, drawing gasps from the crowd.

"You're the best, Sophia!" Lydia stared longingly at the food. "These are impossible to get..."

With graceful poise, Sophia gestured. "Let's all share."

"Only a Lowell heiress would casually split such an expensive breakfast," Lydia fawned. "You probably dine at Michelin-starred restaurants every day, right?"

Sophia nodded demurely, though her eyes kept drifting toward Evelyn.

But until the very end, Evelyn never glanced their way.

The food disappeared quickly, leaving behind a single lonely shrimp dumpling.