Chapter 252

The streets of Harvard University were adorned with festive lanterns on New Year's Eve.

Department store windows displayed intricate paper-cut decorations.

Joyful holiday music filled every corner of the city.

Evelyn Laurent was organizing her final exam notes in her dorm when her phone buzzed with an earthquake alert.

News of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Oklahoma flooded the internet.

Her fingers trembled as she clicked on the video footage—collapsed buildings, shattered bridges.

Without hesitation, she immediately authorized a $500 million transfer.

She also instructed Lowell Group to dispatch emergency medical supplies and tents.

"Don't use the company name," she reminded her assistant. "Mark it as an anonymous donation."

The Lowell family patriarch convened an emergency meeting upon hearing the news.

"Allocate $1 billion in cash plus another $500 million in supplies," he declared. "Send them via helicopter."

The Sullivan and Valentine families followed suit, while the Quincy family deployed professional rescue teams.

Harvard's student union quickly organized a fundraising campaign.

In the Physics Department classroom, Lydia Montgomery carried a donation box around.

"Sophia," she leaned toward Sophia Lowell, "how much are you donating?"

Classmates nearby perked up their ears.

"You donated half a million last time for the mountain children."

"This time it must be more, right?"

Sophia's grip on her backpack strap tightened.

Vincent Lowell had recently forced her to hand over $40 million, leaving her nearly broke.

"I..."

Lillian Rothschild entered through the back door with textbooks in hand and smirked.

"Can't even afford to donate now?"

"Shut up!" Lydia snapped. "Sophia just hasn't decided on the amount yet!"

Lillian leisurely pulled out her phone.

"I just transferred $200,000 to the Red Cross."

She waved the confirmation screen.

"If someone can't afford it, just say so?"

The classroom fell dead silent.

Every eye locked onto Sophia's pale face.