Chapter 48

Evelyn Laurent averted her eyes from the dazzling figure on stage.

She rolled her eyes internally. The man was utterly ostentatious.

Ethan Sullivan caught her glance instantly, reading the disdain in her gaze with unsettling clarity.

"..."

His expression remained impassive as he looked away.

He'd only noticed the Physics Department students deliberately distancing themselves from her and wondered if she needed assistance.

Yet all he received was her contempt.

Then again, with Evelyn's capabilities, isolation was inevitable. But anyone foolish enough to bully her? The entire Physics Department combined wouldn't stand a chance.

Ethan lowered his lashes, masking the flicker in his eyes as he picked up the microphone to deliver his speech.

The moment he stepped onstage, screams erupted—only to die into absolute silence when he began speaking.

Evelyn's thoughts scattered. She half-heartedly listened to a few lines.

The usual motivational platitudes for students. Dull beyond measure.

While she remained indifferent, others stared at Ethan with blazing intensity, their eyes brimming with fervor.

Especially Sophia Lowell.

Her gaze clung to the stage, shimmering with awe and infatuation.

She recognized him—the man who'd captivated her at the gala!

So this was Ethan Sullivan, the youngest business prodigy in the country.

In person, he was a hundred times more striking than in photographs.

If she could just earn his favor...

Sophia's fists clenched unconsciously, her stare so intense it could weave silk from the air.

Ethan remained unperturbed by the sea of hungry gazes.

When his speech concluded, thunderous applause erupted.

He bowed gracefully and exited the stage.

The moment he turned, the warmth in his eyes vanished.

Those brazen, coveting stares sickened him.

After the dean's address, students returned to their departments with their advisors.

Evelyn walked amid the Physics Department group, classmates maintaining deliberate distance around her.

Isabella Valentine was among them.

Arms crossed, her coldly beautiful face etched with scorn, she strode toward Evelyn.

"Evelyn Laurent, seems you're not exactly thriving in the Physics Department," Isabella sneered. "Drop out now before you fall behind and embarrass Professor Klein."

She refused to believe Evelyn had earned Benjamin Klein's respect through merit.

This impostor needed to be exposed.

Evelyn gave her a dismissive glance. "Even if I left, Professor Klein would never waste his time on someone like you."