Chapter 81

Ethan Sullivan's pupils constricted the moment his fingertips touched the necklace.

He flipped the pendant with practiced ease, his thumb tracing the star pattern repeatedly. The tiny diamonds scattered fractured light under the lamplight, but none of it reached the darkness in his eyes.

Three nearly imperceptible letters were engraved inside the pendant—SQN.

The initials of Ethan Sullivan.

This necklace should have been around Evelyn Laurent's neck.

"Professor Sullivan?"

Sophia Lowell's voice dragged him back to reality. She twisted the hem of her shirt nervously, her nails digging into her palms.

Ethan lifted his gaze, the coldness in his eyes vanishing instantly. He handed the necklace back with practiced nonchalance. "It resembles my late mother's keepsake."

"Really?" Sophia pressed urgently. "Then is this one—"

"No." His voice was ice. "My mother never took hers off."

Sophia paled. She ran her fingers over the necklace, her voice trembling. "But I don't remember how I got this..."

"Excuse me."

Ethan turned toward his desk, his retreating figure radiating unmistakable distance.

The moment the door closed, Sophia's expression darkened. She clenched the necklace so tightly her nails scraped against the metal with a grating sound.

Inside his office, Ethan dialed Harrison Whitmore's number.

"Dig up everything on Sophia Lowell," he ordered, voice sharp. "I want a full dossier in ten minutes."

He slammed his fist against the wall after hanging up. The pain in his knuckles was nothing compared to the fury churning inside him.

This necklace shouldn't be here.

And it certainly shouldn't be on Sophia.

Snatching his car keys, he stormed out—only to nearly collide with Evelyn at the hallway corner. The girl staggered back, arms full of documents.

"Professor Sullivan?"

Ethan halted. His throat worked as he took in her clear, guileless eyes. "Class over?"

"Yes." Her gaze dropped to his tense jawline. "You don't look well."

"I'm fine." He started to reach for her hair but aborted the motion midair. "Go home early."

He strode away, his usual composure replaced by uncharacteristic agitation.

Evelyn watched him leave, then absently touched the red cord around her neck. Beneath the knot, there was nothing.