Chapter 127

A sudden voice from above made Sophia's heart skip a beat.

She looked up to see Sebastian standing beside her, his presence unnoticed until now.

Her fingers unconsciously tightened around her skirt as she accepted the champagne he offered. "Thank you, Professor," she forced a smile.

Sebastian caught the fleeting sadness in her eyes before it vanished. His gaze instinctively shifted toward Ethan Roscente across the room.

The man who always carried an air of indifference had clearly glanced in their direction moments ago.

Though it lasted only a second, Sebastian was certain—Ethan had been looking at Sophia.

The realization coiled something tight in his chest.

Ethan watched the two with icy detachment.

When Sophia smiled at Sebastian, his grip on the wineglass turned dangerously rigid.

The guest speaking to him abruptly fell silent, unnerved by the sudden shift in the Roscente heir's demeanor.

Isabella emerged from the restroom and immediately spotted Sophia at the center of the crowd.

Even in a simple black gown, the girl shone like a pearl against velvet night.

She strode forward and possessively linked arms with Ethan.

Sophia's peripheral vision never left that commanding figure.

The sight of Isabella sent a hammerblow to her chest.

Then, impossibly, Ethan began walking toward her.

Her pulse roared—only to plummet when he passed by without acknowledgment.

"Sophia, come here."

Theodore Orlando's voice pulled her back.

Setting down her plate, she approached her mentor.

"Mr. Roscente, this is my most promising student, Sophia Lowell." Theodore smiled warmly. "I hope you'll guide her in the future."

Ethan's gaze swept over her with detached politeness, as though she were a stranger.

He swirled his wine. "Of course. Family should look after family."

The word "family" rolled off his tongue with deliberate weight, laced with unspoken implications.

Sophia's ears burned as she raised her juice glass. "To my dear uncle."

"Juice for a toast?" Ethan's sudden laugh held no warmth. "Do I not deserve proper respect?"

The air froze around them.

Sophia stared at the tray of red wine being circulated, fingers trembling.

She couldn't drink alcohol.

This secret had become her greatest vulnerability.