Livinus hesitated, his eyes lowering and his thin lips pressing together.
Sophia pressed on. “So, you were this upset just because I didn’t satisfy you yesterday morning?”
Livinus’s eyebrows furrowed, but her tone—casual, teasing, and intimate—made his mood lighten unexpectedly. Ever since they moved in together, the dynamic between them had subtly shifted. This tone of hers, warm and familiar, reminded him of a married couple.
The corner of his mouth unconsciously lifted into a faint smile, but Sophia, lying on the bed and enjoying his care, didn’t notice.
His voice was low and teasing. “So, tonight’s enthusiasm was your way of making it up to me?”
“You could say that.”
“Then keep it up,” he said with a smirk.
“What?”
“From now on, every time should meet tonight’s standard. One round is acceptable, two rounds are ideal, three rounds are preferable, four rounds are excellent, and five rounds…”
Sophia ignored him, pretending not to hear. After all, with this man, weak legs were just part of the routine. If her legs weren’t wobbly, something was off.
—
The next day, Sophia and a few roommates visited Anna.
Anna’s case had made it online at one point but was later suppressed by the school. However, the victim’s parents had taken to social media to demand accountability, sparking public outrage. Many criticized medical students for their actions, saying, “Don’t mess with someone studying traditional medicine!” and accusing traditional medicine of taking the blame unfairly.
Later, it was revealed that the poisoning incident was over a man.
The internet went into an uproar, digging into the man’s identity, though they failed to uncover it. Under public pressure, the school issued a statement.
Sophia wasn’t fully aware of the trial’s progress. She only knew from the lawyer that while Anna had used aconitine, the dosage was minimal and insufficient to cause fatal poisoning. Anna was expected to receive a sentence of less than three years, while the main perpetrator, Adriana, faced over ten years.
When they finally saw Anna, she had lost a lot of weight and no longer had the vitality and confidence she once exuded. She kept her head down, avoiding eye contact.
Seeing them, Anna began to cry before even speaking.
Sophia had come with plenty to say but found herself speechless upon arrival.
Barbara criticized Anna for being short-sighted and foolishly sacrificing everything for a idiot.
“The idiot cheats, and you blame the woman instead of him? I saw Nathan the other day, flaunting another female student like nothing happened,” Barbara said angrily.
Anna’s sobs grew heavier, but she remained silent.
Sophia glanced at Anna’s attire and felt a pang of discomfort. Anna, who used to dress boldly and sport short, edgy hair, once looked like a vibrant character straight out of a manga. And now, all that energy was gone—all for a idiot like Nathan.
The roommates ended up crying along with Anna, who finally spoke through her tears:
“It’s my fault. I don’t know what came over me. I just got stuck in my head. Whatever he does has nothing to do with me anymore. I just feel so sorry for her…”
“I heard she’s been discharged and is recovering at home. Of course, there will be lasting effects, but thanks to timely treatment and follow-up care, she’s still able to live a relatively normal life. It’s a small blessing amidst the misfortune.”
Anna nodded repeatedly, tears streaming down her face.
Compared to Adriana, who would likely spend many years in prison, Anna was lucky. By the time they were released, the world would likely be a very different place.
—
Later in the afternoon, Livinus picked up Sophia after a nearby industry seminar.
He arrived in an Audi SUV—one of the most low-key cars in his collection.
“Is that your husband, Sophia?” Scarlett asked, wide-eyed.
“Wow, he’s so handsome!” Isabella’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
The two were overjoyed, not knowing Livinus was Sophia’s boyfriend or that she had been divorced. Meeting him for the first time, they couldn’t stop gushing over how strikingly handsome he was.
Livinus smiled faintly. “Let me drive you all to the hospital.”
Barbara feigned politeness. “Oh, we couldn’t possibly impose.”
“It’s no trouble. Sophia’s friends are my friends,” Livinus replied graciously.
On the drive, Isabella couldn’t resist asking, “Mr. Scott, where do you work?”
“At Scott Corporation,” he replied while driving.
“Scott Corporation? Judging by your age and demeanor, you must be in management, right?” Isabella asked excitedly.
Management? Well, as the president, that wasn’t wrong. Livinus remained silent, tacitly confirming.
Isabella was thrilled. “You must be very capable! And Sophia is amazing too. You two are a perfect match!”
Livinus glanced at Sophia with a subtle smile. “Oh? You don’t think my age is a bit of a problem?”
“What’s the issue with that? Older men are more considerate! Besides, it’s trendy now—mature men with younger women. Age doesn’t matter as long as he’s handsome and wealthy!” Isabella grinned.
The conversation continued as the car drove on, leaving Sophia both amused and slightly exasperated by her friends’ enthusiasm.
Sophia chuckled and tugged at Isabella’s arm. “Isabella, calm down a bit, or you’ll scare him away.”
“Mr. Scott looks like the type who really knows how to treat a woman well. Sophia, you’ve got great taste!” Isabella praised with enthusiasm.
Sophia smiled lightly. “Didn’t you mention your boyfriend applied to Scott Corporation and wanted someone to review his résumé?”
Isabella quickly nodded, glancing sheepishly at Livinus. “Scott Corporation is a top-tier company, on par with BAT, if not better. Their benefits are amazing. My boyfriend wants to join the R&D department, which I’ve heard offers the best pay but also has the highest requirements.
Even the résumé has to be impeccable, down to including details like thesis publications. My boyfriend doesn’t have much experience and isn’t sure if his résumé is good enough. Could Mr. Scott kindly take a look and provide some pointers for improvement?”
