The photo album on his phone contained numerous pictures of his son's life at Harvard—some captured in the library, absorbed in study; others on the lawn, laughing and playing with friends; and even some taken with professors, his pride evident in every frame. I couldn't help but believe it, no matter how incredulous it seemed—this was truly impressive. Every moment in those photos seemed to narrate the vibrant, multifaceted life of this young man. In the library, he was engrossed in thick books, his eyes radiating a thirst for knowledge; on the lawn, his laughter with friends was as bright as the sunshine illuminating their faces; in the photograph with his professors, he stood in the middle, his expression a blend of confidence and pride.

At that moment, my phone rang—it was Sophie Summers. I quickly handed the phone back to the gatekeeper and made my way to the office."Sophie, how can I assist you?" I answered the call, my voice betraying a hint of tension and respect.

"Take a photo of that document on my desk and send it to me!" Sophie's voice came through the line, as efficient and decisive as ever.

"What document?" I was momentarily confused.

"The one on my desk—aren't you in the office?" Sophie's tone was tinged with impatience.

"I'm in the bathroom." I quickly fabricated a reason.

"The bathroom? And you're making such strange sounds?" Sophie clearly didn't believe me.

"Constipation, alright?" I helplessly explained, realizing how awful my excuse was.

"Disgusting! Hurry up and send it over. And if anyone tells me anything unsavory about you while I'm gone, you'll regret it," Sophie's voice carried a hint of threat, but I knew it wasn't malicious.

"Yes, I'll heed your instructions, Sophie." I quickly agreed, unable to suppress a chuckle.

"Stop joking around, just send it now." Sophie's voice had softened with a smile—seems even the toughest woman enjoys a bit of flattery.

I returned to the office, snapped a photo of the document, and sent it to her. When I sat back down, I found the gatekeeper quite entertaining. We ended up chatting for nearly an hour.

My phone rang again, and the screen displayed a number from Virelia. I answered the call:"Hi, who's this?"

A soft voice answered,"It's Lucas Steele." So, it was that pretty boy.

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"Lucas, what's up?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Lucas Steele's voice held an edge of impatience."I need to ask, what exactly is your relationship with Sophie?"

I was taken aback for a moment, wondering why he was suddenly concerned about this, but I responded nonetheless."It's just a superior-subordinate relationship."

"I'm talking about privately," he pressed, his tone growing firmer.

"There's nothing private," I maintained my calm.

"Bullshit. You think she'd let you be her assistant if there was nothing between you?" It seemed he had been holding onto this for quite some time.

I couldn't help but laugh."Lucas, didn't you already win Sophie over? Why are you still concerned about a small fry like me? There's nothing between Sophie and me, as you might imagine."

Lucas Steele's voice carried a trace of doubt."You two went to the same school, didn't you? Did you ever date?"

I shook my head, though he couldn't see me. Still, I answered,"No, how could that happen? Sophie is so far above me. I barely completed my university education—how could someone like her look my way?" I didn't want Sophie Summers to be misunderstood, so I did my best to answer in a casual tone.

"Really?" Lucas Steele's voice was still filled with skepticism.

"Of course, really." I answered firmly.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, and a tense air seemed to hang in the space between us. Then, Lucas Steele suddenly asked,"Alright, I heard that someone from your old school used to keep Sophie. Is there any truth to that?"

The question caught me off guard, and I pondered Lucas Steele's intentions. I took a deep breath and tried to respond as calmly as I could."What do you mean by keeping? It was her boyfriend who gave her some money to help pay off her father's debts, and people just called it that."

A light laugh came from the other end of the line, as if my explanation had surprised him."I see. Do you know who her boyfriend is?"

I shook my head, though the gesture was unnecessary."No, I don't know him. I've just heard of him, but I don't know who it is. Someone worthy of Sophie would have to be extraordinary, don't you think? A man of refined manners, towering stature, unmatched talent, with a noble and refined air, an impressive figure, a true gentleman—someone who is talented, wealthy, and simply perfect for her." I rambled on, attempting to deflect the conversation with a string of complimentary words.

It seemed I had bewildered Lucas Steele. There was a pause before he regained his composure."Hmm, yes, that's possible. But what about me? How do you think I measure up?"

I was taken aback, not expecting him to shift the focus onto himself."You?" I asked instinctively.

"Yes, Sophie and I—what do you think?" His voice had a hint of expectation, like a child awaiting praise from a teacher.

I blinked, a wave of surprise rippling through me. Lucas Steele and Sophie?"Well... I don't know, honestly. I don't know either of you well, but from what I can tell, you two seem to make a good match, a handsome man and a beautiful woman!" I tried to sound sincere while steering the topic away from anything uncomfortable.

"Really?" His voice revealed a note of anxiety, as if he were waiting for my approval.

"That's how it feels to me," I said, doing my best to sound genuine.

"Good! With your endorsement, I'm reassured. I'll come to Eldoria and take you out for a drink," he said eagerly, before hanging up the phone, leaving me to stare blankly at the screen.