Hands shot up across the classroom.
Students competed to voice their opinions.
"Professor, I have a different perspective."
"The carving patterns on that wooden hairpin clearly underwent secondary engraving."
"The openwork technique is extremely rare—it must be a lost art."
The lecture hall buzzed with excitement.
Even after the dismissal bell rang, students remained engrossed in discussion.
"Professor Sullivan's class is fascinating!"
"She explains complex concepts so clearly. I'm considering switching to artifact restoration."
"I wish Professor Sullivan could teach every day."
A crowd of students lingered near the podium, reluctant to leave.
Sophia Sullivan stood smiling at the lectern.
"Thank you for your enthusiasm. I hope this lecture sparked your interest in artifact restoration."
Her gaze swept toward the back row.
Professor David Macmillan was discreetly wiping his eyes.
The elderly man hurried forward and bowed deeply to Sophia.
"Ms. Sullivan, you've shown these young people the true beauty of restoration work."
"So few youths today have the patience for meticulous conservation."
Sophia quickly steadied the professor.
"You honor me too much. I merely shared some personal insights."
Gathering her lecture notes, she prepared to leave.
Footsteps echoed urgently behind her in the hallway.
"Professor Sullivan, wait!"
A handsome male student caught up, his ears tinged pink.
"Could I...get your contact information?"
His voice trembled with nervous admiration.
"I deeply admire your work."
Sophia paused with a gentle smile.
"I appreciate your kindness."
"But Professor Macmillan is the true expert you should consult."
The young man's expression dimmed.
"I understand... Goodbye, Professor."
"Keep pursuing your passion."
As Sophia turned, she noticed a figure leaning against the wall at the corridor's end.
Ethan Sullivan stood where light and shadow converged.
His tailored suit accentuated his commanding frame.
A breeze tousled his dark hair.
"Always so merciless, Ms. Sullivan."
His deep voice carried subtle amusement.
Though he knew Sophia would never entertain a boy's crush.
Watching another man admire her still stirred irrational displeasure.
At twenty-eight, he couldn't compete with youthful ardor.
Sophia arched a brow as she approached.
"Would Mr. Sullivan prefer I encouraged him?"
The distance between them narrowed.
Ethan's gaze dropped to her lips.
Their rose-petal softness.
His throat moved as he suppressed possessive instincts.
"Not at all."
The calm words held dangerous undertones.
"Unless you'd like that student to vanish from A-City."
He lacked Ryan Lawrence's tolerance for being second choice.
For Ethan, love meant absolute ownership.
Call it obsession. Call it sickness.
He demanded an unbreakable bond.
Sophia stared at him, transfixed.
Her own reflection shimmered in his dark pupils.
The aura of authority surrounding him felt primal.
Predatory.
It awakened something forbidden within her.
The sudden urge to blindfold those penetrating eyes.
To shackle those elegant hands.
The bondage equipment in her private chamber gained new purpose.
This aloof, restrained man would kneel before her.
Sophia forced herself to look away.
"You exaggerate, Mr. Sullivan."
An assistant professor arrived just then.
"Professors, Mr. Macmillan requests you in his office."
Perfect timing.
Sophia exhaled discreetly.
She flashed Ethan a playful glance.
"Shall we?"