Chapter 29

Audrey & Third Person

Audrey's POV

I sank down behind the potted plant, peering cautiously around the leaves as the sleek black town car pulled up to the curb. My heart pounded in my ears as the passenger side door swung open and Linda stepped out, her brunette curls bouncing as she sauntered up to the restaurant's glass doors.

A moment later, a well-dressed woman with impeccably coiffed gray hair emerged from another car, and I felt my breath catch in my throat as she and Linda exchanged polite handshakes. Claudia Klein, the Luna of Silverbite Pack.

I knew Claudia's history well; she had been a fashion designer many years ago, although she had abruptly stopped producing work. Some speculated that she decided to stop when she had her daughter.

But I always loved her work; she was another one of my biggest muses, right next to Brooks Designs.

And now... Linda was having the opportunity to speak with her thanks to my design.

Gritting my teeth, I watched as the two women disappeared through the doors, vanishing into the dimly lit interior of the restaurant. I couldn't let Linda get away with this-not after all the hard work I had put into that uniform design. This was my chance to finally expose her for the thief she was.

Steeling my nerves, I pushed myself up from my crouched position and marched up to the doors. But before I could even reach for the handle, a burly-looking man in a crisp black suit blocked my path.

"Invitation, miss?" he rumbled, eyeing me up and down with clear disdain.

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment and frustration. "I... I don't have one," I admitted begrudgingly. "But I need to speak with-"

"No admittance without a membership card," the man interrupted brusquely. "Members only."

I opened my mouth to argue further, but a familiar voice suddenly called out from behind me. "Ah, Audrey! Fancy seeing you here."

Whirling around, I found myself face-to-face with Edwin, looking annoyingly amused as he approached with his hands tucked casually into his pockets.

"Professor Brooks," I greeted him, a hint of desperation creeping into my tone. "It's good to see you. I was just waiting for you."

quirked an eyebrow. "Were you, now?" he asked, shooting the bouncer an amused look. But seeing the desperate look in my eyes, Edwin

whispered. "Linda stole my cheerleading uniform design, and

why you're loitering outside a private restaurant," Edwin interrupted, his lips curving into a

I begged, reaching out to grasp the sleeve of his jacket. "You

eyes flickered down to my quivering lips. Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he shook his head. "Fine. I suppose I could take you in as my guest," he relented. "But don't expect me to do something like this for

couldn't stop the bright smile that spread across my face.

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7:39 PM

Chapter 29

ah." He raised a hand to silence me. "No

as he strode up to the burly doorman. "Evening, Robert," Edwin greeted

for a moment before stepping aside to allow us

me, making my mouth water. But I didn't have time to appreciate the atmosphere-my gaze was immediately drawn to

I started to make a beeline in their direction, but Edwin's hand on my

a moment," he chided, holding me back. "Remember, I said no causing a scene. You'll wait here until I give you the

but one stern look from Edwin had me huffing out a sigh and folding my arms across my chest.

over to me and lowered his voice. "Now, tell me what exactly did Linda do now, and why are you so

into a detailed explanation, my voice low and urgent as I recounted the events

eyes were wide. up to this moment.

Stole your design?" he

denied for the contest, but

turned his head to look at Claudia and Linda, who were still in the midst of an animated discussion. Then, without

Third Person POV

sat back in her chair, eyeing Linda with a considering gaze as the younger woman prattled on about her design process. Truth be told, Claudia was only half-listening. There

why I feel we could make an excellent team, Ms. Klein," Linda was saying, her voice dripping

dear-how is it that you managed to complete this design in such

momentarily thrown off by the unexpected question. "Well, I, uh... I've always had a natural talent for fashion, you see,"

thoughtfully, tapping her chin. "I

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