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."

asked, shooting the bouncer an amused look. But seeing the desperate look in my eyes, Edwin

my cheerleading uniform design, and she's in there right now meeting with Claudia

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

"Please, Edwin," I begged, reaching out to grasp the sleeve of his jacket. "You have to help me. I need to get in there and expose Linda for the fraud that she

"Fine. I suppose I could take you in as my

and I couldn't stop the bright smile that spread across my face. "Thank you, Edwin! I promise I

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Chapter 29

silence me. "No need for

strode up to the burly doorman. "Evening, Robert,"

for a moment before stepping

food hit me, making my mouth water. But I didn't have time to appreciate the atmosphere-my gaze was immediately drawn to the back of the dining room, where I could

word, I started to make a beeline in their

back. "Remember, I said no causing a scene. You'll

mouth to argue, but one stern look from Edwin had me huffing out a sigh and folding my arms across my chest. "Fine," I muttered, glaring at him as he settled himself across

his voice. "Now, tell me what exactly did Linda do

detailed explanation, my voice low and urgent as I recounted

were wide. up to this moment. By the time I

your design?" he

"Blatantly. It was denied for the contest,

"That little..." He turned his head to look at Claudia and Linda, who were still in the midst of an animated discussion. Then, without warning, he grabbed my arm and pulled me toward

Third Person POV

Truth be told, Claudia was only half-listening. There was something about this girl that just didn't quite sit right with her, although she couldn't seem to place her finger on

Ms. Klein," Linda was saying, her voice dripping like honey. "I believe you'll find I'm a hard worker,

Her brow furrowed slightly as she studied Linda's narrow face. "Tell me, my dear-how is it that you managed to complete this design in such a short amount of time? From what I understand, you were recently

by the unexpected question. "Well, I, uh... I've always had a natural talent for fashion, you see," she stammered. "And once I set my mind to

tapping her

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