One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 61 Audrey

As I made my way to the dean's office, my heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. Tina gripped my arm beside me, her eyes wide.

"You know you don't need to come," I said softly as we walked through the halls together. "Whatever it is, I'll take the blame. You and the others won't get in trouble."

Tina shot me a withering look over her shoulder. "Like hell I'll just let you take the fall like that."

"Yeah, well.. I'm the one who let Edwin be our model. You guys didn't even know." I stopped and turned to Tina. Up ahead, the door to the dean's office sat waiting. "Please, Tina. I'll meet you back at the dorms later."

My friend opened her mouth to refuse, but then snapped it shutagain when it was clear that I wasn't going to back down. Finally, she nodded stiffly and turned on her heel, scurrying away down the empty halls. I was glad that classes were in session, leaving me blissfully alone and unseen by prying eyes.

So I could shudder without feeling like I was on display.

Wrapping my arms around myself as if to keep out a sudden chill, I turned back toward the dean's office and steeled myself. Whatever was waiting for me behind those doors, it would all be fine. I was sure of it.

Finally, with a deep breath, I knocked. "Enter, a muffled voice called out. I turned the handle and stepped into the office.

The room felt smaller than I remembered, claustrophobic almost. Mr. Lewis, the dean who rarely left this office, sat behind his imposing oak desk. Ms. Morrie stood to his right, her leopard-print cardigan a stark contrast to the somber mood and her face pinched in an uncharacteristic look of disdain.

And there, off to the side, was Edwin. He wouldn't meet my eyes. Not that I tried to, either.

"Miss Thatcher," Mr. Lewis said in a curt tone, gesturing to one of the chairs opposite his desk. "Please, have a seat."

I sat down in the chair on the left of Edwin, my hands trembling slightly. To keep them steady, I clasped them tightly in my lap.

"Is... is everything okay?" I asked, although I already knew the answer.

Mr. Lewis leaned forward, his fingers steepled. "Miss Thatcher, were you aware of Professor Brooks' identity when you hired him as your model for the fashion show?"

My stomach dropped. So this was about the photo after all, just as I suspected. I took a deep breath, deciding that honesty was the best policy in this situation. "Yes, sir," I replied. "I was aware."

"I see" Mr. Lewis pressed his lips into a flat line. Beside him, Ms. Morrie scribbled something down on the notepad that was in her hand, which only made my heart pound even harder. "And can you explain why you chose to hire him, knowing who he was?" he continued.

I nodded and swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady despite myself. "My original models canceled at the last minute. I was desperate."

1 paused then, glancing over at Edwin, who was leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. His eyes remained fixed on the floor, his jaw set so hard that I could see a muscle ticking beneath the skin.

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Chapter 61

offered,

Miss Thatcher, surely you must have realized the implications

quickly turning to Edwin. "Ed-Professor Brooks, please...

breath through his teeth before nodding "Miss Thatcher is

a moment before sighing heavily. "Be that as it may, Professor Brooks, you are the owner of Brooks Designs-the company hosting this year's competition. He turned to me then. "Miss Thatcher, your decision to hire him as your model has led many to believe that the fashion show results were rigged

not true! I won

interrupted. "But given the circumstances,

me?"

although not entirely unempathetic. "I'm afraid that you and

I felt the air leave my lungs, and for a moment, I couldn't speak. "But... but I stammered, tears welling

said, his tone softening slightly. "But we must maintain the integrity of our programs and

my team. My team had no knowledge of Professor Brooks being our model," I insisted.

look in my eyes, Ms. Morrie cleared her throat. "Perhaps accommodations could be made for her team,"

H

Tina," I said. "She was second in charge the entire time-disqualify me,

something else down on her notepad. Edwin suddenly jerked his head up, his expression pained. He

who was chosen as the winner. I was merely helping Miss Thatcher out of a difficult situation. Nothing more. If you must recount the votes, then I implore you to recount Miss

Professor Brooks? And you can guarantee that your presence had no influence on

made their decision based solely on the merits of the designs presented. They didn't

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Chapter 61

down. "I want to believe them," she said, addressing the dean before look at Edwin. "I want to believe

you have my word as a professional, as an Alpha, and as an educator," Edwin replied, his voice steadier than mine ever could have been. "I would never compromise the integrity of this competition or this

fingers, looking thoughtful. "This is... a complicated situation. Miss Thatcher, Professor Brooks,