Chapter 116 Audrey

Edwin stepped aside, allowing my friends to enter the cottage. "Come in."

Their eyes widened as they stepped inside, their gazes flickering nervously between the luxurious surroundings and our professor. And then they turned to me.

"Audrey! There you are, Gavin said, thoroughly confused-and relieved.

"We were looking all over for you, Tina added with a huf

I rubbed my hand along the back of my neck, suddenly feeling exposed in nothing but my bikini and Edwin's oversized button-down.

"I hurt my foot." I said, gesturing to the bandage on my foot. "Edw-Professor Brooks happens to live here during the

summers, so...

Tina's eyes narrowed slightly at my words, but I ignored her for now.

"Hm. What an interesting coincidence," Betty remarked, her tone casual but her curiosity clearly piqued. She didn't press further, though, seeming content to let it go for the moment.

As if on cue, a loud c**k of thunder reverberated through the room, causing everyone to jump. Rain began to pelt the windowsin droves; it seemed my friends had come inside at just the right time. Edwin glanced outside, then back at us, his expression one of mild amusement.

"Well" he said, his voice calm despite the storm brewing outside "it looks like you might be stuck here for a while. I was just

started." about to bake some cookies. Feel free to use the facilities to clean up and dry off while I

We all murmured our thanks, grateful for the offer. Edwin directed us toward the bathroom and a guest room where we could change into dry clothes. Tina pulled me into the guest room, shutting the door behind us with a decisive click.

"Okay, spill," she demanded in a whisper. "What's really going on here?"

I sighed, running a hand through my damp hair. "Honestly, it really was just a coincidence. I hit my foot, swarn to the nearest dock, and it turned out to be Edwin's-Professor Brooks-cottage."

Tina's gaze remained fixed on my face, as if she was searching for hidden lies behind my words. After a moment, finding nothing, she nodded slowly. "Alright. But you know I'm here for you, right? If you need me to tell him off or anything-

"Thanks, Tina," I said, touched by her concern. "But that won't be necessary. He's my boss for the summer, and I don't want to cause any trouble."

"Okay," Tina conceded, her voice softening. "But I'll be keeping an eye on him."

"I know you will."

grabbed our bags when they began their search for me-we rejoined -the others in the living area. Edwin was already seated at the table with Betty, Gavin, and Avis, a plate of

Edwin said, gesturing to an empty chair with a welcoming smile.

I was made of stone. But a swift nudge from Tina in my lower back sent me stumbling forward, and I took a seat and reached for a cookie. As I bit into

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13:01 Wed, Sep 180

Chapter 116

in

with the man I was a against? It felt like fate was laughing

be holding a

was staring at Edwin's liquor cabinet, his gaze

standing up for a closer look. Professor, is that a bottle of Dalmore

curved into a small, knowing smile. "You have

whiskies in the world! Does it..

chuckled, a warm, unexpected sound that almost made me jump in my

Edwin. "I've always seen our wealthy patrons order this at the restaurant I work at, but I've

for Cavin. The rest of us watched with bated breath as

savoring the liquor.

now I'm jealous." Betty

this, given that I'm your professor and you're my students. But.." He turned, grabbing four more glasses from the

friends nodded enthusiastically, although I remained silent

of us. I hesitated, shooting him a wary look as he handed me my glass, but my friends' murmurs of pleasure as they tried the whiskey made my resolve crumble. I took a tentative sip, savoring the sensation of it burning a warm path down my throat. It was the same whiskey that

that he had no need for bribes. I supposed I had forgotten just how wealthy Edwin was, given the meager furnishings in his apartment back at Grayspring. He played the role

he hadn't taken a bribe for Linda to join

I wondered how she

22

room lightened considerably. My friends began to joke about drinking with our professor, their laughter filling the space and making it feel more like a casual gathering rather than an

encounter.

drinks with Professor Brooks in

smile was genuine, his demeanor relaxed as he leaned back in his chair. "As long as you don't tell anyone, I don't mind the company. It's nice

evening progressed and the drinks continued to flow, my friends became increasingly fascinated with Edwin's collection of expensive collectibles. They crowded around his bookshelves and display cases,

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