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."

Edwin was already seated at the table

chair with

hesitated for a moment, feeling like 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

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13:01 Wed, Sep 180

Chapter 116

around in my

I managed to end up in yet another personal situation with the

holding a

staring at Edwin's liquor

No way," Gavin breathed, standing up for a closer look.

knowing

excitement was palpable. "That's one of the most expensive whiskies in the world! Does it.. does

made me jump in my

Gavin's eyes widened as he turned to Edwin. "I've always seen our wealthy patrons order this at the restaurant I work at, but I've never

pouring a small amount into a glass for Cavin. The rest of us watched with bated

Gavin breathed, savoring the liquor. "I've

Betty said with

eager faces, and he laughed softly. "I probably shouldn't be doing this, given that I'm your professor and you're my students. But.." He turned, grabbing

nodded enthusiastically, although I remained silent

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 Edwin had been so casually drinking

earlier that night, 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 of a regular

heat up slightly. Perhaps he hadn't taken a bribe for Linda to join the intern program after all, that was one less thing to be mad at him for, I

wondered how she

22

the room lightened considerably. My friends began to joke about drinking with our

encounter.

giggled. "We're having drinks with Professor Brooks

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 to have some life in this place for a

of expensive collectibles. They crowded around his bookshelves and display cases,

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