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."

living area. Edwin was already seated at the table with Betty, Gavin, and Avis, a plate of freshly baked cookies sitting between them. The scent of chocolate and vanilla wafted through the air,

gesturing to an empty chair with

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 it, the sweetness contrasted

1/3

13:01 Wed, Sep 180

Chapter 116

around in my

another personal situation with the man I

be holding a

munched on the cookies, Gavin's eyes suddenly widened in astonishment. He was staring at

way," Gavin breathed, standing up for a closer

small, knowing smile. "You

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

jump in my chair. "You can

turned to Edwin. "I've always seen our wealthy patrons order

Cavin. The rest of

delicious," Gavin breathed, savoring the liquor. "I've never tried any alcohol

I'm jealous." Betty said with

my students. But.." He turned, grabbing four more glasses from the nearby cabinet. "Would the rest of you like

I remained silent and still as a statue in

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

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 professor quite well, but he was drinking the world's most

heat up slightly. Perhaps he hadn't taken a bribe for Linda to join

I wondered how she had

22

in the 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.

Avis giggled. "We're having drinks with Professor Brooks in his

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

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

2/3

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255