One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 162 Audrey

Fiona's smile was even more saccharine than I remembered it being as she approached, her eyes gleaming with false warmth. I tensed, my hand instinctively tightening around Edwin's arm. I felt him tense, too, a ripple of discomfort flickering across our mate bond.

Edwin stepped slightly in front of me, his body serving as a subtle shield between Fiona and me just in case she tried anything. "Fiona," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "I can explain." "No need." Fiona waved a dismissive hand, her platinum blonde hair catching the light as she moved. "There's nothing to explain. I understand that you two are fated mates. How... joyous The word dripped with insincerity, but her face remained a mask of pleasantness. She continued, her voice syrupy sweet, "You cannot get in the way of fate, after all. I completely understand why our engagement had to be called off."

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She paused, her eyes flickering over to me. Those cold blue irises darkened as she looked at me. "...And I'm truly happy for

you

both. Who knows: maybe I'll find my fated mate now."

With that last sentence, she leaned over and winked at me. I thought I might be sick.

Just then, I felt another flicker through the bond. Edwin and I both knew that she was lying through her teeth, that her words couldn't be further from the truth.

The tension in the air was palpable, and I could practically feel the gears turning in Fiona's head. She was planning something, I was sure of it.

At that moment, Edwin's voice echoed in my mind through our bond: "Now is our chance. Try to touch her somehow. We need to read her memories."

I nodded imperceptibly and stepped forward, extending my hand. "Thank you for understanding. Fiona. I hope we can move on from this."

But before I could make contact, Fiona took a step back. Her smile never wavered, but her eyes were cold. "Of course. But please, enjoy the party. If you'll excuse me, I have other guests to attend to." With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared into the crowd. I let out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding. I hated to admit it, but I was glad that I hadn't had a chance to see into her mind just yet. I wasn't sure if I was ready.

"Sorry," I said, turning to face Edwin

Edwin put his arm around my shoulders and shook his head. "Nothing to apologize for. We'll have plenty of time tonight. Let's get a drink."

bustling party. The house was crowded, each room stuffed with elegantly- dressed people. A few noticed my silver

was so crowded.

"When Claudia

surprise emanating across our bond. "What? Are you

touch the locket around my neck. "I don't understand it. It doesn't make any sense, but...

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Chapter 162

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close relationship. Remember, you've only had virtual meetings with

you're right," I said, not entirely convinced. "But Claudia said she used to have a locket just like this one. Isn't that strange?" "It's a common design. I'm not trying to discount your experience, and I do think we should

grabbing a glass of champagne. We clinked our classes together and took a sip, the bubbles tickling the back of my throat. The warmth began to soothe my frayed nerves. As we sipped, I scanned the room for Fiona. She

I fell; it was what I had told everyone, after all. Or maybe she knew that we knew

herself hard to pin down tonight, isn't she?"

terrain. Not ours. And she was good at what she did. "She

deeply. I still remembered the dream I'd had, clear as day, when I had seen the incident through Fiona's eyes. "In her memory, it didn't seem like she wanted

jaw clenched. "That doesn't excuse what

help us understand her motivations better, at

to get closer to Fiona. Each time, she managed to slip

failed attempt to talk to her at the buffet table-she had slipped away the moment she

"We need a new strategy. Perhaps we should split up, try to

around from the

I grabbed another glass of champagne from a passing waiter, using it as a prop to blend in. As I maneuvered through the party,

hear

to take territory from Pinehollow