One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 272

Audrey

The last rays of sunset poured in through the tall windows, spilling warm golden shafts of light across the hardwood floors. The space was bedecked with banners and streamers, a birthday cake sitting in the middle of the room. It was clear what my friends were implying. Someone had purchased the storefront I’d been pining over for months.

I should have been thrilled, but all I felt was guilty. And honestly… betrayed.

“Why did you buy this place for me?” I asked, whirling to face the others. “Why would you all… I mean, this place cost…”

I trailed off, unable to even say the amount.

“Because you need a place for your charity, Audrey,” Edwin said. “A real place. The apartment can’t hold you and your designs anymore–it’s barely holding up as it is. No offense, but I can’t really stand the mess anymore.”

“Yes, but—” I stammered, flushing. “I didn’t… I wanted to pay for it myself. I told you guys…”

My friends exchanged glances before Tina spoke up. “Audrey, look around you. You’ve done so much for us. For the whole pack. I think it’s high time you let someone else do something for you for once.”

I swallowed, glancing around the room. My mind was torn between elation and guilt and hurt. Mostly guilt. This place was expensive. I looked at Edwin, wondering if he’d been the one to foot the bill, but he just offered me a tiny, reassuring smile.

“But I don’t… I don’t deserve this. This was going to be my project, my plan to save up, my-”

“Your burden to bear alone?” Betty interrupted. “Please. We’ve seen the way you’ve been practically drooling over this place for months. You don’t think we would notice?”

“It’s not that,” I argued, shaking my head. “I just… I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it on my own.”

Tina’s smirk softened, and she gave a small shrug. “Well, consider this an investment in your big dream, Audrey. We want in on this charity of yours. All of us.”

My jaw went slack, the words sinking in slowly.

“Wait… what?” I whispered.

Betty nodded. “Edwin and Claudia paid for a lot of it,” she admitted. “But we all chipped in. Not just for you, though. We all want a part in the charity. To be… partners.”

I could even wrap my head around it, Gavin spoke up. “I was thinking I could run a little coffee stand right over there,” he said, pointing to the corner nearest the front window. I’ll offer free coffee

I echoed,

I really like talking

your profits straight back into supplies,

out a half–laugh, although my eyes were slowly

come up with a one of a kind piece together every season, and I’ll

to sell the pieces

then closed, completely at

gave me a nudge with her elbow. “Come on, Audrey. Don’t tell me you’re

mumbled, looking down at my hands, which were twisting together nervously. “It’s just… you’re all… and this is…” I stumbled over my words,

“It’s not just for you, Audrey. It’s for all of us. Every one of us wants to make a difference, just like you do. I’d like to run your marketing department. You

it still felt like it wasn’t enough to make up for the money they’d all spent to buy this place. “But

said. “I’ll communicate with the orphanages, help direct funds, set up scholarships for orphans and foster children, that sort of thing.

help. They wanted to be a part of this, my dream, my vision.

exchange without a word. I didn’t know what to say, or even what to do, despite the thrum of approval

of it, too,” he said

up at him, my

business, but… well, Claudia and I were thinking, actually.”

me, and Edwin.

and running.”

I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. A fashion show… with my mother? Their words left me speechless. My friends and family weren’t just offering to help–they were offering to build this

of you… want to do

of nods met my question, and I could

that this wasn’t just my dream. It was all of ours. That was

as the reality of it all finally hit

laughing. I nearly got suffocated in the tangle of arms and bodies, but I couldn’t help but laugh with them, tears now streaming freely down my

a bottle of champagne from the table and popping the cork with a grin. Glasses were passed around, and

hats!” Tina exclaimed, tossing a bright red hat onto my head with a laugh. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t hide the smile that tugged at