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.”

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 and pastries

I echoed, still

experience in the restaurant business, as you know And I really like

on bookkeeping,” Betty added quickly. “Someone has to keep you from funneling all your profits straight back

out a half–laugh, although my eyes were slowly filling

love to create designs with you. We can come up with a one of a kind piece together every season, and I’ll

be able to sell the pieces for your

mouth opened, then closed, completely at a loss

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

together nervously. “It’s just… you’re all… and this is…” I

let out a short laugh, stepping forward as he placed a hand on my shoulder. “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

true, but it still felt like it wasn’t enough to make up for the money they’d all spent to buy this place. “But I didn’t even-” I began, only to be cut off by Eliza’s

communicate with the orphanages, help direct funds, set up scholarships for orphans and foster children, that sort of thing. After everything we went through with Joseph…” She trailed off, her expression softening as she

took in her words, my mind racing to process everything. They all wanted to help. They wanted to be

his reaction. He’d been standing quietly by my side, watching the whole exchange without a word. I didn’t know what to say, or even what to do, despite the

of it, too,” he said softly, stepping forward and snaking his arm

just stared up at

Claudia and I were thinking, actually.” He gestured toward the entryway, where my mother

me, and Edwin.

and running.”

to my cheeks. A fashion show… with my mother? Their words left me

you… want to do

nods met my question, and I could hardly

It was all of ours. That was why they had bought this place–so we could all make a difference together. Maybe I didn’t have

shaky breath, nodding as the reality of it all finally hit

others, and before I knew it, everyone was surrounding me, embracing me, laughing. I nearly got suffocated in the tangle of arms and bodies, but I couldn’t help but laugh with them,

champagne from the table and popping

bright red hat onto my head with a laugh. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t hide