Chapter 513

Everett stood frozen as Professor Whitmore approached. "Good evening, Professor," he managed to say, his voice steady despite the sudden tension in the air.

Alistair Whitmore was not just any professor—he was the dean of Willowridge University, and Everett had been his star pupil. Their history ran deep.

With a curt nod, Alistair extended his hand toward Rosalind. "Let's go home."

Rosalind hesitated, glancing at Everett. She had hoped he would be the one to walk her back tonight, but her father's unexpected appearance left no room for argument. Reluctantly, she stepped to Alistair's side.

Alistair studied Everett for a moment before offering, "It's late. Why don’t you ride with us? I can drop you off."

Everett shook his head politely. "Thank you, Professor, but I’ll manage."

Alistair didn’t press further. "Very well. Stay safe. And if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call."

With that, he guided Rosalind away. She turned back once, flashing Everett a small, wistful wave before disappearing into the night.

Everett remained rooted in place, watching until their figures melted into the darkness.

Inside the sleek black sedan, Rosalind sat stiffly beside her father as the city lights blurred past. The silence stretched until Alistair finally broke it.

"What exactly is going on between you and Everett?" His tone was measured, but his gaze was sharp. "Are you two involved?"

Rosalind’s cheeks warmed, but she lifted her chin. "I care about him."

Alistair’s frown deepened. "That’s absurd. He’s not right for you."

She stiffened. "You’re judging him without even knowing him!"

A heavy sigh escaped him. "It’s not about his background. The boy is brilliant—top of his class. I handpicked him for Willowridge myself. Do you really think I’d dismiss someone over something so shallow?"

Rosalind knew her father well enough to recognize the truth in his words. He valued talent above all else. "Then why are you against us?"

Alistair hesitated before asking, "Do you know what his father did for a living?"

The question caught her off guard. "I’ve heard rumors… that he was involved in illegal activities. But I don’t believe them."

"Has Everett ever spoken to you about it?"

"No."

Alistair exhaled slowly. He had always admired Everett’s resilience, his drive. But some burdens were too heavy to ignore.

"I’m not forbidding you from seeing him," he said carefully. "But you should ask him—does he truly want this? If he hasn’t told you about his past, then he isn’t ready."

Rosalind’s pulse quickened. "Of course he does…"

The words faltered on her lips. She wasn’t entirely sure.

When she had asked Everett if he felt the same way, his answer had been evasive.

She was still chasing him, still waiting for him to commit.

Yet, the memory of their kiss lingered—the way his lips had claimed hers, the gentle nip of his teeth, the heat that still burned in her palms.

Alistair’s expression softened. "Rosalind, you’re old enough to make your own choices. I won’t stand in your way. But consider his feelings too."

He leaned back, his voice gentler now. "I don’t look down on him. In fact, I respect him deeply. I’ve heard he’s working multiple jobs—construction sites, bars. It’s a hard life."

A pause. Then, an offer.

"Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll hire him as your tutor. Later, he can take over Whitmore Holdings. I’ll even make him CEO."