Page 134 of When Hearts Collide

I was afraid Adrian was going to fly off the handle when the sordid stories came out, but he was surprisingly calm about everything, going first into damage control mode, which was what I’d expect The Shark to do. It’s what makes him good at his job.

But I know my brother. He’s no doubt beating himself up for not preventing these events and is probably seething over Ryland. It’s better I see him in person before he does something to Ryland.

Millie

I’m fine, I promise. But if you want to come, I won’t stop you. I miss you too, Adrian.

Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I quicken my pace to the tall white building. The Ivory Tower is what we call it amongst the students. Ignoring more pointed stares and whispers, I make my way to the dean’s office.

His assistant, a redhead with sharp eyes who looks not much older than me, gives me a quick nod and says, “Dean Emery is expecting you inside. Good luck.”

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I knock on the door.

Knock. Knock.

“Come in.”

I blow out a deep breath, square my shoulders, and push open the door.

Dean Emery sits behind his large desk, a pair of glasses perched on his nose. He glances at me and closes his laptop before clasping his hands on top of the table. “Have a seat, Ms. Callahan.”

Nodding, I sit down across from him. “You wanted to see me?”

“Yes, I think we have things to discuss, don’t you agree?”

My pulse is thready in my ears. “I-I’m assuming you want to talk to me about Professor Anderson.”

He dips his head in acknowledgment. “I know you’ve already spoken to a few of my staff members, but I want to hear the story from your side. But before we speak, please note everything we say here will be reported to the Ethics Committee. There’s an open case based on the alleged accusations made by the press.”

I twist my hands on my lap. I know what I say next will have far-reaching effects on Ryland’s future. Teaching means so much to him. It’s the little slice of freedom he gives to himself. To take that away from him will be the worst cruelty, and he’s such an excellent professor.

Despite everything, I need to protect him. Because I know the man won’t protect himself. He is punishing himself enough as is.

“What do you want to know, Dean Emery?”

“Is there any truth to their allegations? Are you two involved?”

Fisting the hem of my sweater, I force myself to look up and stare at the shrewd gaze of the dean. My heart pounds inside my chest.

The world isn’t in black or white. It is in shades of gray.

“Professor Ryland and I are good friends. Our families run in the same circles. My brother-in-law, Steven Kingsley, is engaged to Professor Ryland’s younger sister, Grace. I think because of this relationship, the press may interpret certain actions as…”

“Unseemly?” The dean straightens up.

“Yes.”

“So, you deny any romantic relationship between the two of you?”

Nausea coils inside my stomach and I clench my fists on my lap. “Regardless of what the allegations are, Professor Anderson has never given me preferential treatment in class. In fact, he was quite antagonistic with me at the beginning of the honors program. I think others in the class can attest to that.”

Sweat beads on the back of my neck. Not lies, but not the whole truth.

“That’s not what I’m asking you. Are you or are you not involved with Professor Anderson?”

“Do I admire him? Like him? Yes, I do, along with plenty of people at this school. But who wouldn’t? That’s why you hired him, right?”

“How do you explain the photos, then?”

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