Page 86 of Forbidden Professor

His words sting, but I hold my ground. “It’s not a fling. Carter is helping me with my studies. He’s been an incredible mentor.”

“A mentor?” Michael scoffs. “I’ve seen this before, Eve. Men like him, taking advantage of young women.”

“That’s enough,” I say, surprised by my own firmness. “You don’t know Carter. And you don’t know me if you think I’d jeopardize my education for anything.”

Michael’s face flushes with anger. “Don’t I? Then explain why your grades have been slipping. Why you’ve missed classes. Is this the influence of your ‘mentor’?”

A flicker of doubt rises, but I push it away. “My grades are fine, Dad. I’m working harder than ever.”

“Really?” His tone cuts. “Then explain this.”

He pulls a paper from his jacket, waving it in front of me. I recognize the check that the university must have sent back to him only from the staggering number of zeros on the end.

“Ah.” I swallow nervously. “So I’m guessing the university informed you that your contributions are no longer wanted.”

“I had a few words with Dean Mooney to that effect. I told her that she can forget about the pediatric hospital wing I planned to pay for. I’m getting my lawyers involved.”

“Dad, no! You’re proving my point!” I take a deep breath. “I don’t need your money anymore, Dad. I’ve taken out loans. I’m supporting myself now.”

Michael’s eyes widen, then narrow in fury. “You foolish little girl. You have no idea what you’re doing.”

I stand my ground, even as I tremble inside. “I know exactly what I’m doing. I’m living my life. On my terms.”

Michael’s jaw clenches, his eyes flashing with anger and… fear?

“Your terms? You sound just like your mother. Reckless, impulsive, throwing away everything for some misguided notion of independence.”

His words hit hard. My hands shake. I clasp them tightly and say, “Don’t. Don’t bring Mom into this.”

A lump forms in my throat, memories of her warm smile and gentle touch flooding my mind. I blink, fighting back tears.

“Eve,” Carter says softly from behind me, stepping closer. His presence is a comforting warmth at my back. “Mr. Moreland, that’s enough.”

My father’s gaze snaps to Carter, disdain twisting his face. “This doesn’t concern you, Professor. Step away from my daughter.”

Carter doesn’t move. He places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I can’t do that, sir. Eve is an adult. She can make her own choices. Your behavior right now is unacceptable.”

I lean into Carter’s touch, drawing strength from his support. My voice steadies as I look at my father. “Carter’s right, Dad. This isn’t you. Please, just listen to me.”

Michael’s face contorts with rage. “Listen? To this nonsense? I’ve heard enough. You’ll regret this, Eve. Mark my words.”

He storms toward the door, and I wonder if our relationship is beyond repair. But with Carter beside me, I feel hope. Whatever comes next, I won’t face it alone.

The tension snaps like a rubber band. My father’s eyes flash dangerously. Before I can react, he lunges at Carter. Valentine scurries under the couch, her startled meow piercing the air.

“Dad, stop!” I cry, my heart pounding.

Carter sidesteps, his reflexes quick. He raises his hands defensively. “Mr. Moreland, please. Let’s talk.”

But my father is beyond reason. He swings wildly, barely missing Carter. “You think you can turn my daughter against me?” he snarls, his face twisted in fury.

I watch in horror as Carter dodges another blow, his movements controlled. He doesn’t fight back, just stands his ground. “I don’t want to fight. This isn’t helping.”

My father’s rage only grows. He charges again, aiming to tackle Carter, but Carter deflects him, causing him to stumble.

“Enough!” I scream, desperate. “Dad, please, just leave!”

I step between them, my hands pressing against my father’s chest. “You need to go.Now.”

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