Page 210 of Teacher's Pet

The EMT stops mid-sentence. One look at Noah’s sharp, unwavering gaze, and he wisely shuts his mouth.

I don’t let go.

I don’t let the moment slip away.

Instead, I hold on, kissing him like it’s the only thing keeping me tethered to this world.

Chapter 40

Anastasia

One year later.

"I've got to be the first girl in history to be engaged to her ex-professor before finishing school," I laugh, twirling the massive sparkler on my left hand. The diamond catches the warm glow of the Briar's living room, winking at me like it’s in on the joke.

Eden reaches for my hand, inspecting the ring with an approving smirk. Her daughter, Eve, sits at the coffee table, completely absorbed in coloring what I assume is a portrait of me.

I take a slow sip of wine, letting the rich taste linger as my gaze sweeps across the Briars’ home, equal parts elegant and secure, a sanctuary wrapped in wealth and quiet power.

Eden lifts her glass, taking a generous drink before grinning. “Noah really doesn’t hold back, does he?” she muses. “Liquidating your family's empire, forging a new path for Catalyst every day... it definitely has its perks.”

Through the glass doors leading to the backyard, Noah and Roman stand near the grill, deep in murmured conversation, their glasses of scotch reflecting the last streaks of sunlight. They stare at the sizzling meat like their combined focus might cook it faster.

"Done!" Eve announces suddenly, thrusting her drawing inches from my face.

I blink at it. It’s... creative to say the least—an exaggerated version of me, complete with what looks like a black scribble for my wrecked hair the night her father, Noah, and I finished an operation.

"Wow," I gasp, dramatically placing a hand over my heart. "This has to be a picture. There's no way it's just a drawing," I say, grinning.

Eve shakes her head, her brown curls bouncing with the movement. "Drew it. Right here." She taps the table for emphasis. "I made one of Uncle Noah too!"

She lifts another picture, somehow evenworsethan mine, and I nearly snort wine out of my nose.

"You should show him," I suggest, barely containing my amusement. I can already picture Noah’s reaction, the way he'll struggle to keep a straight face under Roman’s watchful glare.

Eve’s eyes light up. "Roger that!" She takes off toward the patio, her small hands gripping the masterpiece like a prized possession.

Eden chuckles, swirling the wine in her glass. "That was cruel. You know he won’t crack in front of Roman."

We watch as Eve tugs on Noah’s shirt. He glances down, then lifts her effortlessly into his arms. "What you got there, kiddo?"

Eve beams, holding up the drawing. "It's you! I did one of Aunt Ana too."

Noah’s expression flickers, his usual confidence slipping just for a second. He plasters on an uneasy grin. "What do you think?" Eve asks, tilting her head.

Roman takes a slow sip of his drink. "Yeah, Noah," he says, voice low and knowing. "What do you think?"

Noah's forced smile widens as he examines the masterpiece. "Looksexactlylike me," he says with a theatrical nod. "You’re truly a master of your craft. I never would’ve thought to put my earthere."

Eve giggles as Noah sets her down. She turns to Roman expectantly, and he already knows what to do. Scooping her up, he presses loud, exaggerated kisses to her cheek as she squeals in delight, clinging to him.

Noah watches them for a moment before glancing my way.

Eden lifts her glass to her lips, speaking just loud enough for me to hear. "He wants them, you know," she murmurs. "Noah, I mean."

Swirling my drink, I let out a slow sigh.

"Explain to me how I’m supposed to juggle undercover work for Catalyst, finish school,andraise a child?" I ask, raising a brow.

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