Page 173 of Teacher's Pet

Elijah catches on immediately, his usual easygoing grin turning smug. "Absolutely. Cole doesn’t have a single one of his classes. In fact-" he turns toward Cole, eyes glinting "-Cole should probably screw off."

"Oh, Cole, honey," Megan’s mother coos. "We haven’t seen you in so long-"

Megan doesn’t miss a beat. "That’s because he’s not a part of Ana’s life anymore." Her voice is sweet, her smile sharper than glass. "Run along."

Cole’s jaw tightens. His hands flex at his sides, his control slipping just enough for his frustration to show. Then, with a slow, venomous smile, he steps back.

"It was nice seeing you both," he hisses. "I’m sure you’ll be thrilled to hear just how much time Professor Ackerman has been spending with your daughter."

A heavy silence settles over the group.

My grip on my dad tightens as I glance at Noah, suddenly acutely aware of just how many people are watching. The weight of Cole’s words lingers, but I force a bright smile, turning to my mom.

"Mom, why don’t you meet Elijah and Megan’s parents?" I suggest smoothly.

She hesitates but takes the hint, letting Megan guide her toward Elijah and her family.

That leaves just them.

Noah and my father.

The two men stand face to face, their expressions unreadable. No hostility, no immediate warmth, just quiet assessment.

Then, after a pause, my dad extends his hand. "Noah Ackerman," he says, his voice even. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in the flesh."

Noah doesn’t hesitate. He reaches out, shaking my father’s hand firmly, a genuine smile crossing his lips. "The honor is all mine, sir. I’ve heard such great things about you and your work."

My dad chuckles. "So you’re saying they miss me here?"

I cut in before the conversation can go any further. "Dad?" My voice is quiet, edged with disbelief. "How… how are you here? How are you so-"

"Alive?" He grins. "That’s a conversation for another time, Bean. Tonight is about you. Wouldn’t want to waste Mr. Ackerman’s money talking about my recovery."

My stomach drops.

What?

Snapping my gaze to Noah, I find him looking, of all things, embarrassed.

"Do you care to explain?" My eyes narrow.

Noah shifts uncomfortably under my stare.

"Oh, Ana, don’t be so hard on him," my dad interjects. "I tried to explain to all my old co-workers back here I couldn’t make it because of the travel costs, but Noah here overheard and generously offered to bring me and your mother out for the event, so long as I upheld my promise to give him some tips about my time here."

I blink.

Slowly, I turn to Noah, my mind struggling to process what I just heard.

"Y-you did that?"

Noah shrugs, ever so casual. "I’d do it for any of my students." Then, with a small, knowing smile, he adds, "Especially ones as special as you."

Noah fucking Antonov just flew my father out here.

Just so I could see him. Just so I could have this moment.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, I could ever do to repay that.

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