Oliver's Pov
Convincing Jessie to accompany me to the dean's office wasn't easy, but here we are.
My phone vibrates in my pocket again. It's Lucy. She's been texting non-stop, but whatever it is can wait.
The dean's office is engulfed in silence as Jessie and I sit across from him. He's a tall, well-built man, the type who clearly values his health and fitness. Even in his fifties, his thick salt-and-pepper hair is still thick, and his hairline full.
Jessie's gaze darts around the room. I know she doesn't want to be here. I understand. It took me two years to summon the courage to return to school and finish my degree. A degree I rarely use because, as a Cooper, my role eclipses everything else.
"Jessica, it's good to see you again," the dean begins, his tone warm. "You were one of our best students."
Jessie narrows her eyes, her rebellious streak flaring up. I know that look.
"And I'm glad you've given my wife this second chance," I interject, hoping to preempt whatever cutting remark she might make.
She glares at me, her lips parting as if to argue, but I give her a warning glance. Her second chance came at a cost.
To secure her re-admittance, I made an expensive trade: La Cooper will host all university conferences for free, and I'll fund the construction of their new state-of-the-art library. Add her tuition to the mix, and the cost is staggering.
Either way i would do it again.
"We're glad to have her back," the dean says cautiously, "as long as the rules are adhered to and past mistakes aren't repeated."
Jessie bristles. "I didn't make any mistakes, and you know it."
Her voice is firm, unyielding.
Something in her voice and eyes tell me that she means what she is saying.
I decide not to interfere.
I lean back, letting her speak her truth. If the university decides to revoke the acceptance, so be it. I'll find another university willing to take her.
The dean's Adam's apple bobs as he swallows nervously, choosing to ignore her remark. Instead, he slides a document across the desk. "Next semester, there's an internship opportunity for the top student at the forensic science lab. It involves assisting with crime scene analysis, evidence processing, and lab research."
Jessie hesitates, her hand hovering over the paper.
I know how much this means to her, even if she won't admit it aloud. Finally, she takes the paper, her expression unreadable.
"See you next Monday," the dean concludes. But Jessie is already on her feet, heading for the door.
I handle the rest of the meeting and find her waiting outside, arms crossed.
"That went well," I say, surprised when she steps forward and wraps her arms around me.
"Thank you," she whispers.
I don't respond, savoring the unexpected warmth of her embrace.
"Will you be okay here?" I ask, pulling back to meet her gaze.
"Yeah, I will," she says, but her eyes are darker, her meaning unclear.
"I have to meet Christian. You can come along if you'd like."
"Not today," she replies quickly.
"He'll be disappointed. He was looking forward to seeing you again."
"Then let's arrange for dinner another time. I just have...matters to attend to."
"Can I drive you?" I offer.
She shakes her head. "Don't trouble yourself. I'll take one of the other cars."
Her tone is clipped, almost anxious. Something's off, but I decide not to press.
"Alright. I'll see you this evening."
As she turns to leave, an impulsive need surges through me. I grab her hand, pull her close, and kiss her. It's brief but electric, leaving us both momentarily stunned.
Why did i do that?
"See you later," I murmur, waving as I drive off. She lingers for a moment, looking uneasy before disappearing from view.
Jessie's POV
I ask the driver to drop me at a nearby café. It's close to Grey's apartment, though I don't want Oliver's staff reporting my whereabouts to him.
After ensuring no one is watching, I sneak out and make my way to Grey's place.
What am I doing? Is this a trap?
Grey opens the door as I step out of the elevator. His smirk is as infuriating as ever.
"Old habits die hard, huh?" he teases. "Sneaking around like the old days."
His penthouse is sleek but impersonalâa stereotypical bachelor pad.
"You're living here?" I ask, ignoring his taunt.
He chuckles, looking around with satisfaction. "I'm a bachelor now. Didn't need the big house anymore. Plus, the girls love it."
I step past him. "Where's my sister?"
"In the shower. You can wait." He suggests.
I don't trust him. Ignoring his suggestion, I search for the bathroom. My heart races as I call out, "Iris?"
No response.
"Iris?" I call again, louder this time.
Still nothing.
Sliding open the misty glass door, I see a figure with her back turned to me.
"Iris?" My voice trembles.
She turns, and my breath catches. It's her.
Her face is older, harder, but undeniably hers.
The face of her mother, the pictures that my father still hang in our house. She hated it.
We lock eyes, the moment heavy with years of silence and unresolved issues.
Then, Grey appears beside me, his presence breaking the spell. I then remember she is naked.
I instinctively step in front of Iris, shielding her.
"Get out," I snap at him, my voice sharp.
He doesn't move, stunned by what is before him. I grab the showerhead and spray him, forcing him to retreat.
He shakes his head and leaves.
I turn back to Iris, but her expression isn't one of gratitude.
"Dear sister," she begins, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You were always so eager to take my place, to be me. How does it feel now?"
Her smirk cuts through me like a blade.
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