Chapter 6

Clutching the strap of her bag, Gabriela heaved a deep sigh as she slid open the door to the classroom assigned to her for her first block at Briar University. Stepping inside, she closed the door behind her, her steps faltering when her eyes landed on a familiar figure seated across the professor's desk.

She blinked, glancing around to confirm her surroundings. A handful of students were already settled in their seats, chatting softly. Her gaze returned to the figure—Vien Briar—who now looked directly at her, one brow raised in a mixture of amusement and challenge.

"Did I... enter the wrong room?" Gabriela asked hesitantly, her fingers fumbling with the file in her hands.

Vien scoffed as she stood, exuding an air of authority in her wine-red blouse neatly tucked into beige tailored trousers, cinched with a sleek black belt. The finishing touch—a pair of designer heels—clicked softly against the floor as she approached. Her long hair was styled into an immaculate French bun, completing the look of someone not to be trifled with.

"No, you're in the right room," Vien replied, her tone cool and direct.

Gabriela swallowed, feeling an odd mix of awe and intimidation as Vien stopped in front of her.

"Professor Vaega," Vien began, leaning in slightly, her voice dropping just enough to command attention. "You know, staring at someone like that—" she paused, her lips curving into a faint smirk, "—isn't exactly polite. You look like some kind of maniac."

Gabriela blinked, taking an instinctive step back. "What?"

Tilting her head, Vien chuckled softly, the sound laced with mock amusement. "Go ahead, Professor Vaega," she said, gesturing toward the desk. "It's your first day as a professor at Briar University, isn't it? At least try to prove you deserve the position." With that, she firmly tapped Gabriela's shoulder before retreating to the back of the room, leaving Gabriela standing there, stunned.

"Wow," Gabriela murmured under her breath, watching Vien's elegant figure retreat. "She's really cold when her daughter isn't around."

Shaking her head, Gabriela finally moved toward the desk, setting her bag down. Her brows furrowed when she noticed a small box of chocolates sitting on top of it. Curious, she picked it up and read the attached note:

Congratulations on securing the position, Ms. Vaega. This is an apology bribe for my daughter's smart mouth. Sincerely apologize for that.

- Vien Briar

Gabriela's lips twitched into an amused smile as she glanced toward the doorway where Vien had disappeared. Clicking her tongue, she muttered to herself, "So she does have a nice side after all."

Entering the department office, Gabriela greeted each professor present with a polite smile before settling into her chair. She only had two blocks to teach today, so the schedule felt manageable. Glancing to her side, she noticed another professor seated nearby—Ingrid March, a forensic doctor. Gabriela offered her a friendly smile, which Ingrid returned with a gentle nod.

"So, how's your first day going so far?" Ingrid asked, turning her attention fully to Gabriela.

Gabriela chuckled softly. "It's been fine. I think I'm going to enjoy teaching my classes," she replied with a smile.

Ingrid nodded approvingly. "Well, the students here are pretty competitive. That's one reason so many aim to get into Briar University."

"This place being owned by the Briar family probably helps," Gabriela said, clicking her tongue lightly.

Ingrid laughed softly. "True. Oh, by the way, did you hear—"

She was interrupted as the department door opened, and the room fell silent. All eyes turned to the newcomers: the Briar twins.

Gabriela's stomach flipped when she met Vien's sharp gaze, which was quickly averted.

"If it isn't the Briar twins," Professor Matthew Ward, the Dean of the Department, said warmly, standing and striding toward them.

"Professor Ward," the woman beside Vien greeted him with a polite smile. Gabriela tilted her head, studying her closely. Oh, the other twin, she thought, noting the striking resemblance to Vien.

"What a surprise," Vera said, her tone smooth.

Matthew chuckled. "What brings the Forensic Science department the honor of a visit from the Briar twins?" he asked, his gaze flitting between Vera and Vien.

"I'll let Vien explain," Vera replied, stepping back slightly.

Vien rolled her eyes. "And here I thought you were going to explain everything. What are you, a decoration?" she quipped, drawing soft chuckles from the faculty.

"Oh, I'm just here as moral support," Vera said with a sly smile, her gaze lingering briefly on Gabriela, who was looking at Vien.

Vien sighed, clasping her hands as if trying to gather patience. "Since the new school year has begun and we've successfully hired new professors, Vera and I have decided to host a dinner gathering this Saturday. We're planning to meet with each department in the university one at a time," she explained, her eyes subtly tracking Vera as she wandered through the room before coming to a stop beside Gabriela.

What is she doing? Vien thought, irritated, as Vera lingered near Gabriela, who seemed entirely too focused on her. Their gazes briefly met, and Vien gulped before looking away.

"This Saturday?" one of the professors asked, confused. "Do we need to bring anything, or is it all taken care of?"

"Just bring yourselves. We'll handle everything else," Vera chimed in, resting a hand lightly on Gabriela's chair. "We're especially looking forward to seeing the new professors there."

Vien cleared her throat, nodding. "Exactly. This is an opportunity to formally welcome our new faculty and show appreciation to our long-standing professors for their dedication to Briar University."

Matthew chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Will the Briar twins themselves be attending? Usually, the Briars don't show up to these kinds of events."

Vien raised a brow at Matthew, then glanced at Vera before turning back to him. "Professor Ward," she began with a measured tone, "those were the previous Briars. You probably never saw them because you were too busy with your... extracurricular activities to attend gatherings yourself."

Matthew clicked his tongue, feigning offense. "Well, I'll be delighted to attend this event and see if the Briar twins actually participate," he said, a hint of challenge in his tone.

Vien scoffed, stepping closer to him. "Professor Ward," she said, brushing invisible dust off his shoulder, "perhaps you should address me as Ms. Briar—or even President Briar would suffice." She shrugged, her tone laced with feigned indifference. "Respect is a two-way street. Either show it or keep your mouth shut. Those are your only options."

The room was silent as Vien took a step back and smiled. "Oh, and one more thing," she said, raising a finger as if struck by inspiration. "Try not to let everyone here know you were once rejected by a Briar. It would be a shame to tarnish your reputation, wouldn't it?" She chuckled softly. "Oops, did I just let that slip? My apologies... or not."

Gabriela bit her lower lip, stifling a laugh as the other faculty members awkwardly cleared their throats, trying to maintain composure.

Vien straightened and addressed the room again. "As I was saying, we'll send out the details via email. We're expecting everyone to attend."

Vera, already heading for the door, paused to tap Matthew's shoulder. "You should've kept quiet, Professor," she said with a sly grin before leaving the room with Vien trailing behind, rolling her eyes.

Once they were gone, Ingrid sighed. "The Briar twins really are untouchable queens," she said with a soft laugh.

Gabriela cleared her throat, trying to keep her expression neutral. "More like terrifying," she muttered, clicking her tongue. Vien Briar... just how am I supposed to get close to you? she wondered silently.