Chapter 55 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Asher's POV:
“Good morning, everyone,” I greeted the moment I stepped into the classroom.
The response was immediate—a flood of voices in unison.
“Good morning, Professor Asher!”
I gave a soft nod, placing my bag gently on the table. Then I turned to face the class, my gaze sweeping slowly, deliberately, letting them feel my presence.
And then I saw her. Clara.
She was staring at me, her eyes sharp as if trying to read me, frown lightly creasing her forehead.
When she realized I was looking at her, she froze. Just like that. I noticed the little hitch in her breath, the subtle rise and fall of her throat.
She tried to look casual, but I caught it all—the tiny signs she thought she could hide.
I raised an eyebrow. She flinched almost imperceptibly, then gave me a small, awkward nod before darting her eyes away.
Her hands moved carefully, placing her notebook gently on her desk. Cute. Innocent, but nervous.
Good. You’ve got a whole lot of things to explain to me…
I tore my gaze away, clasped my hands behind my back, and cleared my throat.
The room went silent immediately, every student feeling the shift in energy.
I let the silence stretch for a heartbeat longer than necessary, letting them all settle under my watch.
Then I began.
“Now, going through all your projects…” I began, my voice even, controlled, echoing slightly in the quiet room.
I let the pause hang just long enough to make them shift in their seats, anticipation coiling like a spring.
“…I must say—”
At that point, there were no whispers, no nervous shuffling. Every pair of eyes was locked on me, attentive, silent.
I could practically hear their hearts thumping, a low, collective rhythm beneath the quiet.
Even Clara had her gaze fixed on me, sharp and curious, though I deliberately didn’t look at her.
“You all did exceptionally well,” I said finally, letting the words settle deliberately.
A wave of relief rippled through the classroom. Students exhaled deeply, some leaning back in their chairs, a few whispering soft praises under their breath.
From the side of my eyes, I caught Clara’s reaction. Her lips parted slightly, a faint crease of disbelief crossing her forehead. She looked… confused.
Surprised.
Exactly as I had expected.
Because, truthfully, I hadn’t received a single project from any of them. I hadn’t graded anything. I had given the marks freely, automatically.
I was close to questioning Clara - closely, quietly - about everything, but I held back. Doing so would implicate both of us.
And with everything that had been happening lately… I didn’t want more complications. Not today.
“Sir,” a student called out from the far end of the room, his voice hesitant but hopeful, “Does that mean we… We aced the course? No one’s repeating it?”
I nodded gently, letting the confirmation land slowly.
The classroom erupted immediately - excitement spilling out like a dam breaking. Chairs scraped back, murmurs, laughter, a few whoops of joy.
The energy was almost tangible, a chaotic mix of relief and celebration.
Amidst it all, Clara stayed still, her expression frozen, caught off guard, a mixture of disbelief and confusion in her eyes.
I held her gaze for a long moment, calm, unyielding, letting her feel the weight of my attention without saying a word. My hands remained clasped behind my back.
In that moment, I realized just how much power, silence could hold. How much tension it could build. And how thoroughly it could capture someone’s full attention.
Clara blinked once, then slowly closed her mouth, shifting just slightly in her seat - but she didn’t break eye contact.
Good. Exactly where I wanted her.
Just then, a hand lifted hesitantly from the second row.
“Um… Professor?” a student asked carefully.
I turned my attention in his direction.
“Yes?”
He squinted slightly, then gestured vaguely at my head.
“What happened to you, sir? Why do you have a bandage wrapped around your head?”
The room fell silent.
Instantly.
Every pair of eyes shifted to me - then to the bandage. I felt the weight of their stares settle heavily against my skin.
Clara was staring too.
Not curious this time.
Confused.
Concerned.
And far too observant for my liking.
Before I could respond, another student leaned forward, brows furrowed.
“Sir… is it because of the warehouse?” he asked cautiously. “That night you went to get the project reports from Miss Bennett?”
A ripple of murmurs swept through the class.
Then another voice chimed in, louder, more alarmed.
“Oh—oh my God,” a girl whispered.
“That explains it. That must be why Mrs. Brooklyn cancelled classes yesterday. Clara was rushed to the school hospital late last night too… by someone.”
My jaw tightened.
“What happened, sir?” another student asked quickly.
“Thank goodness you’re okay.”
The whispers multiplied, overlapping, growing louder, messier - dangerously close to spiraling into something I couldn’t control.
That was enough.
“Alright!” I said sharply.
The single word cut through the noise like a blade.
Silence dropped instantly.
“I appreciate your concern,” I continued, my voice calm but firm. “Genuinely. But before this escalates into what it is not - no.”
I paused, letting my gaze sweep across the room.
“As much as the warehouse is a restricted zone for a reason, I did not get this injury from there.”
A few students nodded slowly, relieved.
I released a measured breath. “I had a minor accident. That’s all. I’m fine now.”
More nods followed. Some faces softened. Acceptance settled in easily for most of them.
But not Clara.
Her eyes stayed on me, narrowed just slightly.
She didn’t believe a word of it.
I was just about to speak again when it hit me.
A scent.
Faint - but unmistakable.
My chest tightened instantly.
My inner wolf stirred, alert and sharp, rising to the surface like it had been waiting for this exact moment.
The class went dead silent again.
Not because of me.
Because someone had walked in.
Boots thudded against the floor.
I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.
My jaw clenched hard.
I turned anyway.
And my eyes locked with his.
Jake Williams
That audacious bastard.
My blood heated instantly.
Can someone explain to me why this bastard suddenly popped out of nowhere?
Why the sudden appearance?
He held my gaze without flinching.
Of course he did.
Audacious as always, I thought bitterly.
No shame. No fear. Just walking in like, he owns the place.
I tore my eyes away the moment I realized he wasn’t looking at me anymore.
He was looking past me.
At someone else.
My gaze followed instinctively.
Clara.
She was staring at him now, mouth slightly open, eyes widened in clear shock, blinking rapidly like she wasn’t sure what she was seeing.
Something dark curled in my chest.
Before I could stop myself, the words left my mouth.
“Miss Bennett,” I said sharply.
Her head snapped toward me immediately.
“I want to see you after class.”