Page 14 of Lessons in Touch

“That’s great. Have you been invited to spend Christmas with them, then?”

“In a way. Timothy sent me an email and mentioned that he wants to show me the insides of the business and introduce me to everyone.”

“Yes, that’s important. But tell me, Rose, do you want to work for the Devreaux family business after you graduate from Wolfswood?”

I ponder his question for a second.

“Honestly, I don’t know yet, and I don’t think I should make any decisions right now. I want to meet Timothy and understand more about the business itself before I decide.”

“That’s so clever,” he flatters me with a smile, and I can feel myself blushing. “So, tell me more, then. How did Victor find you? How did he know that you were his long-lost sister?”

“Victor tracked me down through a private investigator. He wanted to make things right and to give me my share of the Devereaux inheritance. Of course, there are conditions. The main one is that I have to graduate from Wolfswood.”

“Please don’t worry about that, Rose. Wolfswood is just a milestone. You’re doing well in your classes, and that’s what matters. I do have one piece of advice for you, though. Make sure that you become friendly with the other students. Their acceptance is important. This is just school, but you will have to deal with them later, especially if you plan on going into the family business.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, just like you, the other students will also, most likely, take over their family businesses. It’s important that you are already friends with them. In this way, any future dealings will be much easier.”

“Thank you, Gabriel. Thank you so much for the advice… I didn’t expect to tell anyone my story and… my fears. It means a lot that you’re listening.”

“That’s what I’m here for, Rose,” he smiles.

Before I can respond, a figure approaches us. It’s Cassandra Vane. Her blonde hair is gleaming, and her uniform accentuates her curves.

“Professor Thorn,” she addresses, pausing at our table. “I was hoping to discuss my essay.”

Gabriel’s expression remains polite but distant.

“Miss Vane, I’m with a student now. Schedule a meeting through my office.”

Cassandra pauses, and her lips slightly part. She’s definitely expecting more.

“Surely you must have a moment, Professor Thorn. My essay could benefit from your… personal insight.”

“I’m occupied, Miss Vane. My office hours are posted for a reason.”

Gabriel’s eyes flick back to me, unwavering.

Her smile tightens, and she steps closer, undeterred.

“I’ve heard you’re running for Senate. A man like you must value bold initiative. I’d love to discuss your campaign privately.”

“My campaign is public knowledge,” Gabriel replies. “If you have questions, submit them through my assistant.”

Cassandra looks less confident than when she walked up to our table.

“You’re brushing me off? I’m offering to engage with your work, Professor. Most men would appreciate that.”

“I’m not most men,” Gabriel says, his gaze steady, cold. “My focus is on my students’ education, not personal engagements.”

“You’re serious? You’d rather sit here with her than talk to me?”

“Miss Devereaux is my priority right now,” Gabriel says, his words final. “I suggest you respect that.”

Cassandra’s shock is almost palpable. “You’re making a mistake, Professor. I don’t get refused.”

“Then consider this a first,” Gabriel replies, and turns back to his book and me, dismissing her entirely. “Good day, Miss Vane.”