MIRA'S POV:

"So, you are suggesting that we should put up some security on our campus as well?" Dr. Stephen asked me in front of the board.

A few days ago, when we go to know about the murder, I already had a discussion with Andrew, and he suggested that I should present the idea in front of the board as well. This will not only, help with campus security, but also will help my voice reach the right people.

I knew he always had my back. Just like my father.

"Given the situation in the city, we cannot just ignore it. For us, the safety of this university and its students is a priority. And we must do everything that is in our hands regarding the matter. Of course, this will also affect our investors, if they hear the news. And therefore, we must be prepared, so that no one can put fingers on NYU's reputation." I replied politely indicating my stance.

Not to my surprise, Kelly and his father were also present there. And I already have guessed a sense of mockery and objection towards me from them. That is what they were doing past four years. Nicarno Johnson Anderson was all cocky like his daughter, when he said, "but it is just some crime that happens in the city, like normal days we can't come up with anything new. Also, it will only redirect the expenses."

"Normal days? Have you not seen the news? Three murders in two months are quite higher than the normal crime rate in Manhattan in the last few years." I said stating my opinion. "And the last one coincidentally was very close to our campus, which we cannot ignore like this."

"What do you suggest?" Mr. Norman asked. He was one of the modest men on the board apart from Andrew. Well, if I have to be honest regarding the politics of NYU board members, there are more than just elite faces and attributes. The group was roughly divided into two gatherings. Among Andrew and Nicarno.

Though Andrew was the president, but Nicarno made sure in these years, to gain a few loyalties of his own. Not much, but enough.

"Well, sir, NYPD is taking care of the city and the cases, where all we can do is to spread a little awareness in the students. It is very likely that students do go out on weekends. At least they had been warned... And adding a few more security in the campus and dorms would likely made things under control. After all, all we want is to keep NYU's name clean from all kinds of gossip."

"And do you think they haven't heard the news and are waiting for our warnings?" Nicarno asked sitting up straight in his chair. "Moreover, this is not India, NY is much more independent than what you have grown up back home. We cannot just put security in every pillar and restricts the students from their basic freedom."

"I don't mean to imply that they haven't watched the news or restrict them from their basic needs. I am simply saying that if we take the initiative, we should warn them and maybe put a little more security so that everything stays in control. Safety precaution isn't something to restrict anyone from doing anything. It's about reminding the awareness and doing their work peacefully." I suggested. "In campus, at least they will be safe and it is more likely that they travel in a group, so one of every three people might take the warning and we can warn our students when they go out."

Nicarno's face tightened. He was a bottom feeder, but he was smart enough to recognize I had a point. He knew it could cause the project failure with Mr. Han if anything goes wrong. That would wipe millions off NYU's market value the last year, which was caused by his own daughter. If he's smart enough, he won't repeat that again.

But I guess he isn't the one to back down easily.

"Why do you make this sound like you are the only one who is thinking about this university and students? Moreover, the crime that happened last week was far from the campus. If we invite uninvited attention towards us this will only drag us and our university name into this. Let NYPD do their work and we must continue the work as it was." Nicarno spat like the bastard he is. It has always been like this. Whenever the attention slips from him, he is likely to get his attention back with taunting sarcasm.

"I am sorry to keep my opinion like this, but I think you have no idea where this murder took place. It was not far from campus. Club B is the one where the murder happened. And I don't know if you know or not, this is the most common club that our students go for." Nina stated being optimistic that her words would affect them.

Club B? Isn't that the club where Alex and I met the second time? Nina's information got me got my attention to know more about the case.

Fuck, how does she know that in the first place? Does she know.... No, she can't. We are very cautious about this. Most probably she got to know from the case file.

I could see Nicarno's face getting uncomfortable with the fact that I suggested something to the board. From what I remember, he is more brutal than his daughter. I have encountered Nicarno a few times before. All because of work. And I've seen how his eyes always scan my figure like his eyes were dying to rip off my clothes. Pervert. Let's just say I have never liked him that much. Nor did he like me. Or his daughter. He was extremely selfish, a prude and a bastard. Like father like daughter.

Although I met his wife Mrs. Jenny Anderson a few times all due to office parties where Andrew helped me blend in. She was an extremely polite person. I even saw how Nicarno fooled his wife while staying with his mistresses. Somewhere I could feel the pain she is having, but nothing could console her, of what she is going through.

If I could, I would put that bastard behind the bars for his dirty deeds. But I know that with his power and money he could easily dodge that.

Not that it is my matter. But I felt sorry for her. But I have also promised myself to keep my nose out of their work. That is the only mantra to stay in a healthy peaceful life.

"Very well. I'll speak to my friend Renson in the NYPD department and look into this matter further. As far as campus safety is concerned, I will take the necessary steps. Thank you, Miss Mira and Miss Nina for bringing this matter forward." Andrew complimented.

I gave a gentle smile, as I replied, "it's part of my job sir."

The session was discreet by the law passed by the board of directors. This law stated that security would be set high inside the campus and a general awareness would be passed personally among all the students.

"You did well" Nina complimented.

"You did too," I replied with a half-smile. "But as you said the incident took place in Club B. Do you have the picture of the person who got killed?"

"No, I don't. You know that I don't intend to keep pictures of dead bodies. But his name is Arthur Pittsburg."

I took out my phone to search for this guy but I got a network issue inside the A wing of the campus. I have reminded Mrs. Hillary to do the needful, but I haven't heard since then, maybe I should hire someone more efficient this time. I sighed telling myself I would look into this later. As we were talking, I heard someone call me from behind.

"Miss Mira?"

I turned around to see who it was, and it was Mr. Nicarno Anderson. Kelly's dad.

"Mr. Anderson." I acknowledge with dry amusement.

"I see you are doing your job well."

"I am just doing what I get paid for."

"I see. I think you get paid for more than just this job. And if you want, I can pay even more." His humour was not funny at all, and it made me want to punch his eyes. I think he'd look good with a black eye someday.

"What do you mean?"

His eyes scanned my figure, more like eye-fucked me for a second, before he replied, "you know exactly what I mean Mira," he said with a half-smirk. "I bet you are very intelligent to understand your profits"

My goal was to kick him between the legs so that his dick would be permanently damaged. But I held on to my anger.

"I think the meeting has been dismissed. I need to leave now. I have a few works to attend to." I sorted out my files and was ready to leave. But then I thought to stop in my tracks and said in a low whisper "And make sure you keep your filthy perverted eyes to yourself from now on. Otherwise, I won't think twice before taking them out, if I see you gawking at me again."

I wanted to see his expression, but I had to leave with Nina. I don't want to start anything right now. Thankfully Nina didn't hear out conversation.

The rest of the day was quite busy with work and files. As I returned home, I searched for the murder victim. I was shocked to see that it was none other than the guy I had met that day in the club a few weeks ago.

"Arthur Pittsburg was killed in the middle of the road in cold blood. His body was found beside a bar that was said he frequented visited. Despite his enormous empire in the field of business, he was also known for having illegal businesses in prostitution, drugs and other black businesses, that have come forth just now. The NYPD has stated that his body was found in such a way that he had been tortured before he was murdered. There is a high probability that the work was done by one of his investors or by one of his enemies who wanted to take over his empire or someone who brought out his illegal businesses. It is also probable that "The Revolt Group" is behind the neat work. They are the only ones who have the dirty hands of professional killings like this. However, NYPD is still looking into the matter and investigating it--"

I knew from the beginning that he was a bastard. I wondered who killed him, but I was also relieved that Alex didn't kill him that day. I surely wouldn't enjoy seeing our name flashed on the morning news.

Over the next few days, NYPD officers personally visited the campus, and security was doubled. There are no suspects yet, but the one thing that caught my eye was the name "The Revolt Group". I wonder who they are. I've got to know a few things about them, but they don't have much information on socials, which is why no correct way to get to know them.

One thing that was commonly found in their case files over the internet was that they were involved with the dirty work, only to reveal the dirtiest from their target.

This week was longer than we expected. Last week Alex and I couldn't meet much because he had to catch up on his studies for his practicals. Studies come first before sex. I was happy to see at least he was responsible and sincere towards his responsibilities.

After another long week finally, I smiled when I saw the text I just received from Alex.

"I am waiting for you in the parking lot. Don't be late."

A whole bunch of butterflies crawled up to my stomach for a second and I smiled like an idiot. I would be lying if I didn't say I missed his touch. It has been more than two weeks since I last felt his hands on my skin. His lips on my lips and his...

"Is something up?" A voice cut me off from my imaginative make-out shesh with Alex.

I quickly switched off the screen before turning my attention to the owner of the voice.

"Andrew?" I gasp. "You should have called me instead." I smiled standing up from my chair.

"That's okay. I wanted to meet you personally to take some notes." He smiled while walking inside. It is not likely for him to come down to meet me like this. He is busier than I am, with all those meetings with the board.

"Please, have a seat."

We sat down in our respective chairs and I gave my full attention to him. It must be something that is really bugging him, that he had to come down to talk to me urgent. I hope it is not about Nicarno's other stupid stunt. I swear, I would kill that bastard myself.

"You see NYU is holding a ball by this spring. More than four months away from now. This is due to recruiting a new president for the future." The news spread like a wildfire in me. Well, I knew about the ball. This time Kelly and Nina were given responsibilities to take care of it, under my guidance. But I didn't know it was for recruiting a new president.

"Are you retiring?" I queried with all my curiosity.

"Not now, but perhaps in a few years. The new recruit has to work for a few days under the title of Vice President to learn and understand the work and then can take off the duty and role."

"I... never had a thought of you leaving this university"

"I know my child. That is why I am worried about you a little." He paused. He seemed a little tense. "It is very likely that after me, Nicarno will take over the seat. As of now, he has the experience and the votes. But at the same time, I know that he is not suited to this university. I do have an idea about his dirty hands and I do not want him to take over the responsibilities of this school."

"Then don't leave." My voice broke at the end. I don't know but the idea didn't suit me very well. I mean what would I do after he leaves? I mean, I would be so alone here. Again. And I know Nicarno would every possible thing under his power to break me.

He laughed at my word, but I found no humour in them. I was serious. I mean what would I do without him? He is the only one who has guided me all these years. I had never thought of him leaving this school.

"Only if I can, my dear. My time at this university is likely to be over soon. And someone else has to take over this responsibility."

"Then what are you thinking about?" I asked, not sure what going on in his mind but I know he would think something solid. He is experienced more than I am.

"I just wanted to know if you can take over this responsibility?"

I was not sure if I was shocked or surprised by his question. What is he trying to say? I have never seen myself taking on such responsibility. But what he said was right too. Nicarno would not be a wise choice. But then again me... No...

"I... I am not sure..."

He cut me off by saying, "I know you are not sure and not ready yet. But I believe in you. I know no one can be better than you for this job. All these years you've spent time, building a future for NYU the way Nicarno never did." He smiled. "Trust me, with all these years of experience, I could see potential in a candidate. And you have it all."

"But... I don't know if they will accept someone with much less experience"

"I know..." He sighed. "You are not with handsome experience in the field, and it will be difficult to make you suitable for the position, but we can't ignore the passion you have. It is rare. You have the abilities that could make huge differences. And NYU would be lucky to get you as their president." He finished with a smile.

I was too taken aback to even speak right now. I never thought to get an opportunity like this. But I know this is not going to be easy.

Well, nothing in my life was easy before.

He stood up and began to walk out. "I am not saying to give an answer right away, but I would like to know your answer before the spring ball."

And with that, he just left me in a state of confusion.

What should I do?

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Happy Reading. :)