As I glanced at my phone, I felt disappointed it wasn't the message I had been anxiously awaiting.

I assured Marjorie that I'd deliver the reports before midnight and emphasized the urgency of revising the budget approvals for Hopevale's Hospital inauguration masquerade ball.

Her reply was brisk: 'Consider it done. Also, per direct orders, new projects have been sent via email this afternoon.'

Feeling my father's pettiness through her words, resentment washed over me. I resolved to deal with it later, pocketing my phone.

Turning my attention to Tammy, I forced a smile, determined not to let the weight of my responsibilities dampen our time together. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the manor, I felt a fleeting sense of peace amid the storm raging within.

At night, long corridors became a labyrinth of nightmares, where wild eyes promised torment and strange machinery whispered of agony. Desperation urged me to flee, but unseen forces trapped me in a suffocating embrace.

With the first light of dawn, I extricated myself from tangled sheets, shuddering at the memory of the night's terrors. Taking deep breaths, I pushed the feeling aside, seeking solace in the gentle embrace of morning.

A slight headache remind me of the cascade of troubles burdening me. My father's betrayal, the impending shareholders' meeting, the forced engagement, SteelCo's workload, pending assignments, Allistair's gambit and the haunting memory of the assault.

I made a mental effort to push aside these concerns as I prepared to meet with the Professor after classes. Maintaining my composure was imperative. Losing my barely grip on sanity was not an option I could afford, which was ironic considering how much wealth my family had.

Opting for a chic D&G floral dress with corset detailing, I quickly dressed, concealing the bruise on my neck with makeup - my new daily ritual. Completing the ensemble with a black leather jacket, and small platforms, though I grimaced slightly as my ankle twinged in protest.

During breakfast, Helga approached me hesitantly. "Miss Tahlia, your father inquired about your whereabouts for the other night. What should I respond?"

"None of your business," I said curtly, dismissing Helga with a wave of my hand. "And tell everyone else to steer clear, or I'll clean house. Is that understood?" Helga nodded quickly, her face paling at my tone.

I absolutely hated resorting to such low empty threats, specially to the manor staff who had been here for decades. But knowing my father, he wouldn't take kindly to me slipping away for the night. He'd see it as a challenge and retaliate, as he always did. The last thing I needed was for innocent staff members to get caught in the crossfire of our family feud.

As I pulled up to the campus parking, my phone buzzed again. A surge of warmth flooded me as I read Allistair's message expressing his longing for me. I quickly typed out a reply, subtly mentioning my father's inquiries and reaffirming my undying affection for him.

The morning passed in a blur of classes, but I found myself surprisingly entertained by Tammy's enthusiastic recounting of her newfound rebellious streak against her parents. Gone was the obedient girl I had known, replaced by a fiery spirit I couldn't help but admire.

Finally, the time arrived for my meeting with Professor Hahn. My biggest and only supporter in this matter, sidled up to me, pleading with those chocolate-melting eyes. "Please, let me come with you?"

I declined my head firmly, steeling myself against her imploring gaze. "Not this time, Tamms. I need to face him alone."

Disappointment flickered across her features, but she gave a reluctant nod. "Please be careful, Tally."

Nodding I squeezed her hand reassuringly, offering a warm smile before turning and making my way across campus to Hahn's office.

Approaching his door, a whirlwind of emotions churned within me, remnants of our last encounter lingering. Despite my attempts to distance myself, I couldn't deny the tension between us.

Apprehension gnawed at my insides as I wondered... Could I unravel his most guarded secrets without getting myself exposed to his dissecting gaze?

Mentally shaking off the thought, I squared my shoulders, ready to enter Hahn's office. As I raised my fist to knock, a towering pile of books came hurtling towards me. Stumbling back, I glared as a flustered Rosemary emerged from behind the precarious stack.

"You?" I narrowed my eyes, unable to mask my disdain for the mousy girl.

Her eyes widened with recognition and fear. "I'm sorr-"

Holding up a hand, I cut her off sharply, my impatience getting the better of me. "Let me guess. You didn't mean to murder my shoes and step on my dress, and that little stunt with Allistair was just a horrible coincidence, right?" I folded my arms, glaring at her. "Am I hitting it close?"

She nodded jerkily, hazel eyes darting around nervously, her lip caught between her teeth in anxious anticipation.

Reining in my exasperation, I forced a tight smile. Considering my own poor behavior during our last encounter, I couldn't justify lashing out again. After a moment's pause to collect myself, I met her gaze steadily. "It's okay. I have bigger concerns right now and it seems you're becoming a..."

I studied her for a moment, purposefully searching for a less harsh descriptor than 'an obnoxious stray cat that keeps appearing where she doesn't belong.'

"...permanent fixture in my life." I managed to finish, letting out a resigned sigh before continuing in a more courteous tone. "How about this time you just tell me what you were doing in Professor Hahn's office?"

"I'm his TA. I also serve as his personal assistant," she replied softly, nervously shifting her weight.

I nodded, acknowledging her response while my mind raced. "That's rather interesting," I mused, curiosity dancing in my eyes. "So you work with him at Hopevale Hospital as well?"

"Yes, I was going to bring some documents for his meeting with you," she admitted hesitantly.

"So, I gather you're aware that I'm directing the hospital project, and I suppose we'll be working together in some capacity," I remarked, maintaining a calm demeanor despite the internal whirlwind of questions.

"Yes. Professor Hahn told me," she stammered, her discomfort palpable. So, I decided to extend her an olive branch.

"How about this – why don't we start over. I'll let go of past grievances for today, at least."

I could tell she was in shock at my words, wary like a timid forest creature trying to determine if the big bad wolf was merely toying with her before striking.

So I added reassuringly, "That means I will forget all about our previous...encounters. And you..." I trailed off, the burning desire to properly apologize quashed by my own stubbornness. A queen never bows nor asks for forgiveness.

. "...do whatever you feel like doing. Is that okay?"

The relief on her face was kinda cute as she nodded furiously, a slight blush covering her face. She was an adorable meek creature I had to admit much to my own disgust.

"Wonderful," I said, glossing over her stammered gratitude. "I look forward to properly meeting you again, Rosemary." I smile brightly and she smiled back earnestly.

I felt a flicker of affection for her innocent reactions. In another universe, perhaps she could have been someone I enjoyed being around – someone too kind for this cutthroat world, someone I felt compelled to protect.

But that's a fantasy, I reminded myself firmly, pushing aside any sentimentality. In this life, I need to be cautious, if anything at least for her association with the Professor. I made a mental note to keep her under strict surveillance. Perhaps she held the key to unraveling it all.

With that, I brushed past Rosemary into Hahn's office, the dim lighting and musty scent of old books and coffee instantly evoking memories of our previous encounter. Bracing myself, I knew this meeting could potentially change everything or leave us stuck in the same maddening impasse.

The door swung open, revealing Professor Hahn's familiar form inmersed in a book, reading glasses on, looking pensive. His office was dimly lit, with shelves upon shelves of books lining the walls. The air was heavy with the scent of old paper and stale coffee. He looked up from his desk, a faint smile playing at his lips as he saw me enter.

I cleared my throat which efectively caught his attention. As I entered Professor Hahn remarked. "Ms. Steelman, you look refeshed," After giving me a quick assesive look he continued "I see your ankle is doing better."

I settled into the chair across from Professor Hahn, legs elegantly crossed, back straight, and doing my best to look politely attentive despite the restless impatience simmering beneath the surface. "Indeed, Professor. Thank you for your concern."

"Indeed," he echoed, steepling his long, agile fingers as he studied me over the tops of his glasses with that inscrutable look that never failed to unnerve me. After what felt like forever, he leaned back with the hint of a smirk. "You and I have been through quite an ordeal lately, wouldn't you say?"

"We have," I acknowledged carefully, choosing each word with precision. "I'll admit it was a rather unsettling situation. However, I don't see the point in dwelling on it unless it concerns the patients."

"Fair enough." His piercing gaze locked onto mine, as he nodded with understanding. The air suddenly grew thick with tension. That Cheshire grin of his grew. "However, I must admit you seem preoccupied, Miss Steelman. Is everything else alright, hmm?"

"Just the usual stresses of life, nothing I can't handle."

"Ms. Steelman, we both know you're not one to be burdened by insignificant things."

I let out a derisive chuckle and arched one brow. Predictable. "You fancy yourself quite the psychoanalyst, don't you, Professor?" I gestured towards the book he held before. "Analyzing your students like characters from a book?"

Rather than take the bait, he rose fluidly from his chair and casually strolled closer, hands stuffed in his pockets. "Call it a mere hobby," he murmured in that low, rumbling tone. "You're like a cloudy day trying its damnedest to contain a raging storm dying to break free."

A shiver went through me as he halted just inches from my chair. I tilted my head, forcing a cocky smirk to mask my sudden unease. "Well then, Professor Know-It-All, why don't you enlighten me about these ominous storm clouds you seem to think are looming over me? Since you seem to have such remarkable insight."

His gaze roamed over me brazenly, like he was openly drinking in every inch. He let out an amused chuckle. "You're a fascinating woman, Miss Steelman," he rasped in that gravelly timbre. "Fierce...formidable...defiant..." Then, as if letting the words out choked him, he purred, his voice low. "Intriguing...Beautiful."

I met his gaze defiantly. "Is there something on your mind, Professor?"

He trailed off, leaning down until I felt his hot breath fanning my cheek. "There's always something on my mind when it comes to you, Miss Steelman."

I caught my breath, cursing the flush rising on my skin as I struggled to maintain my composure. "Is there a point to this? Other than wasting my time."

Rather than answer, he abruptly retreated a few steps back. I was left flustered, pulse racing as I willed it to settle. A low chuckle rumbled from him. "Even the mightiest eventually succumb to their inner storms, Miss Steelman. The real test is finding the backbone to defy them."

With a dismissive wave of his hand, that impenetrable mask slipped back into place. "But enough amateur psychoanalyzing. You're here to discuss business, I presume?"

I blinked, momentarily thrown by his whiplash shift in demeanor. Nodding once in terse acknowledgment, I tried to process what had just transpired.

As we launched into the stated purpose of my visit, I couldn't shake the sense that there were unspoken undercurrents swirling beneath Hahn's impassive veneer. Just what was going on behind those glittering dark eyes of his?

As we reached the end of our meeting, I allowed my eyes to stray to the bookshelf. "Oh, and one more thing - I noticed you have a research assistant? Rosemary, is it?"

Hahn's eyes tightened ever so slightly, a detail I didn't miss. "Rosemary Smith has been working closely with me. More than just an assistant, she's my protégée. I've known her family for years and was pleased to find her interest in psychiatry, so I've taken her under my wing."

Careful not to betray my skepticism toward the mousy girl, I limited myself to a bright smile. "How considerate of you. She sounds remarkable. I look forward to making her acquaintance soon," I said evenly, watching him carefully.

His smile barely moved, lips tightening. "Of course. I'll make the arrangements to properly introduce you, then."

Leaving Professor Hahn's office, I felt a lingering unease. I knew I'd unsettled the unflappable professor, sensing he was hiding something. I had caught that fleeting glimpse of shadowed depths and somehow, I realized our fates were bound together in the heart of that catastrophic storm.

I was lost in my thoughts when my phone buzzed yet again, and my nerves spiked when I saw the answer I was anxiously waiting for.

'Ok, I'll bite. What do you want?'