Love was an overrated emotion.
He had no intention of falling. Glancing around the campus, he had an amazing vantage point, taking in the students and the teachers. He spotted Adora speaking to an older man around his own age, and Tobias didn’t like it as the two laughed.
There was a closeness there. He intended to put a stop to it.
****
“I found your comparison interesting. Your own apartment building to that of an upscale apartment—fascinating. You’ve got an eye for differences, Adora. It’s very rare. Usually my students wish to talk about modern architecture in buildings that have been erected for special occasions, not general-purpose buildings.”
Adora smiled. She enjoyed Professor Feswick’s class. Not only did he talk about historical architecture and how it had evolved, he listened to everything. Out of all of her professors, she adored his class the most. He had a real passion for it, which hadn’t died in the years of teaching.
“Thank you, I really do appreciate that.”
“I’m not sure an examiner would agree. Even down to your notice of cheap materials between them. Also, you know you cannot compare the two as I also looked into it on my lunch break, and both buildings were constructed by different companies.”
“I know. I looked into it as well. The company that built my apartment building is known for their cheap houses and apartments for the masses. The one where my mother works, they’re known for only building for the wealthy, and tend to only be involved if the paycheck is high enough.” Not only did she enjoy working on architecture, she loved going back to the nitty gritty basics, which again was why Feswick was her favorite professor.
“When you graduate, I hope I get a student with as much enthusiasm as you. You’re a real treasure, Adora. Don’t let any company that you decide to intern with take that out of you.”
Before she could speak, someone pulled her into their arms. At first, she tried to pull away, but looking up into Tobias’s angry glare, she found herself frozen.
It was Friday. She had no idea he intended to pick her up from campus. It wasn’t late either, and in that moment, she couldn’t remember if he’d given her a time when he’d pick her up.
Professor Feswick looked at her and then at Tobias.
“Tobias Bennett,” he said.
She didn’t like the way her stomach twisted.
“Professor Feswick.”
They shook hands, and she noticed the way that Tobias gripped his hand.
Pulling out of Tobias’s hold, she kept to her own space, not liking the way he’d claimed ownership of her in front of her professor. She wasn’t an idiot. He clearly didn’t like her talking to another male. She wasn’t a slut.
Rumor had it that some professors were known for offering good grades for favors returned. She always made sure to avoid them, as she had no intention of ever being that kind of student.
“I was just telling Adora what a fine student she is, and when she graduates, I hope another is as fascinated as she is.”
“I’ll miss your classes, Mr. Feswick. You’re an inspiration to me.” She spoke up before Tobias had a chance.
“I was hoping we’d discuss where you wished to intern in the next few months.”
Adora’s stomach twisted once again. Her degree required a certain level of work experience as well as academic. Her father owned one of the best firms in the country, known around the world.
“What kind of work?” Tobias asked. “I’ve got Adora’s best interests at heart.”
“We believe our students need a level of hands-on experience to see the true potential. Adora’s one of the top students in the class, and I was hoping I could put her forward toward the Hamilton program.”
Hearing her father’s last name filled her with anxiety. Pushing her panic away, she shook her head. “No, that’s not where I’m hoping to go,” she said.
Both men turned toward her.
She saw the confusion on their faces, and she didn’t care.
“Adora, you’re aware of the sheer volume and respect Hamilton brings?” Feswick asked.
“I’m aware of them.” And their lying, cheating, bastard of an owner. “They’re such an obvious choice. I don’t want to be obvious, so I was hoping to be part of the James and Co. program.” They were Hamilton’s biggest rivals, and she had no intention of ever, ever helping her father. That bastard had turned his back on her mother.
After reading her mother’s diary, and knowing the pain she must have been through, she vowed to never give the man the time of day, and that included interning at his company. Adora was aware her father had a wife and children now. The family he acknowledged.
“That certainly does surprise me, Adora. I know you only wish for the best, but it’s your future. Would you like me to put your name forward just in case? Hamilton is very … specific, so you may not even qualify.”