Andreas' POV
I sent a message to Carol:
Me: "Carol, delete all her pictures from your phone."
He replied almost immediately, adding fuel to my irritation.
Carol: "Someone's jealous 😉."
For some reason, I didn't want him keeping any pictures of her on his phone.
Me: "I'm just concerned about my student."
Carol: "You're so two-faced. Didn't some ghost tell me earlier that she's not your concern?"
I ignored him.
Carol: "Should I ask her to meet you tomorrow?"
Me: "No. I just want you to stop your nonsense and drop her off at her residence—safely."
Carol: "So, you don't want me involved with her?"
Me: "Yes, exactly. I don't want any of my students getting in trouble because of you."
Carol: "Any of your students, or just Carsyn?"
Me: "Don't overthink it."
Carol: "Okay then, but just so you know, I'm her friend now. And very soon, she might just become your sister-in-law."
I didn't bother replying after that. My irritation with him had reached its peak. Why does it have to be her? Out of all the girls in the world, why is Carol fixated on her?
But deep down, I couldn't ignore the nagging discomfort at the thought of Carol and Miss David growing closer.
Today had already been a disaster. After dealing with Rose and stopping her from making an even bigger mess, I attended a business meeting that didn't yield the results I wanted. I returned home and asked the butler if Rose was back, only to find out she wasn't.
Right now, I'm stuck entertaining Carol's ridiculous antics, which he's clearly enjoying far too much.
Maybe I'm overthinking because of what Miss David went through today—it's obviously because of me. Surely, by tomorrow, everything will be back to normal.
---
It was already past 9 p.m., and Rose still hadn't returned. I asked the butler to bring my dinner to the library.
I sat in front of my laptop, fingers resting lifelessly on the keyboard. I tried to focus on work related to today's failed meeting, but my mind wandered to unsettling thoughts.
If what I'm feeling about Miss David doesn't stop here, then I'm nothing but a fool. After everything I've been through, how can I even entertain such a distraction? This isn't just silly—it's dangerous. I've made promises to myself, promises to never repeat the same mistakes.
This train of thought drove me crazy. I stood and glanced at the untouched dinner on the tea table. Suddenly, I lost all appetite.
Leaving the library, I headed to my room. On the way, I sent Miss David an important message, then placed my phone on the stand next to my bed.
After taking a cold shower, trying unsuccessfully to wash away my thoughts, I stepped out of the bathroom. A knock at the door startled me. I opened it to find Rose standing there, her eyes shamelessly scanning my upper body, still damp with water droplets.
Her audacity ignited the anger I had been holding back all day. I fixed her with a death glare that immediately wiped the smugness from her face.
"Wait for me in the living room," I said coldly.
She tried to speak, but I slammed the door shut, cutting her off.
---
Once I had dressed and composed myself, I headed to the living room. Several house staff were busy with their tasks, but I wasn't in the mood for company.
"Everyone, leave," I commanded, my voice deep and sharp. "Except for Rose."
The room emptied in moments, leaving Rose standing alone. I could see the fear in her eyes, though she tried to mask it with a facade of strength.
I sank into the sofa, watching as she hesitated before trying to sit on the opposite one.
"Did I tell you to sit?" I snapped.
"But—" she began.
"No buts. Know your place. Stand unless I say otherwise."
Her lips quivered, but she didn't dare argue further.
"So," I said, my voice calm but deadly, "what did your father ask you to do this time?"
She opened her mouth to answer, but I cut her off again.
"Does he know what you did today? Do you think you're still qualified to be called Mrs. Finley?"
That final question wasn't really a question—it was a judgment, delivered cold and unrelenting.