The drive to SHU gave Don nothing to dwell on. The road stayed smooth, the Mustang's low growl steady, but his mind didn't stir with it.
By the time the campus gates loomed, he'd set aside Cassie's antics.
The stares came the moment he pulled in. Students stopped mid-step, some whispering, some pretending they weren't looking.
Don ignored all of it. He parked, slid out, and crossed the open paths with the same unhurried pace, eyes forward.
His route was clear—Dean Sanchez's office.
The closer he came down the long hall leading there, the clearer the voices grew. Mr. Xiao's smooth baritone carried through first, calm, controlled. Sanchez's agreement followed, quick and obsequious, like a man eager to stay on the right side of a leash.
Don neared the door. He heard Xiao's words distinctly.
"Ah, it seems Mr. Bright is here. Let's pick up this conversation later, shall we, Dean Sanchez?"
"Yes, of course," Sanchez answered without hesitation.
