"Then does this mean you are dating Rhea?" another student said to Zeenare.
Zeenare and Rhea looked at each other for a long moment, a private understanding passing between them. He then looked away and said, "No."
He paused, his eyes sweeping the room, his gaze not resting on anyone in particular. "I will not let a malicious rumor such as this destroy a talented student's future, and certainly not mine either. That's what this is about." Then he turned to the student, his expression turning cold and serious.
"My relationship with Ms. George is professional," He let the words hang, his gaze grazing over Tiffany with contempt. "I don't know where Tiffany got that idea from, but my personal life is not up for discussion. So let's move on."
The silence in the room cracked almost immediately. A low tide of whispers rolled across the class, some students exchanging glances, others sneaking looks at Rhea as if she suddenly carried a crown they couldn't see.
