Chapter 53

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“This is not a passive learning environment,” he continued. “In the real world, your ability to articulate an idea can be just as important as the idea itself. Your confidence, your reasoning, and your ability to persuade people who disagree with you will often determine whether your proposal succeeds or disappears beneath someone else’s.”

He turned back toward the class.

“Your written work will matter. Your examination results will matter. But so will your ability to make yourself heard.”

His eyes met Iris’s. “Some of you may find that lesson particularly valuable.”

Iris stared at him, for one dangerous second, neither of them looked away. Then she blinked and lowered her eyes. She hated how easily he could unsettle her without doing anything obvious.

Another student raised his hand. He was sitting near the front, wearing the confident expression of someone who had spent the first ten minutes of the lecture waiting for an opportunity to impress the billionaire standing before them.

“Professor Grant, given your background, I’m curious about something.”

Alexander gestured for him to continue.

“What motivated you to take on a teaching position here? You already run one of the most successful corporations in the country. Was there a particular philosophy behind your decision? Or is there something specific you hope to instill in the next generation of business leaders?”

Alexander turned fully towards the student, a flicker of something almost akin to amusement crossing his features before settling back into his usual composed mask. “A pertinent question,” he acknowledged, and the student smiled

His gaze sweeping over the eager faces before briefly, almost imperceptibly, landing on Iris again.

“My motivation, as I mentioned, is multifaceted. I believe in practical application, yes, but more fundamentally, I believe in identifying and cultivating potential. I have always believed that talent is meaningless if it is left undeveloped. The corporate world is not simply about numbers, spreadsheets, and quarterly reports. Those things are important, but they are only part of the equation.”

He rested one hand against the lectern.

“Business is ultimately about people. Understanding human behavior. Recognizing opportunities before everyone else sees them. Knowing when to take a risk and, perhaps more importantly, knowing when not to.”

The classroom had become completely silent.

“I am here because I want to identify people who possess that kind of vision.”

His eyes moved across the students. “And if they are willing to learn, perhaps help them sharpen it.”

He paused and smiled. “Sometimes, the most interesting opportunities present themselves in places you never expected to find them.”

Iris felt a cold knot form in her stomach. There it was again…that double meaning.

He was playing with her, deliberately weaving double meanings into every utterance.

She tightened her grip around her phone until her fingers began to ache. It was a game, and she, unknowingly, had become a participant.

She couldn’t decide what frightened her more—the possibility that he was deliberately provoking her or the fact that a small, reckless part of her wanted to know what he would do next.

The memory of his hands on her, the hushed words he’d whispered, the feel of his skin against hers – it all flooded back, vivid and unwelcome.

She swallowed hard, trying to push the images away, whatever had happened between them was over….It had to be.

So she tried to focus on the screen, on anything but the man who now held her future, academic and otherwise, in his hands.

“Now,” Alexander said, bringing her attention back to the lecture, “let us turn our attention to our first case study.”

He pressed the remote again and the screen changed, displaying a detailed financial report.

“This report concerns the acquisition of a failing technology startup by a major conglomerate. I want each of you to examine the risk factors involved, the possibility of market disruption, and the ethical considerations surrounding the acquisition.”

He paused. “And I expect your analysis to be thorough.” His eyes found Iris again. “Extremely thorough.”

A few students immediately began taking notes. Iris simply stared at the screen. The remainder of the lecture passed in a blur.

She heard Alexander’s voice, but she barely absorbed the words. Every time he moved around the front of the room, she became aware of him. Every time his voice dropped, her attention instinctively followed it.

By the time the bell rang, she felt as though she had been holding her breath for nearly an hour.

Students immediately began gathering their belongings, but instead of leaving, several of them crowded around Alexander’s desk. Questions came from every direction.

“Professor Grant, can we submit our case study early?”

“Sir, when will you announce the students selected for the Grant Enterprises program?”

“Professor, will we be able to choose our preferred departments?”

Alexander answered each question with the same calm patience. Iris saw her opportunity right away, seeing as he was occupied.

She quickly shoved her notebook into her bag. If she left now, she could disappear into the crowd before Alexander had a chance to notice her gone—she stood.

The strap of her bag slipped over her shoulder, and she took one step toward the door.

“Miss Carter.”

Iris froze.

The voice was calm…too calm. The crowd around Alexander gradually quieted.

She turned slowly, facing him and Alexander was watching her. He had one hand resting on the edge of the lectern, his expression composed enough to fool anyone who didn’t know him.

But Iris knew him….at least, she knew one version of him. And that version was looking at her now.

“Yes, Professor?” Her voice sounded steadier than she felt.

Alexander’s gaze remained fixed on hers.

“Stay for a moment.”

A few students glanced between them, and Iris’s stomach dropped.

Alexander picked up a folder from the lectern. “I need to speak with you in my office.”

The words were perfectly ordinary, it sounded professional, and innocent. Yet the way he said them sent a shiver down her spine.

Whispers immediately began spreading through the room. Iris could practically hear the questions forming in their minds.

Why her? Why did the billionaire CEO personally want to speak with her?

She swallowed and tightened her grip on her bag, and Alexander didn’t look away from her one bit.

For the first time since entering the classroom, Iris realized something that frightened her more than their unexpected reunion.

She had spent the entire lecture trying to escape him. And somehow, he had already found a way to make sure she followed him…

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