Nerissa lingered in the hallway for a while.
Only after she was sure Liam had left did she slowly head back.
“What’re you doing here, Nerissa?” A male voice suddenly came from ahead.
She looked up and, the moment she saw his face, instinctively stood up straighter.
“P-Professor Lowell?”
That’s what she called him, but honestly, Quentin Lowell wasn’t just her teacher — he was also a big name at Arbridge University, sitting on the board.
Every year, he donated a hefty amount as scholarship funds.
As someone who’d received it four years in a row, Nerissa had gotten used to taking a photo with him annually.
So, they weren’t total strangers.
“Small world!
Didn’t expect to bump into you here.
Visiting a friend?” Quentin wore a casual grey tracksuit, one hand tucked in his pocket.
His easy-going smile made him seem approachable, like he’d known her forever.
Nerissa made up something on the spot.
“Nah, just working a part-time job.
On my way back to school now.”
She’d always been the hardworking type.
Everyone in the department knew she took on jobs to make ends meet.
Quentin nodded knowingly.
“Oh, right.
You’re graduating soon, yeah?
This year’s batch?”
“Yep, internship starts in a month,” Nerissa replied honestly.
“Hmm…” Quentin paused a moment, then suddenly said, “How about I have a quick word with your advisor — why not come intern with me?”
“Huh?” Nerissa blinked, a bit confused, staring at him blankly.
“I’ve got this design project going on and could really use a junior assistant.
Interested?”
Her eyes lit up instantly, and she almost said yes on the spot.
“I’d love to!
Thanks, Professor Lowell!
I’ll definitely give it my best!”
For a student like her, this kind of opportunity felt like winning the lottery.
Quentin wasn’t just a board member — he had connections, serious experience, and tons of resources.
Getting to intern under him on a real project?
Way beyond anything she’d ever imagined.
“Alright then, it’s a deal.
I’ll swing by and find you in a few days.”
Nerissa beamed.
“Thanks, Professor Lowell!
See you soon!”
She practically skipped out of the complex, legs no longer aching one bit.
Seriously, Jace must be some kind of lucky charm — boom, just like that, she scored herself a great internship!
*****
“Beep — ”
Not long after Nerissa had left, a black Range Rover pulled up beside Quentin.
The tinted window rolled halfway down, revealing Jace’s usual cool, unreadable face.
Quentin hopped in like he owned the passenger seat.
“Doc Whitmore, seriously?
It was my birthday yesterday and you ghosted halfway through.
What was with that vanishing act?”
Jace started the engine, voice flat.
“Had something to handle.”
“Oh please, what kind of thing?
Don’t tell me it was a girl,” Quentin teased, eyeing him up.
“Marks on your arm gave you away, man.
Yikes, those are fresh…
who scratched you up like that?
A little wildcat?”
Jace glanced at his arm on the steering wheel — his shirt sleeve was rolled halfway up, just enough to show a few red claw marks.
Wildcat?
More like an angry bunny backed into a corner.
He looked away, casually asking, “That girl you were chatting with earlier — one of your students?”