The Alpha Heir's Forbidden Mate

Episode 20: Behind Closed Doors

The entire courtyard fell silent.

Students exchanged confused glances as the Chairman's aide waited patiently.

Kael's expression remained unreadable.

"We'll come."

The aide nodded once.

"This way."

Amara could feel hundreds of eyes following them as they crossed the courtyard together.

Whispers erupted the moment they disappeared into the administration building.

"I knew it."

"They're in trouble."

"Do you think they'll be suspended?"

"No..."

"I heard the Board only gets involved in serious cases."

Lily watched helplessly from the steps of the Business School.

Something about this didn't feel right.

---

The Boardroom occupied the top floor of the oldest building on campus.

Mahogany walls.

Floor-to-ceiling windows.

Portraits of former university presidents lined the room.

At the center sat a long polished table.

Only one man was waiting.

Chairman Theodore Ashcroft.

Silver-haired.

Sharp-eyed.

Elegant without trying.

He gestured toward two empty chairs.

"Please."

Amara sat cautiously.

Kael remained standing until the Chairman sat first.

Only then did he take his seat.

The older man noticed.

"Still well-mannered, I see."

Kael inclined his head.

"My parents raised me well."

"They certainly did."

The Chairman folded his hands.

"I'll be direct."

He slid a folder across the table.

Inside were printed copies of every photograph from the gala.

Amara's face burned.

"So you've seen them."

"I've seen enough."

The Chairman looked at Kael.

"Do these photographs violate any university rules?"

"No, sir."

"Have you shown Miss Cole favoritism?"

"No."

"Has she received any special treatment because of your position?"

"No."

The Chairman turned to Amara.

"Miss Cole."

"Yes, sir?"

"Has Mr. Vale ever made you feel uncomfortable or pressured?"

"Never."

"Has he ever used his authority to influence your grades, scholarship, or university life?"

"No."

"In fact..." She hesitated before continuing.

"He's done the opposite."

"He has?"

"He's always treated me like everyone else."

Kael glanced at her, surprised.

She met his eyes for just a moment before looking back at the Chairman.

---

A slow smile spread across Chairman Ashcroft's face.

"Good."

Amara blinked.

"...Good?"

"I wasn't investigating you."

"You weren't?"

He closed the folder.

"I was investigating whoever took these photographs."

The room fell quiet.

"The university has a strict policy regarding harassment and unauthorized surveillance."

His expression hardened.

"Someone followed two students throughout the evening."

"That concerns me far more than an innocent dance."

Relief flooded Amara's chest.

"So..."

"We're not in trouble?"

The Chairman chuckled.

"Not unless dancing has become a disciplinary offense."

Even Kael smiled.

Just slightly.

---

The Chairman pressed a button on his desk.

The door opened.

Head of Campus Security entered carrying a tablet.

"We've reviewed footage from every available camera."

He looked apologetic.

"Unfortunately..."

"...there are several blind spots around the gardens."

"Whoever followed you knew exactly where they were."

Kael's expression darkened.

"So this was planned."

"It appears so."

The security officer nodded.

"We're continuing the investigation."

---

As they stood to leave, Chairman Ashcroft addressed them one final time.

"One piece of advice."

They both stopped.

"Rumors spread quickly."

"But character reveals itself over time."

He looked first at Kael.

"Protect your integrity."

Then at Amara.

"And don't let strangers tell you who you are."

She nodded quietly.

"Thank you, sir."

---

Outside the administration building, they finally exhaled.

"I thought we were about to be expelled," Amara admitted.

Kael laughed softly.

"I wasn't expecting that."

"You laugh?"

"I try not to make it a habit."

She smiled.

"I like it."

The words slipped out before she could stop them.

His smile lingered.

"I'm glad."

An awkward silence followed.

Not uncomfortable.

Just new.

Amara looked down at the jacket folded neatly over her arm.

"I almost forgot."

She held it out to him.

"Your jacket."

He looked at it.

Then back at her.

"Keep it."

"What?"

"It's supposed to get cold again tonight."

"I can't keep borrowing your clothes."

"You can."

Their eyes met.

For one dangerous second, it felt like the rest of the campus disappeared.

Then—

"Nancy?"

A familiar voice called from behind.

Amara turned automatically.

It wasn't meant for her.

Another student named Nancy waved at a friend across the lawn.

Amara laughed at herself.

"I thought they were calling me."

Kael smiled.

"I was wondering."

Before either of them could say another word, Serena stepped out of the administration building.

She had clearly been waiting.

"What a touching scene."

Her voice dripped with sweetness.

"I hope your little meeting went well."

Amara stiffened.

"It did."

"I'm so relieved."

Serena's smile never reached her eyes.

"Because tomorrow morning..."

"...everyone on campus is going to know exactly what happened."

She walked away before either of them could respond.

Amara frowned.

"What's she talking about?"

Kael watched Serena disappear down the path.

"I don't know."

But for the first time since the gala...

His instincts told him they were no longer dealing with simple gossip.

Someone wasn't trying to embarrass them anymore.

Someone wanted to turn the entire university against Amara.

And Serena knew something she wasn't saying.