Chapter 1352
Oliver shook his head, frustrated. He had three assistant principals at Sunset Valley High, but they were all puppets of county officials, caught in a web of political maneuvering and backstabbing. He couldn't trust any of them. Truth be told, he didn't need to work this hard. He could play the game, align himself with the county executives, schmooze with their superiors. He could treat the principalship as a stepping stone, a means to an end. It would be so much easier.
But seeing the light return to Oliver's eyes as he talked about building Sunset Valley High, the stark contrast to his earlier weakness and vulnerability, Audrey felt a pang of sympathy. Her eyes welled up, and her voice thickened with emotion. "Oliver, you're really up against it. Alissa and I, we see it. I think most of the teachers at Sunset Valley High are dedicated. If we all pull together, we can absolutely make Sunset Valley the best high school in the county, maybe even the city. Just… please don't work yourself to death. Your health is important. Daisy would kill you."
The mention of Daisy hung in the air, a sudden awkwardness descending between them. Oliver shifted uncomfortably. It felt strange discussing his wife in front of Audrey, this beautiful, desirable woman he couldn't seem to stop wanting. He often found himself, consciously or not, downplaying his marriage in her presence. But Audrey was smart. Maybe mentioning Daisy was her subtle way of reminding him to keep his distance.
The air crackled with unspoken tension. Oliver's gaze lingered on Audrey, his mind wandering, a familiar heat pooling in his groin. He wanted to pull her close, to kiss her, to feel her skin against his.
But he held back. He wanted more than just her body; he wanted her heart. That conquest, he knew, would be far more satisfying. He wasn't like Quentin. He wasn't driven by base desires. Women weren't the be-all and end-all of his existence.
"Right, Audrey," Oliver said, clearing his throat and pushing himself up from the sofa. "I'm feeling better now. You should get some rest." He coughed again, a small, forced sound. "It's chilly tonight. Don't catch a cold."
Audrey suddenly realized how exposed she was in her towel and robe. She blushed, instinctively covering her chest with her hands as she backed toward the door. The truth was, her feelings toward Oliver had shifted. He did have a certain charm. Of course, with Kevin in the picture, she couldn't allow herself to fall for anyone else. But that didn't stop her from appreciating him.
Oliver watched her go, his eyes tracing the outline of her body beneath the thin fabric. She was undeniably alluring, even in silhouette. But it was her integrity that truly captivated him. Unlike Vanessa, who used her sexuality as a weapon, Audrey's restraint made her even more desirable. Beautiful women were a dime a dozen. Principled ones were rare.
Audrey reached the door and fumbled with the handle. The inn, built in the 60s, had seen better days, and the lock was stiff. She jiggled it, growing increasingly frustrated. She pushed harder, and with a sudden lurch, the handle turned – and her towel slipped. She was left standing there, clad only in her thin robe, which barely covered her upper body.
Oliver stared, his desire overwhelming him. He reached out, pulling her close from behind, his hands exploring the curves of her body.
Women were such complicated creatures. Even the most reserved could become pliant, passionate, in the heat of the moment. He wondered if Audrey was one of those women. His hands roamed, pressing closer, inching toward the sweet spot he craved.
"No, Oliver, stop," Audrey gasped, struggling against his embrace, her hips twisting to break free. She hadn't expected this, not from him, not now. She regretted coming to his room, regretted the entire day at the city education bureau. It felt like a setup.
"Audrey, let's have some fun. I'm not the kind of person you think I am. Think about it, since you came to the school, I have never used my position as principal to make things difficult for you. I really like you." Oliver whispered.
He held Audrey's full, hot body, feeling the vitality in her struggle, becoming more infatuated with her. But he didn't want to really force her; that would be too crude. He wanted to persuade Audrey to cooperate willingly.
"Oliver, please let go of me," Audrey pleaded, feeling Oliver's pressure, quickly recalling her terrifying memories from a few days ago. It seemed that the Oliver behind her had turned into Quentin. She didn't know where she got the strength, but she suddenly pushed Oliver away, picked up the bathrobe from the floor, wrapped it around her body, took a deep breath, and warned, "Oliver, I'm not the kind of woman. I'm married. I respect you, and I hope you can respect me. It's impossible between us. I won't betray Daisy, nor will I hurt Laura's feeling. Do you understand?"
Upon hearing Audrey mention Laura, Oliver abruptly regained his senses. Overcome with regret, he quietly dressed, sighed deeply, and with a downtrodden demeanor, murmured, "Audrey, I apologize for my impulsiveness. This ends here. I'll find a way to make it up to you."
He then twisted the door handle firmly, and a sliver of light pierced the room as the door opened.
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