She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 22

**Chapter 22**

“Has Professor Jenkins ever shown any interest in anyone? Has he never dated before?” Stella inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Annabeth let out a long, weary sigh, her brow furrowing as she contemplated her response. “He was always singularly focused on his studies and work—nothing else mattered to him. In his eyes, a woman would only serve as a distraction from his ambitions. And honestly, no one has ever truly caught his attention.”

She continued, “To be frank, the women who have pursued him were exceptional. They came from prestigious families, boasted impressive academic achievements, and were undeniably beautiful. Yet, Hayden never showed any inclination towards any of them. So, there’s absolutely no chance he would ever be interested in someone like Audrey.”

As soon as Annabeth mentioned Audrey, she felt the air shift between them. Her gaze flicked towards Stella, who was now studying her closely.

Stella turned to face Annabeth, a realization dawning upon her. A smirk crept onto her lips as she replied, “Everyone has their own unique tastes when it comes to attraction. There’s no definitive answer when it comes to feelings, after all.”

“Then it’s safe to say that there’s something seriously amiss with Tristan’s taste,” Annabeth concluded, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Stella chose not to respond, the weight of the conversation hanging heavily in the air.

In an effort to lighten the mood, Annabeth shifted the topic. “You know, the only person Hayden has ever praised is you.”

“Me?” Stella replied, her surprise evident. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.

Annabeth nodded, her expression earnest. “Absolutely. He told me you’re the most hardworking and intelligent student he’s ever taught. He even mentioned that you would undoubtedly surpass me, and he wasn’t shy about letting me know how much that bothered him.”

Stella chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes. “Did you offend him in some way?”

Annabeth shrugged, a hint of mischief in her smile. “I might have stumbled on some of my assignments, but it’s true—he genuinely admires you.”

“Honestly,” she continued, her tone shifting to something more serious, “you’ve made quite the decision by choosing to marry and have a child when you have so much potential. But you’re still young, and after the baby arrives, you can absolutely get back on track.”

“That’s why I think you should kick a jerk like Tristan to the curb. Once our careers take off, there will be plenty of remarkable men vying for our attention. He won’t hold any value then.”

Stella hummed thoughtfully, nodding along with a smile. She could sense that Annabeth was genuinely upset, likely ruminating over something—or someone—that troubled her deeply.

Just then, Annabeth’s phone buzzed insistently in her pocket. She quickly retrieved it, glancing at the screen before connecting it to the car’s Bluetooth. “Dad, what’s going on?” she asked, her voice steady but laced with concern.

“Where are you right now?” Charlie Shore’s voice boomed through the speakers, urgent and commanding.

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