“You’re good?” Taylor asked after Charlie finished her omelet and toast.
Now that she had filled her stomach, she yawned, unable to contain her tiredness. When Taylor saw that, he asked, “You didn’t sleep well?”
“Because I was worried about you,” Charlie snapped. “You kept me up again. And to think I have to study for an exam! You should have at least texted me back.”
Taylor chuckled. He replied, “I’m sorry, Babe. I was really upset at home, so I didn’t check my phone. Anyway, get a few hours of sleep. I’ll clean up here. I’ll wake you up at three, okay?”
Charlie nodded and went to her room, but before going to sleep, she wanted to confirm her suspicion. She called her father, and Adrian King answered on the first ring.
Charlie asked, “Dad, have you met our dean?”
“Your dean?” Adrian clarified.
“Yeah, the dean of the College of Business here in Luxford Univeristy,” Charlie said. “Because I have a feeling she knows you.”
There was a short pause before Adrian sighed. He admitted, “Look, Sweetheart. It’s not what you think, okay? Daddy wasn’t spying on you.”
“An academic conference was held in Halliport last year, and I had the opportunity to be a guest speaker as a successful business major alumnus. Coincidentally, your dean, Dr. Vanessa Caldwell, approached me and mentioned that their top student in business administration was a King,” Adrian shared.
“And I, your proud dad, said that you’re my daughter and that you wanted to keep a low profile. She seemed to understand, and she promised not to tell anyone about your family background,” Adrian added. “She also promised to look after you.”
Charlie sighed in relief. So, it looked like her dad didn’t know about Luke.
“Oh, I got it. Thanks, Dad,” Charlie said, putting two and two together. ‘No wonder the dean is always smiling at me.’
“How are you, Charlie?” Adrian asked. “Do you want to talk to your mom?”
“I’m great. Just tired. I didn’t sleep well,” Charlie answered.
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