Anovel of My motherś ex chapter 11 by authoress rose
The grand mansion loomed before them, a testament to Professor Julian’s wealth and influence. The moment the doors opened, Rylee felt like she had stepped into another world. Chandeliers sparkled above the marble floors, and priceless works of art adorned the walls.
“Welcome,” the butler greeted them with a polite bow. His tone was professional, but his eyes hinted at pride, as though the house was his masterpiece. “Allow me to give you a quick tour before the meeting begins.”
The students followed him, marveling at every corner of the mansion. From the grand piano in the music room to the sprawling garden visible through tall glass doors, the opulence was overwhelming. Even Carla, who usually had a sarcastic quip ready for any situation, was momentarily speechless.
By the time the tour ended, they were led into a lavish conference room where Professor Julian waited for them. The table was polished to a mirror-like shine, and leather-bound notebooks sat at each seat.
“Please, take your seats,” the professor said warmly.
As they settled in, the meeting began. The agenda revolved around the upcoming convention and the students’ roles in making it a success.
As questions were directed at the committee, Rylee quickly emerged as the standout. She answered every question with precision, her intelligence shining through.
Well she was usually quiet not wanting to draw attention but boy it was Professor Julian.
“What are the primary goals of the convention?” Julian asked, his eyes scanning the group.
Rylee spoke up. “To foster collaboration across the education sector. By bringing together educators, policymakers, and students, we can create a shared vision for academic innovation.”
Julian nodded approvingly. “Well said.”
Meanwhile, Carla took a different approach.
When asked about student involvement, Carla leaned back in her chair and smirked.
“Well, if the goal is to inspire students, maybe don’t bore them to death with speeches.”
A ripple of laughter passed through the room, and even Julian chuckled, though he quickly composed himself.
The conversation shifted to questions the committee had about the convention’s benefits. Carla and Rylee both contributed, though in their own styles.
“What’s in it for us?” Carla asked bluntly, earning a raised eyebrow from Julian.
“Don’t get me wrong, the idea sounds great, but if students are going to pour their time and energy into this, they need to see real results.”
Rylee chimed in, her tone more measured. “What Carla means is that the convention should have tangible outcomes—scholarship opportunities, mentorship programs, or connections that benefit students directly.”
Julian smiled. “That’s an excellent point. And yes, we’re working on partnerships with various organizations to ensure the convention has lasting value.”
The meeting continued, with Rylee’s name coming up repeatedly in praise. But then, someone mentioned her mother.
“Minister Victoria Carter has been a driving force behind this initiative,” one of the professors said. “Her vision for educational reform is truly inspiring.”
The room buzzed with excitement at the mention of her mother’s name. But Rylee sat frozen, her face a mask of indifference.
Carla noticed and whispered, “You okay?”
Rylee nodded curtly, forcing a smile. But inside, her resentment burned.
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After the meeting ended, the students were given time to explore the mansion before leaving. Rylee found herself wandering alone, needing space to clear her thoughts.
The grandeur of the house was captivating, and she allowed herself to get lost in its endless hallways.
She turned a corner and found a narrow passageway, almost hidden behind a curtain. Curiosity got the better of her, and she followed it.
The passage opened into a room that took her breath away.
It was a library, but not just any library. Floor-to-ceiling shelves lined the walls, filled with books of every genre imaginable.
A plush armchair sat by the window, and a desk cluttered with papers hinted at someone’s private study.
Rylee stepped inside, her fingers trailing along the spines of the books. The room felt alive with knowledge and secrets.
“This must be Julian’s room,” she murmured to herself.
She wandered over to the desk, noticing a collection of antique pens and an open notebook filled with elegant handwriting. She didn’t dare touch anything, but the temptation was strong.
The sound of her own breathing filled the silence as she turned to admire the room once more.
Then, a voice cut through the stillness, deep and unmistakably familiar.
“Why are you in my room?”
Rylee froze, her heart leaping into her throat. Slowly, she turned around and saw him—Professor Drake.
He stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp and questioning.
“I—I didn’t mean to intrude,” Rylee stammered, her cheeks flushing.
He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers. The air between them grew heavy with unspoken tension, and Rylee’s pulse quickened.
“I asked you a question,” he said, his voice low and steady.
“I got lost,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Lost?,” he repeated……..