Sophie weaved through the throng of elegantly dressed students, dodging twirling dancers and dodging trays of expensive champagne. The gala hall was still alive with laughter and music, but something felt… off.
She finally spotted Mrs. Harper near the exit, speaking with another faculty member. Approaching, Sophie offered a polite smile. "Mrs. Harper, have you seen Noah?"
Mrs. Harper, ever composed, gave her a warm but unreadable smile. "Noah decided to take the night off, dear. He asked me to let you know."
Sophie blinked. "He left? Just like that?"
Mrs. Harper only nodded, not offering anything more. That was odd. Noah had been dancing with her just moments ago, and while he wasn't exactly the life of the party, he wasn't the type to just vanish without saying anything.
She considered pressing further, but Mrs. Harper's gentle but firm demeanor made it clear that whatever had happened wasn't up for discussion.