A Jealous Interruption

Thea walked into Steven Brown's office, her fingers wrapped around the cup of coffee she had brought for him. She needed to get close to him, to understand what he knew. If anyone had insight into Harrison and Ariana's relationship, it would be him.

Steven glanced up from his desk as she entered. "Thea? This is a surprise."

"I thought you might need a coffee break," she said, setting the cup down in front of him. She smiled, but there was calculation behind her warmth. "I also wanted to ask you a few things about old student records."

Steven chuckled, lifting the cup. "How thoughtful. What specifically are you looking for?"

She hesitated for a moment, then shrugged casually. "Just some old case studies I've been interested in. You always have access to information no one else does."

He leaned back in his chair, studying her. "That's a dangerous curiosity, Thea."

Before she could respond, her hand slipped, and the coffee spilled onto his coat. "Oh no!" she gasped, reaching for napkins.

Steven quickly stood, brushing at the stain. "It's fine—"

"No, please," she interrupted. "Let me take it to the dry cleaner. I insist."

He hesitated but eventually shrugged off his coat and handed it to her. "Alright, if it makes you feel better."

Just then, the door opened again, and Adrian walked in, holding two cups of coffee. His eyes immediately locked onto Thea, then flickered to the coat in her hands. His jaw tensed.

"What's going on here?" Adrian asked, his tone clipped.

Thea turned, raising a brow. "What does it look like? I spilled coffee on Professor Brown's coat."

Adrian's lips pressed into a thin line. "How… clumsy of you."

Steven, sensing the tension, chuckled. "It's nothing, Adrian. Thea was just being helpful."

But Adrian's gaze didn't leave Thea's face. "Of course, she was."

Thea met his eyes, refusing to back down. She knew jealousy when she saw it, and Adrian was brimming with it. The corner of her lips lifted. "Did you bring me coffee too, Adrian?"

He scoffed. "Not today."

She gave a small laugh. "Pity."

Steven cleared his throat. "Well, I have a lecture soon, so I should get going. Thea, thanks for the coffee—and for offering to handle the coat."

She nodded and turned to leave, but Adrian grabbed her wrist before she could pass him. His touch was firm, possessive.

"Be careful who you trust, Thea," he murmured, his voice low and warning.

She tilted her head, unshaken. "You too, Adrian."

And with that, she walked away, feeling his gaze burn into her back. Whatever was between them, it was far from over.