Page 118 of The Headmaster’s Rule

“We raised over a hundred thousand dollars,” Danny continues, flipping his clipboard. “Truly a testament to… uh, a lot of hard work.” His gaze is glued to his notes, refusing to meet mine. Or, from what I can tell, Headmaster Wright’s.

In fact, this would be the perfect moment for Theo to stand up and say something about last night, especially given how effusive he was on stage, but he’s silent, fiddling with a pen.

Fiddling. Theo. I’ve never seen the man do that as long as I’ve known him.

“So,” Danny continues, “let’s all take a moment to celebrate the fundraiser’s success.” He tucks his clipboard under one arm to clap, but it rings hollow. His words may be positive, but his tone is off, his body language wrong. Every word feels tight. Forced.

I glance at Theo again, but he’s gazing out the window, eyes distant, like he’s not really here at all. It unsettles me greatly as Danny runs through a handful of other announcements, then half-heartedly dismisses the staff.

I hover near the doorway as people file past, wanting to steal a moment with Theo, then I catch myself. He asked me to give him space, and as much as it pains me, I need to do that. The bell trills outside, and I turn to go, but Danny calls out to me.

“Nora?”

I hesitate, then cross the room to him, gaze straying to Theo as he leaves, still lost in thought. When I glance back at Danny, he shifts his weight.

“Can you stick around for a moment, please?” he asks.

My pulse spikes at the request. At the way he won’t quite look at me.

“Uh, sure,” I mumble, watching as the last of the faculty trickles out of the room. “What’s up?”

He doesn’t answer right away, just goes to the door and closes it softly.

“The board would like to meet with you. There’s a rep on the way.”

Fuck.

My heart hurls itself against my ribcage, sweat slicking my palms. Do they know? Jake must have told them. He didn’t seem like the type to run off and do that, but then I don’t actually know the guy. For all I know, he’s best buddies with the board and didn’t think twice about calling them the moment he spotted us. I study Danny for clues, but he still won’t meet my gaze.

“Also, I think you should know,” he murmurs, “Theo sent his resignation last night.”

An icy chill washes over me. “He what?”

Danny sighs. “I don’t know the full story, but… yeah. Late email. Said it was for personal reasons.” Finally, he lifts his gaze to mine. “I assume you have some idea why?”

I open my mouth, then close it, processing this.

He resigned. Theo resigned.

My heart pounds, and I start to pace restlessly on the spot. How could he do that? How can this school function without him? It’s not Wetherly Prep without Headmaster Wright.

My breath shudders as tears press behind my eyes. What did I expect? He won’t hurt the school, but he loves me. He wants to be with me. He’s done this for me.

An avalanche of guilt crashes through me, and I sink into a chair, burying my face in my hands. I’ve cost this school their headmaster, but more than that, I’ve cost Theo his job. His purpose. His life.

Oh God. What have I done?

“Danny,” I say, my voice cracking. “I didn’t—”

There’s a knock at the door, and he turns from me reluctantly. I watch as he welcomes a woman in a sweater set and pearls, someone I recognize from last night. Helen, I think her name was.

Danny’s gaze slides back to mine, shadowed with worry, and fear claws at my insides.

I’m about to be fired. That’s why she’s here. I’ve ruined Theo’s life, and now mine is about to go up in flames.

And all I can do is stand on wobbling legs and force a smile as she shakes my hand, introducing herself. My heart is in my throat as she settles in at the table, as I imagine Theo packing up his desk today, myself being marched out in front of the faculty. In front of my students.

Shit. My students.