Melissa pointed toward Dravenna. "Look at her face. She has no shame."
"I am the Dean. I misplaced shame during accreditation."
Ashworth sighed. "That explains several faculty meetings."
Dravenna turned toward him. "You were much quieter before breakfast."
"I had hope before breakfast."
Brian leaned across the table. "Was the office desk involved?"
Ashworth's expression changed for the first time.
"That desk was imported from Florence."
Dravenna smiled sweetly. "Then it has witnessed true culture."
Ashworth closed his eyes.
The laughter became thunderous.
Even the Goddess lowered her gaze to hide the curve of her lips.
Phei leaned slightly toward her. "You are enjoying this."
"Profoundly."
"You could rescue me."
"I could."
She lifted her tea and drank.
Phei waited but the Goddess offered nothing else.
He nodded slowly. "Understood."
Beside Dravenna, Sienna remained quietly occupied with her breakfast and her phone.
