He reached out and pulled me into his arms, a note of pleading slipping into his tone. "It's not like we're short on places to live. Just let her stay. Please."
Elmer had always been reserved, controlled. This was the first time I'd ever seen him lower himself like this.
But the more he begged, the clearer it became just how much Vivian meant to him.
I pushed him away, my voice cold. "If you're not afraid of the entire university finding out that the esteemed Professor Weiss has been keeping a female student tucked away in his apartment like a secret mistress, then by all means, let her stay."
Growing up as the Henson family heir, I'd learned one rule early: never give an inch. The moment you do, people will take a mile.
Elmer's expression went rigid. His fists clenched at his sides. After a long beat, he forced the words through his teeth. "Don't do anything rash. I'll have her move out."
Satisfied with that answer, I turned and left.
I knew full well that the evidence my best friend had dug up wasn't enough to destroy Elmer completely. I needed more proof before I could set my real plan in motion.
That evening, Elmer came home early.