Beneath The Billionaire's Armor

As the polished shoes of Elias Bloomingdale clicked against the marble floors of Richmond University, he snugged his tie knot. In sharp contrast to the students milling about in their casual clothes, his mere presence demanded attention.

He inhaled deeply as he stepped into the majestic lobby of the administrative building, experiencing an unusual blend of anticipation and unease. His life had been defined up until this point by lavish boardrooms and high-stakes talks, but a new chapter began today that was very different.

Elias, who had become a billionaire in his early 30s, had become tired of his pampered life. He felt empty within from the never-ending process of mergers and acquisitions. Something more substantial, something that could reawaken the fires of passion he had once felt, was what he yearned for. He came to the conclusion that perhaps teaching could be the solution.

A lecture hall's floor was being scrubbed by Georgia Walsh at the same time. She paused to gather herself and dabbed at her forehead. Her old trainers squeaked on the tiles as she moved carefully down the hall. Though challenging, the cleaning job paid for her school. Notwithstanding all the challenges, she was determined to achieve.

Georgia knew the value of diligence having grown up in a modest house. Thomas Walsh, her father, had been a great businessman in the past, but a vicious rival had decimated his company. Her family was struggling due to the financial catastrophe. Despite her hardships, Georgia was determined to make a better life for herself.

Georgia rushed to complete her shift just as the sun began to set. It would have been disastrous for her to skip her evening class. It was a daily struggle to remain afloat, but her dream of becoming a psychologist was within grasp.

Later that night, Elias and Georgia ended up in the same downtown bar by complete coincidence. A soft murmur of voices and the infrequent eruptions of laughing filled the bar's gloomy lighting. Elias, who was sitting at the far end, was sipping a scotch. His goal in coming here was to relax and get away from the crushing pressure of everyone's expectations of him.

With a group of pals, Georgia stepped inside, ready to unwind after a long day. With her eyes darting to the bar, she searched for a vacant stool. She noticed one beside a guy who appeared completely absorbed in his beverage.

She asked, "Is this seat taken?" with a trace of weariness in her voice.

Her eyes met Elias's intense blue ones as he raised an eyebrow. The intensity of her stare and her stunning good looks stunned him for an instant. "No, it's completely up to you," he responded, suddenly interested.

They struck up a discussion, and soon enough, words came easily to them. In contrast to the typical sycophants Elias encountered, Georgia was forthright and clever. Unexpectedly, he was captivated by her and drawn to her.

"What makes Richmond University stand out?" As she sipped her drink, Georgia enquired.

Elias was hesitant and deliberate in his word choice. "I required a shift. I yearned to accomplish something more significant, something unique.

Subtly, Georgia chuckled. "Richmond University? As a teacher?" Not exactly the place you'd think to meet someone with your level of character.

Elias furrowed his brow. "And how do you think you're going to track me down?"

"I guess somewhere far more glamorous," Georgia said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Their chemistry grew more apparent as the night progressed. Their inhibitions melted away as the cocktails flowed, and they laughed and told stories nonstop. A casual meeting soon turned into an intense one-night affair.

The following day, everything fell into place. In keeping with his haughty character, Elias was uncaring and distant. He made Georgia feel exploited and embarrassed by treating the night like a casual diversion.

Elias had stated, in a condescending manner, "I don't do relationships." It was an isolated incident, you know.

Anger was visible in Georgia's face. With an outburst of expletive, she snatched her belongings and stormed out.

She pushed the meeting out of her mind and swore she would never see him again. Her academics and future were more pressing matters that required her attention.

Going into her psychology class the next day, Georgia was prepared to pay close attention in class. Her thoughts were still racing from the events of the night before, so she settled into her customary spot in the front row. Her pulse froze as she cast a quick peek at the podium.

At the head of the class, Elias Bloomingdale exuded the air of an assured and collected professor. His eyes flitted from one person to another as he looked around the room, eventually settling on Georgia. Although he appeared to hesitate for an instant, he soon got back on track.

"Hello, students. An unwavering professor, I am Professor Bloomingdale," he introduced himself. "I've been assigned to teach you psychology this semester."

Her thoughts were racing. How is it that this is taking place? Her professor was the same man who had treated her so coldly before. A wave of humiliation and wrath washed over her. She would not allow herself to be intimidated by him at this moment.

Even as Elias went on with his presentation, thoughts of Georgia kept popping into his head. Her indignation and fury were plainly visible to him. He was well aware that she would not spare him any trouble. Although he was accustomed to having command, he hadn't expected Georgia to be a factor.

With the lesson coming to a close, Georgia hastily grabbed her belongings, ready to flee. Elias, nevertheless, cried out to her as she got to her feet to depart. "Will you be able to remain for a second, Miss Walsh?"

With a cautious look on her face, Georgia turned to confront him. "Of course, Dr.?"

Elias paused, trying to find the correct expression. "Regarding last night... I had no idea you were enrolled as a student. I apologize if I was...

Do you mean rude? Without merit? In a stern tone, Georgia interrupted him. Put it away, sir. I am not here to wallow in self-pity but to grow.

With an unusual twinge of remorse, Elias nodded. "I get it. Coming forward, let's maintain a professional demeanor.

Georgia said nothing; her quiet said a great deal. She abruptly exited the classroom, leaving Elias to ponder the consequences of this sudden change.

Georgia was experiencing a range of feelings as she strolled across campus. Her meeting with Elias had both frightened her and inspired her. She would not allow him to have any influence on her academic career or her future plans. Like all the previous challenges she had faced, this one she would tackle directly.

As all was happening, Elias sat at his desk, deep in contemplation. He had never encountered somebody like Georgia Walsh. She was resolute, powerful, and unmoved. And for the first time in what seemed like an eternity, Elias experienced an indescribable emotion-a feeling of challenge, maybe even a want to demonstrate his worth.