Chapter 208: Elias's Ears Turned from Pale to Pink

Clara watched as Elias's ears turned from pale to pink, then deepened into crimson. The transformation happened impossibly fast, like someone had spilled paint across his face.

"Must be the air conditioning." Elias turned away, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.

She quickly adjusted the temperature. "Better now?"

"Much."

* * *

After dropping Clara off, Elias remembered the unrecorded lab data and turned his car back toward the research institute.

Clara collapsed onto her sofa, the adrenaline fading into exhaustion. Staring at the ceiling, she replayed the car scene in her mind.

The lingering sensation of Elias's slender fingers gently tousling her hair remained. That cautious tenderness, as if afraid of breaking something precious.

Maybe he really was encouraging her.

But nothing more.

The water stain on the ceiling glared under the light. No matter how much wallpaper covered it, the previous tenant's cigarette burns and mold patches always revealed themselves at certain angles.

Just like the ugly corners of her heart.

Better to maintain a safe distance than risk discovery and disgust.

Clara pressed a hand to her chest.

Good. Her heartbeat had steadied.

She headed to the shower.

A hot bath and a long sleep. Tomorrow would be a new day. If tomorrow proved too difficult, there was always the day after. One day at a time—she'd endure.

* * *

That weekend, Clara finally had time to catch a movie with Sloane.

The New Year holiday comedy was packed. Clara clutched the popcorn bucket while Sloane shrieked at a cameo appearance.

"Two seconds! I spent two hundred grand in gifts for two seconds!" Sloane wailed, grabbing a handful of popcorn. "But damn, he's gorgeous, right?"

Clara nodded. "Quite handsome."

"Want his number?" Sloane's eyes sparkled. "He's filming a new series—"

"No thanks." Clara shook her head. "Too young."

Sloane leaned in. "Oh? So you prefer the mature type?"

Clara pushed her away. "Don't be ridiculous."

Her heartbeat stuttered.