Chapter 224: After Seeing Off Their Friends

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After seeing off their friends, Clara Whitmore and Elias Mercer walked side by side back to campus.

"Clara."

That familiar voice made her pause mid-step.

Across the street, Connor Hayes leaned against his car door, waving at her.

Elias adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his expression unreadable.

Connor strode across the crosswalk, the hem of his suit jacket fluttering in the breeze.

"I was just coming to find you upstairs. What a coincidence."

"Something urgent?"

"Yes." His face turned serious. "Can we talk somewhere private?"

Clara glanced at Elias. Connor's gaze followed hers.

"Professor Mercer. Fancy meeting you here."

"Not at all." Elias's voice remained calm. "If you're looking for her, you'd naturally run into me."

Their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills.

"Half an hour enough?" Clara checked her watch.

"Plenty."

"Let's go to the bubble tea shop across the street."

Between class periods, the shop stood nearly empty.

Clara cut to the chase. "What's this about?"

Connor pulled a folder from his briefcase. "Supplementary materials about those two accidents in Harbor Cay."

"The legal team initially left them out due to insufficient evidence."

"But I believe you deserve the full truth."

As Clara scanned the documents, her frown deepened.

"Notice anything?" Connor pointed to red-circled sections. "Neither the oxygen tank malfunction nor the snake attack could've been orchestrated alone."

"The security footage timeline confirms it."

"She had an accomplice?"

"Highly likely." Connor steepled his fingers. "Though it's too late for investigations now."

The domestic police had long closed the case.

"But you needed to know." His gaze burned with intensity. "Paige Lawson might have backup."

"Keep your distance from her. Stay safe."

"Call me anytime." His sudden grin held boyish charm. "I've got nothing but free time these days."

Clara chuckled. "The mighty CEO Connor Hayes, idle? I wouldn't dare impose."

"For you?" He leaned closer. "I'll always make time."

"Only for you."

The heat in his stare made her ears burn.

"I should get back." She stood abruptly.

Connor grabbed his coat. "I'll walk you."

Stepping outside, they both froze.

Elias remained exactly where they'd left him, posture straight as a pine.