Chapter 277: Sloane Bennett Had Described Her Cousin Elias Mercer

Sloane Bennett had described her cousin Elias Mercer as "distant." Yet here he was, showing unexpected concern for Clara Whitmore.

Clara understood. Behind Elias's aloof exterior lay surprising thoughtfulness. He simply struggled with words, choosing to express care through actions instead.

"Contact me if this happens again."

His gaze lingered on her wineglass. "Alcohol numbs the senses. Mild cases cause dizziness and nausea. Severe ones lead to unconsciousness or shock. Best to drink less."

The tips of Clara's ears warmed.

"It harms the body, but offers temporary escape," she cleared her throat. "An occasional drink can be cathartic."

Elias arched an eyebrow. "Must you choose this method?"

"Different preferences."

He turned abruptly. "You enjoy it?"

Clara avoided his penetrating stare. "No."

Even when Grant Holloway shattered her heart, she'd never drowned her sorrows in liquor. She despised losing control.

Elias chuckled. "No wonder Aunt worried Sloane might corrupt you."

"You can call me when you want to drink."

"So you can clean up my mess?" She stifled a laugh.

"Or share a glass with you."

"You?" Disbelief colored her voice.

"Don't believe me?"

"No."

"We'll test that someday." Warmth glimmered in his eyes.

A car horn shattered the night's tranquility.

Clara glanced skyward. "Rain's coming. We should go." She hurried ahead.

Watching her retreating figure, Elias's lips curved upward.

Inside his executive sedan, Grant clenched the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the rearview mirror.

Clara had changed.

Her smiles no longer belonged to him.

She'd built a new life—with a man who matched him in every way.

The realization tightened his chest.

How could she walk away so effortlessly while he remained trapped in memories?

Raindrops pelted the windshield.

Grant sat motionless, staring at the darkened mansion.

Without her, it was merely an empty shell.

He lit a cigarette, watching smoke curl through the car's interior.