Chapter 282: Mason Reed Tilted His Head Back

Mason Reed tilted his head back, downing his drink before slamming the glass onto the table.

"You know nothing. I always give my all for friends. Don't like it? Get lost."

"Friends?" Julian Cross sneered. "She's already broken up with Grant. What kind of friendship is this?"

Grant Holloway's gaze darkened as it settled on Mason.

Mason suddenly straightened, his expression turning serious. "Clara saved my life once. Her breakup with Grant is none of my damn business."

"Saved your life?" Julian's eyes narrowed. "How?"

Mason waved a hand. "Long story..." He abruptly changed the subject. "By the way, Julian, there's something I need to ask—"

"I'm going to the restroom." Julian stood abruptly and strode away.

Mason blinked. The guy bolted faster than a rabbit. Was he avoiding this on purpose?

Julian didn't head to the restroom.

He walked straight to the terrace, lighting a cigarette. Smoke curled around his furrowed brow as he paced restlessly.

Ash fluttered down, though he barely took two drags.

Finally, he stubbed out the cigarette and dialed a number.

Clara Whitmore had just ended her call with Mason when she tossed her phone onto the sofa and stepped into the shower.

Emerging with damp hair, she noticed two missed calls.

The area code showed Boston.

After a brief hesitation, she returned the call.

"Hello, who's this?"

A dry chuckle came through. "After all these years, you never saved my number, Clara?"

The most infuriating part? She had Mason's number saved.

Clara froze. "Julian?"

What kind of midnight madness was this?

Julian caught himself, inwardly cursing his impulsiveness.

"Ahem. I was with Mason during your call earlier."

"And?"

"I have the resources to help you directly. Why take the roundabout route through Mason?" His tone carried clear displeasure.

Clara replied coolly, "I didn't have your contact information."

Julian: "..."

"Mason said he'd ask you for me."

"..."

"Clara," he said through gritted teeth, "when asking for favors, efficiency matters. Coming to me directly would've been ten times faster. Understand?"

"Not really."

"..."

"You called just to say this?"

Julian scoffed. "I don't owe favors. You helped me once—consider this repayment."

Clara's breath caught.

That incident... she'd nearly forgotten.