Chapter 293: Connor Hayes's Sudden Appearance Caught Clara Whitmore Completely Off Guard

Connor Hayes's sudden appearance caught Clara Whitmore completely off guard.

As Professor Miriam Caldwell finished speaking, a tall figure emerged leisurely from the study.

Clara's pupils contracted slightly.

"Let me introduce," Professor Caldwell said with a smile, "This is Professor Thomas Avery's prized student, Connor Hayes."

The man's lips curved slightly as he extended his hand toward her. "Long time no see, junior."

"You..." Clara's voice tightened. "You're Professor Avery's student?"

"What? Don't I look the part?"

"..."

Professor Caldwell's gaze shifted between them. "You two know each other?"

Connor nodded. "We do."

And for quite some time now...

"Well then," Professor Caldwell chuckled, "Since you're already acquainted, why don't you both stay for dinner?"

Connor responded politely, "We'd be honored."

Clara had already planned to stay for the evening meal.

The dining table was set with several home-style dishes, two of which happened to be Clara's favorites.

Without drawing attention, Connor yielded the seat closest to those dishes to her, taking the adjacent spot for himself.

Professor Caldwell noticed this exchange and raised an eyebrow meaningfully.

Clara remained oblivious, assuming the housekeeper had remembered her preferences. She thought gratefully: The housekeeper still recalls my tastes!

"How old are you, Connor?" Professor Caldwell inquired suddenly.

"Twenty-eight. Year of the Dog."

"Starting an investment firm at such a young age is impressive."

Connor shook his head modestly. "Only with family support. The company just stabilized in recent years."

"Compared to business, I have greater respect for scholars like you and Professor Avery—willing to endure solitude for research."

Professor Caldwell laughed. "For those passionate about science, it's hardly solitude. Isn't that right, Clara?"

"Mmm." Clara nodded.

The laboratory, free from scheming and politics, offered purity and simplicity—a genuine comfort.

At least for her and Professor Caldwell.

Connor looked enlightened. "How narrow-minded of me. No wonder Professor Avery always called me too worldly for academia."

"Hahaha... Did he really say that?"

"Word for word," Connor admitted ruefully. "Said it right in front of me and my parents."

"Hahahaha... That sounds exactly like him."

With his polished conversation skills, Connor soon had Professor Caldwell laughing heartily.

After dinner, Clara volunteered to help clear the table.

To her surprise, Connor also rolled up his sleeves and entered the kitchen.

"Surprised?" Connor noticed her gaze as he scraped leftovers into the trash.

Clara answered honestly, "A little."

The man chuckled. "Do I really seem so detached from reality in your eyes?"

"You used to."

"..."

The Grant Holloway she knew never set foot in the kitchen. Birds of a feather, so she'd assumed the same of Connor.

"That's prejudice!" Connor protested.

Yet the evidence proved his culinary skills were indeed rusty.

Watching him squeeze dish soap onto every single plate, Clara hesitated to speak.

"Wrong?" Connor looked genuinely puzzled. "When I cooked abroad, this was how I always washed dishes..."