Chapter 294: Clara Whitmore Leaned Against the Kitchen Doorway

"There's no right way to wash dishes." Clara Whitmore leaned against the kitchen doorway, watching Connor Hayes's clumsy movements. "As long as they end up clean."

She stepped closer. "But..."

Connor's hands froze midair.

"First, squeeze a little dish soap." Her fingertip tapped the water's surface. "Let it dissolve before scrubbing with the sponge. Rinse thoroughly at the end."

"Like this?" Connor followed her instructions.

Just as he reached for the soap, Clara caught his wrist.

"Wait."

Connor raised an eyebrow.

"Use hot water."

The corner of his mouth lifted. "Yes, ma'am."

By the time they finished, night had fallen. They bid farewell to Professor Miriam Caldwell.

"I'll drive you." Connor jingled his car keys. "The subway's closed by now."

Clara opened the passenger door. "Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Hayes."

The engine hummed to life. Connor suddenly turned. "Could you call me something else? Senior? Connor? Even just my name?"

"Of course, Mr. Hayes."

"Teasing me?"

Clara blinked. "Force of habit."

Connor chuckled. "Suit yourself."

One day, he'd make her say his name willingly.

* * *

The car stopped at Ashford University's main gate.

"Here's fine." Clara unbuckled her seatbelt.

"Not going back to your apartment?"

"Lab data needs processing."

Connor nodded, watching her walk through the gates. "Stay safe."

The lab lights burned until midnight.

Clara shut down her computer and checked each instrument. When she finally turned off the lights, a light rain had begun outside.

June marked the start of Boston's rainy season. Under the streetlamps, raindrops wove a delicate net across the pavement.

The campus path stood empty.

Her umbrella trembled in the wind. A stray cat's cry pierced the night. Clara tightened her grip, but rainwater still soaked her shoulder.

That's when the footsteps began.

The steady rhythm of leather soles hitting puddles, maintaining a precise distance behind her.

She quickened her pace.

The footsteps immediately grew urgent.