Chapter 367: Catching Clara Whitmore Off Guard

Memories flooded back, catching Clara Whitmore off guard.

That crazy girl who wouldn't let go of someone's collar—was that really her?

She looked up to meet Elias Mercer's meaningful gaze, wishing she could disappear into the ground.

"Remember now?" Elias asked.

"I..."

"Would you like someone knocking on your head? You're not a temple wooden fish. And what if it made you stupid?"

His casual remark eased most of Clara's tension.

"But you started it first..." she muttered under her breath.

Once the floodgates of memory opened, fragmented scenes came rushing out.

He had indeed made the first move.

Elias said seriously, "Alcohol should be tasted, not indulged."

"Got it."

Clara nodded with her neck tucked in, resembling a startled quail.

"What are you two discussing?" Daniel Whitmore approached, drying his hands before downing a bowl of pear soup.

Elias took a slow sip. "We were talking about drinking—"

"Speaking of which, Elias should stay for lunch. Let's have a drink, son. We haven't finished discussing that nuclear project!"

Elias didn't immediately agree, instead turning to Clara. "What do you think?"

"Maybe... we shouldn't?"

Alcohol leads to trouble!

"The professor has lab work this afternoon—no drinking. Dad, you shouldn't either. Let's just eat."

Daniel nodded. "Can't delay important work. We'll just have a casual drink then."

"Oh?" Elias raised an eyebrow. "Clara can hold her liquor?"

"Absolutely! Just yesterday she offered to drink with me before her mother stopped her."

Clara blinked frantically, but her father missed the signals.

"But the kid knows her limits—usually just samples." Daniel suddenly remembered and added, "Last time was special."

Clara: "..."

Elias smiled. "True, she's always known her limits."

The proud father beamed at his daughter's praise.

Lunch was again prepared by Daniel.

He worked efficiently, soon covering the table with dishes—all different from last time.

At the table:

"Elias, don't stand on ceremony! Eat up!"

After urging his future son-in-law, he turned to his daughter: "Where are the glasses? I'll get—"

"Dad! Don't—" Clara stopped him.

Daniel: "?"

"Alcohol harms health. Let's all abstain."

Daniel looked shocked—this contradicted his daughter's previous stance.

Clara declared righteously, "I've reflected deeply and quit drinking. You should too."

Daniel: "..."

"Mom dislikes the smell of alcohol, right?" Clara sought her mother's support.

Daniel: "..."

This wasn't his little princess—just a traitor with a leaky coat!

After the meal, Elias automatically rolled up his sleeves to help clear the table.