Chapter 377: September Sunlight Streamed Through the Classroom Windows

September sunlight streamed through the classroom windows as Clara Whitmore opened her brand-new notebook. Her graduate course schedule was packed from dawn till noon, leaving barely any breathing room.

"Whew—almost late!"

The door burst open as Maya Torres rushed in, out of breath. She wore baggy shorts and bright yellow Crocs that slapped loudly against the floor.

Clara's gaze dropped to her feet. "Maya, you—"

"What?" Maya glanced down. "Oh, the shoes? I bought them specially for the first day!"

Noah Kessler looked up from his textbook. "You call that appropriate?"

"Of course!" Maya retorted. "Where I'm from, this is considered perfectly presentable."

Noah shook his head and returned to his reading.

When the bell rang, the three headed to the cafeteria together. Maya chattered nonstop like an excited songbird.

"Clara, I found this amazing Sichuan place right across from your apartment!" She gestured enthusiastically. "Their boiled fish—"

A bouquet of vibrant yellow roses suddenly appeared before them.

Grant Holloway stood there in a tailored suit, his tie loosely draped around his neck. With a slight bow, he offered the flowers to Clara. "Happy first day."

Maya immediately yanked Noah's sleeve to pull him back.

"What?" Noah frowned.

"Can't you see he's making a move?" Maya hissed. "Don't be a third wheel!"

Clara took a step back. "Mr. Holloway, please maintain some decorum."

"Just flowers," Grant said with a wry smile. "Won't you spare me this small courtesy?"

"We're over." Her voice remained calm.

A crowd of curious students began gathering around them. Whispers rippled through the hall:

"Isn't that Holloway Holdings heir?"

"Who's that girl? She's gorgeous!"

"Must be the new grad student..."

Grant stood frozen, the yellow roses glaringly bright under the sunlight.