Chapter 473: Clara Whitmore's Voice Snapped Elias Mercer Back to Reality

"Professor, are you done?"

Clara Whitmore's voice snapped Elias Mercer back to reality.

He realized his fingers were still resting on the fabric at her waist.

"...Done."

"Thank you."

Elias's gaze lingered on her slender waistline.

Not out of inappropriate thoughts.

But—

She was too thin!

He could practically picture her skipping meals every day.

* * *

Grant Holloway sat at his dresser all night.

From sunset to sunrise.

Closing his eyes only made the memories clearer.

Sweet recollections like sugar, bitter past like medicine.

The mixture left him sleepless.

Dawn light filtered through the curtains before he emerged from reminiscence.

8:00 sharp.

He changed into a fresh suit and drove to the most famous patisserie on Beacon Avenue.

A normally thirty-minute trip took twice as long today.

"One mango mille crepe, please."

The clerk looked up in surprise. "Whole cake or slices?"

"Whole."

"You're in luck. First batch just came out. Two minutes later and we'd have started slicing."

Grant gave a slight nod.

The clerk expertly packaged it. "Buying cake this early for a girlfriend's birthday?"

"Ex-girlfriend's favorite."

Those five simple words made the clerk's expression turn knowing.

Grant offered no explanation, taking the box and leaving.

Through the glass door, the clerk watched the understated black sports car pull away.

"Tsk..."

More dramatic than a soap opera.

* * *

The school bell rang.

Maya Torres stretched. "I'm parched!"

Noah Kessler silently packed his bag.

Used to his quietness, she chattered on. "Let's get bubble tea by the gate! My treat!"

Noah: "..."

Here we go again.

Always monologuing like this.

"Not thirsty."

"Ugh! You're no fun!"

"I'll walk with you."

"No! You have to pick a flavor!"

"I'm training..."

Maya rolled her eyes. "Right, right, no sugar. Get sugar-free then!"

Noah frowned. "Still has calories."

"You—" She stamped her foot. "Think you're special for being skinny?"

"If you care about weight, why not diet?"

"Dieting means no treats. No treats means unhappy. Unhappy means depressed. Depression kills! So dieting equals suicide!"

Noah: "..."

He couldn't counter that logic.

"Are you coming or not? Say no and I'll never ask again!"

Noah sighed. "...Let's go."

"Really?" Maya's eyes lit up. "You'll drink some?"

"..."

"Say it! Are you drinking?"

Noah relented. "Fine. I'll drink."