Chapter 67: Mason Reed Tapped His Phone Screen a Few Times

Mason Reed tapped his phone screen a few times before dialing Clara Whitmore's number.

"Clara, how have you been?" His tone was lighthearted. "There's something I wanted to discuss with you..."

A soft exhale came through the line. After hearing his proposal, Clara fell silent.

Mason immediately understood. "Just the two of us—strictly a friendly get-together. Grant won't find out, I promise."

"...Alright." Clara finally relented.

Hanging up, Mason smirked.

Step one of his plan was complete. As for whether an "accidental" encounter might occur later—well, that was beyond his control.

Connor Hayes rose from the couch, grabbing his jacket. "I'll go contact Julian."

"Perfect!" Mason rubbed his hands together eagerly.

He could already picture himself being thanked as the matchmaker who reunited the couple.

* * *

Golden sunlight streamed through the windows of Juniper Restaurant, scattering flecks of gold across the floor.

Mason had deliberately chosen a table by the window—strategically positioned for optimal "coincidental" visibility.

When Clara pushed through the door, he immediately stood and waved.

"Clara, over here!"

A server guided her to the table. Clara set her bag down and glanced around the restaurant.

"Congratulations on finishing your grad school exams." Mason handed her a menu enthusiastically. "I ordered your favorites. Let's celebrate properly today."

As the most down-to-earth rich kid in Grant's circle, Mason had indeed helped Clara many times before.

"Thank you for always looking out for me." Clara offered a small smile.

Mason waved a hand dramatically. "No need for formalities between us!"

Just then, a tall figure appeared beside their table.

"Mason? What a coincidence."

Looking up, Mason's smile froze.

Connor stood there with one hand in his pocket—alone.

Mason's eyes widened, silently demanding: Where's Grant? What happened to the plan?

"Mind if I join you?" Connor was already pulling out a chair, his gaze briefly skimming over Clara.

Mason's cheek twitched. "O-of course not..."

Adjusting his cuffs with practiced elegance, Connor asked casually, "Celebrating something special today?"

"Clara finished her grad school exams," Mason answered through gritted teeth, his eyes screaming accusations.

Connor turned to Clara as if noticing her for the first time. "Grad school? Which university?"

Mason rolled his eyes internally: Nice acting.

"A University," Clara replied politely.

Connor nodded. "Solid choice."