Chapter 69: The Night Sky Above Harbor Road Glittered with Countless Lights

The night sky above Harbor Road glittered with countless lights as a thousand drones hovered like suspended stars, shifting formations in perfect synchronization.

This extravagant drone light show carried a six-figure price tag for just fifteen minutes of performance.

Connor Hayes's car happened to pass the prime viewing spot. He slowed down, pulling over to admire the shifting three-dimensional patterns through the windshield.

Clara Whitmore followed his gaze and was instantly mesmerized by the dazzling spectacle.

"Guess how many drones there are," Connor suddenly asked.

"How could I possibly guess?" Clara blinked.

"Take a shot."

"Five hundred?"

"I'd say ninety-nine." Connor's lips curved slightly. "It's a popular number for proposals."

As if on cue, the drones rearranged into glowing words: "Marry Me," shining brilliantly against the night sky.

Clara gasped, turning toward the observation deck where a sharply dressed man knelt on one knee with a bouquet of roses.

"You knew?"

Connor pointed to the flowers hidden behind the man's back. "Details make all the difference."

Clara studied him with newfound interest. This seemingly carefree heir actually possessed remarkable perceptiveness.

Dinner conversation proved even more surprising. When discussing her finance major, his offhand analysis of several stock trends was startlingly accurate.

Grant Holloway's inner circle clearly had no ordinary members.

Her fingers tightened around her purse strap. She needed to distance herself from this world sooner rather than later.

"You can drop me at the alley entrance. Thanks for the ride."

Connor pulled over smoothly, watching until her silhouette disappeared into the dimly lit passageway before turning around.

Two intersections later, Mason Reed's call came through.

"Where'd you go? I came back from the restroom and you'd vanished!"

Frustration colored Mason's voice. He'd been cornered by his ex-girlfriend at the register, forced into an awkward reunion.

"Miss Whitmore had an emergency. I took her home," Connor replied evenly.

"What about Grant? Weren't we setting up a chance meeting?" Mason pressed.

"Couldn't reach him. Probably busy with his new fling." Connor's expression remained neutral.

After hanging up, he parked again and transferred money to an unfamiliar account.

The recipient called instantly: "Mr. Hayes honors his agreements."

Mason would have recognized his ex's voice immediately.

"Pleasure doing business," Connor said coolly.

"Still curious though," the woman whispered, "Why pay so much just to delay Mason for ten minutes?"

Connor glanced at the receding alley in his rearview mirror and murmured, "Do you know why curiosity killed the cat?"