Chapter 176: The Doorknob Was Icy to the Touch

The doorknob was icy to the touch.

Clara's fingers gripped it tightly, her knuckles turning white.

"I refuse." Her voice was soft but sharp as a blade.

Grant's pupils constricted abruptly.

"Why?!" He slammed his palm against the doorframe, his own knuckles paling. "I've already taken care of the Paige situation. What more do you want from me?"

His breathing was ragged, like a caged beast.

Clara met his gaze.

"Before," she paused, "I thought you were my entire world."

A spark of hope flickered in Grant's eyes.

"Not anymore." Her tone was calm. "My world is vast enough to hold many things now."

The man's expression twisted instantly.

"Like what? Your studies?" He sneered. "What good will a master's degree do? You'll still end up working for money. Just name your price—I'll give it to you directly!"

Clara frowned.

"You took that $50 million check without hesitation. Now you're playing hard to get?" Grant's voice rose with agitation. "Or was this your plan all along—"

Bang!

The door slammed shut with such force the hallway lights trembled.

Grant staggered back, driving his fist into the wall.

* * *

The April breeze carried the scent of blossoms.

Clara stood at Professor Miriam's doorstep, clutching a folder of documents.

The petite professor, vibrant as ever, immediately thrust a towering stack of papers into her arms.

"Take these!" Miriam's eyes gleamed. "They're treasures!"

Clara opened the topmost file.

The pages were yellowed, their edges curled with age.

"This..."

"Your senior 'borrowed' these from the library's rare collection." The old woman winked mischievously. "Almost got chased down by the librarian."

Clara burst into laughter.

As her fingers traced the densely packed notes, her heart softened unexpectedly.

So this was what it felt like—to have her dreams cherished by others.