Chapter 326: Clara Teased with a Playful Smile

"Will this affect your research schedule?"

"Professor Marsh is handling the new project. I've had more free time lately."

"Professor Marsh might complain," Clara teased with a playful smile.

"He can complain all he wants—he still has to work."

His response was blunt.

If Theo Marsh had been present, he would've been fuming.

After two laps around the park, Clara began to lag behind.

Elias slowed his pace. "Adjust your breathing. Follow my rhythm... Inhale, exhale..."

Clara matched his instructions and quickly regained her stride. "Much better!"

"Want to keep going?"

"Let's call it a day."

"Alright."

Seizing the rare opportunity, they shared breakfast before heading back.

"Any updates on your paper?"

Clara shook her head. "Not yet."

"International journals have long review cycles. That's normal."

Mentioning the paper, Clara spoke earnestly. "Thanks to you lending me the lab, I could finish those three papers. Charging rent would feel too formal, but I still want to show my gratitude."

"How about I treat you to dinner?"

Elias agreed without hesitation. "Sounds perfect. A free meal is always welcome."

"What would you like? I can—"

"Your cooking is excellent."

Clara blinked. "???"

When had she offered to cook?

But Elias had already taken it as a given.

Fine...

Though she rarely cooked in the summer heat, if Elias wanted it—

"How about lunch today? Are you free?"

"I am."

As they walked and chatted, Clara suddenly stopped at the alley entrance.

Elias paused beside her. "What's wrong?"

Following her gaze, he saw Grant Holloway standing under the apartment awning, his dark eyes fixed on them.

Clad in a black dress shirt and tailored slacks, the man stood in the dappled shade, fractured by sunlight.

"Clara..." Grant stepped forward, his gaze burning into her.

Post-run, Clara's forehead glistened with a light sheen, but her eyes were bright.

Her cheeks were flushed, radiating vitality.

He deliberately ignored Elias—not that he hadn't noticed, but he refused to acknowledge him.

"Can I help you, Mr. Holloway?"

The formal address stung.

"Do we really have to be this distant?"

Clara met his gaze calmly. "We're not close."

"Can't we even be friends?"

"Unnecessary."

In her view, an ex should vanish without a trace.

Staying friends was just an excuse for unresolved feelings.

And she wanted no part of it.