Chapter 338: After Clara Whitmore Returned Home

After Clara Whitmore returned home, Elias Mercer politely excused himself. He declined Helen Whitmore's invitation to stay for dinner, leaving the precious family reunion time to them.

Daniel Whitmore was still immersed in their earlier conversation, his eyes shining with admiration. "That Elias is such a fine young man."

He took a sip of tea and added thoughtfully, "Truly remarkable..."

Clara couldn't help but laugh. "Dad, you're looking at him like he's your future son-in-law."

"Nonsense! My heart belongs only to your mother!"

Clara: "..." The unexpected romantic display caught her off guard.

Considering their exhausting trip to the Stone Rampart the previous day, Daniel and Helen decided to rest at home.

Clara naturally respected her parents' plans.

The next morning, the family of three set out together.

Their destination was the Imperial Citadel.

Clara had booked tickets a week in advance.

Helen enthusiastically participated in a vintage imperial-style photoshoot.

The photographer kept praising, "This lady has such elegant grace. Every movement exudes classical charm, like she stepped right out of a painting..."

Helen beamed at the compliments.

The photographer's keen eye proved accurate—the final photos were stunning.

That night, Clara fell asleep nestled in her mother's arms.

The familiar comforting scent lulled her into slumber.

Upon waking, Clara checked her emails out of habit.

To her surprise, the biology journal she'd submitted to requested complete references.

Though she'd double-checked before finalizing the draft, she decided to verify everything once more for absolute certainty.

"Dad, Mom, I'm heading to the library. I should be back by noon."

"Go ahead, don't worry about us."

At midday, the weather changed abruptly.

Sunny skies gave way to dark storm clouds.

Helen watched the gathering storm with concern. "It's going to pour. Clara didn't take an umbrella. The library isn't far—should we go meet her?"

Daniel immediately began gathering rain gear.

As they reached the stairwell, footsteps echoed from below.

The motion sensor light revealed Elias's familiar figure.

"Elias? You're back early today?"

After their frequent recent encounters, they'd become quite familiar.

"Are you going out, Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore?"

"Yes, we're heading to the library to bring Clara an umbrella before the rain starts."

Elias glanced at the ominous sky.

He considered mentioning the library's umbrella loan service, but understood the parents' desire to personally fetch their daughter.

"The library has a complicated layout. Would you like me to guide you?"

"We couldn't impose..." Daniel protested politely.

"I need to retrieve some materials from the lab anyway. It's on my way."

This was only partially true.

While he did have items at the lab, they weren't urgently needed.

Seeing Elias's insistence, the elder Whitmores relented. "We'd appreciate that. We were worried about getting lost in all those branching paths..."