Chapter 386: Connor Hayes Stood under the Streetlamp

"Surprised to see me?" Connor Hayes stood under the streetlamp, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Clara Whitmore blinked. "...A little."

"How's the new semester treating you?"

"Fine."

"Busy schedule?"

The question hit a nerve. Busy was an understatement—she barely had time to breathe!

Connor chuckled. "Your face just gave me the answer."

"...That obvious?" She instinctively touched her cheek.

"Not at all."

"Then how did you know?"

His eyes glimmered. "I'm observant."

Clara rolled her eyes.

"It's sweltering out here, and I know you won't invite me upstairs." He paused. "How about somewhere cooler?"

At least he knew his place.

"You're definitely thinking, 'This man has some self-awareness.'"

Clara: "!"

"Guessed right again?"

"..."

They entered a bubble tea shop on the corner. The blast of AC instantly relieved the summer night's humidity.

But Connor's crisp suit clashed with the shop's pastel decor, drawing curious glances.

Clara: "What'll you have? My treat."

"sandwich cookie milk tea. No ice. Full sugar."

"?"

He raised a brow. "Problem?"

She turned to the counter. "Two sandwich cookie milk teas. No ice. Full sugar."

A low laugh followed. "Same taste? Could this be...kindred spirits?"

"Coincidence."

Connor's lips curved.

Coincidences were rare. Over the years, he'd memorized her preferences better than anyone.

Their drinks arrived quickly. They settled in a corner booth.

Clara cut to the chase. "Why are you here?"

"Can't I just want to see you?"

She pursed her lips. "...You wouldn't."

Connor wasn't the type for casual chats. He wouldn't show up unannounced at her doorstep—not at this hour.

Even if...he genuinely missed her, he'd always have a plausible excuse.

"So who would drop by uninvited?" His gaze sharpened.

Clara: "..." Was that the point?

"Has Grant Holloway visited recently?"

She stirred her straw absently.

Connor pressed on. "Let me guess—he came. During the day."

"..."

"With flowers?"

"..."

"You're at Ashford University all day, so he..." Connor narrowed his eyes. "Went to campus?"

Bullseye.

Clara burst out laughing. "With skills like that, why not set up a fortune-telling booth?"

"Only interested in your fortunes."

She asked offhandedly, "Then what does interest you?"