Chapter 387: The Words Barely Left Clara Whitmore's Lips

The words barely left Clara Whitmore's lips when she wished she could bite her tongue off.

Too late to take them back.

Connor Hayes chuckled. "You."

"I'm interested in you."

Clara immediately tilted her head up to study the ceiling patterns.

The man arched an eyebrow. "Stop pretending. I know you heard me."

"The wind's too loud. Couldn't catch that." She cleared her throat awkwardly. "Let's never mention this again."

Watching her play dumb only deepened Connor's amusement. "You can run today, but not forever."

"Oh no," Clara abruptly interrupted, "I forgot tissues. Do you have any?"

"Here."

"Thanks."

Connor dangled the packet teasingly. "Hear me better now?"

Clara glared in silence.

Her suspicion was right—Connor had an ulterior motive.

Only after finishing his milk tea did he get to the point.

"Professor Avery's research has hit a two-month roadblock. Wanted your input. All materials are here."

He slid a flash drive across the table.

During the handoff, he deliberately slowed his movements.

When their fingers brushed, the heat from his palm sent an electric jolt through her.

Clara snatched her hand back.

Connor's grin turned downright predatory.

Absolutely intentional!

She widened her eyes in accusation, but he smoothly offered tissues—

"Wipe your hands."

Clara exhaled sharply. Her anger flared and faded just as fast.

Making a scene would seem childish now.

But why did only his touch unsettle her?

The realization startled her.

Didn't that prove he'd already become someone special in her mind?

A no-win situation!

Outside the tea shop, Connor insisted on walking her to her building.

At the doorstep, Clara suddenly declared, "You're too calculating. Let's keep our distance!"

Instead of taking offense, he laughed. "You're scared."

"Of what?" She frowned.

"That you'll unknowingly surrender your heart to me." He preened like a peacock.

Clara nearly choked. "I'm avoiding your traps!"

"Same destination, different paths."

Clara blinked.

How was that equivalent?

"Can't out-argue you. I concede."

She spun around and dashed into the stairwell.

Connor remained rooted, watching until her silhouette disappeared around the corner.

He waited longer still, only leaving after her window lights flickered on.

Post-shower, Clara plugged the flash drive into her laptop.

As the loading bar progressed, she froze—

Professor Avery had class tomorrow. He could've simply handed her the materials on campus.

Why send Connor on this special trip?

Another scheme!

Meanwhile, Connor answered his ringing phone.

"Professor?"

"My flash drive? It was definitely in the drawer—"

"I took it."

"Those are research documents! I need to give them to Clara tomorrow—"

"Already delivered."