Chapter 403: Theo Marsh Chewed on His Pen Cap

Theo Marsh chewed on his pen cap, tilting his head as he studied Elias Mercer organizing lab data. "Elias, you've been radiating enough chill to freeze someone to death lately. What's going on?"

Elias didn't look up. "You're imagining things."

He grabbed his black gym bag and headed to the break room. The folding bed in the corner caught his eye—Clara Whitmore's designated napping spot.

A memory flashed through his mind: the girl curled up on that bed, sunlight filtering through the blinds to paint dappled patterns on her face. His breath had hitched that day.

"Damn it." Elias slammed the locker shut, his knuckles turning white.

Theo's voice carried through the door. "I ordered barbecue. Got your favorite grilled eggplant."

"Not interested."

"There's lamb chops and oysters too. Sure you don't want any?"

"Not hungry."

Theo abruptly changed topics. "Speaking of which, Clara's garlic butter shrimp with glass noodles was legendary... She hasn't been to the lab since school started, has she? Next time you see her—"

"Tell her yourself." Elias stormed out, his lab coat whipping behind him.

Theo coughed from the sudden gust. "You live across the hall from each other. Would it kill you to pass along a message?"

"Yes."

Theo studied his friend's tense profile when realization struck. "Elias, don't tell me you're—"

The man at the lab bench stilled his hands.

"—hitting early menopause?" Theo counted on his fingers. "Irritability, mood swings, insomnia..."

Elias snapped the microscope shut. "Shut up."

Outside, the sunset painted the entire lab in fiery orange hues.

* * *

In Hearthstone Restaurant's private dining room, Connor Hayes was sterilizing tableware.

Clara entered just as he pushed a freshly sanitized teacup toward her. "Perfect timing."

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Connor chuckled. "Ten minutes early counts as late now?"

He wore a charcoal-gray shirt today, sleeves rolled to his elbows, the watch on his wrist glinting coldly under the lights.

"This place requires pre-orders." Connor signaled the waiter. "I got seasonal asparagus and matsutake mushrooms."

Dishes arrived one after another, each plated with edible flowers like miniature artworks.

"I was supposed to treat you—"

"My pleasure." Connor cut her off, his gaze softening.

Clara sipped her soup in silence.

"Actually..." She hesitated. "I brought two classmates."

Connor raised an eyebrow. "Of course they're welcome."

The door swung open. Maya Torres's eyes lit up, nearly whistling. But Noah Kessler froze behind her, staring at Connor.

"And this is...?" Connor's gaze lingered on Noah's face a beat longer, his smile deepening.

Noah swallowed hard. "Hello."