Chapter 429: Elias Mercer's Pupils Contracted Slightly

Elias Mercer's pupils contracted slightly, clearly not expecting to run into her here.

Clara Whitmore steadied her breathing and met his gaze directly. "Professor Mercer, have I done something to offend you?"

His fingertips trembled almost imperceptibly.

She actually followed him out.

And asked so bluntly.

"...No." How could he possibly have any issue with her?

"Then why have you been avoiding me lately?"

Elias lowered his eyelids, evading her stare.

His Adam's apple bobbed slightly.

"...Work has been busy." His voice was so quiet it was nearly inaudible.

"Did I do something wrong?" Clara pressed.

The man's breath hitched.

Images from those intimate dreams suddenly flooded his mind.

And the leading lady from those dreams now stood before him.

He could even catch the faint scent of shampoo in her hair.

One step forward, and he could pull her into his arms—

Elias bit down hard on his tongue.

Was he insane?

Meeting Clara's clear, questioning gaze made his ears burn.

"Professor? Are you okay?"

"...Hmm?"

"You don't look well." She frowned in concern.

"?"

"Your ears are red." She pointed out.

Elias turned his face away in a fluster. "Must be...the sunlight."

"I see." Clara sounded skeptical.

She took a deep breath.

"Whatever misunderstanding there was before, I'd prefer we communicate directly from now on."

Her eyes held his steadily. "I don't like guessing games."

Nor did she want to lose this important person who was both mentor and friend.

He gave a slight nod. "Alright."

"Lunch together then?"

Elias exhaled in relief. "Alright."

* * *

At the other end of the cafeteria, Maya Torres' chopsticks hovered midair.

A grain of rice fell from her gaping mouth back into the bowl.

Noah Kessler across from her passed a napkin with distaste. "Mind your manners."

Maya mechanically wiped her mouth. "Look over there."

Noah turned, his pupils dilating in shock.

Clara and Elias sat side by side, chatting amiably.

"Don't be so dramatic." He feigned nonchalance as he shoveled rice into his mouth.

Maya leaned in. "Isn't Professor Mercer so handsome?"

"Passable."

"Is Clara gorgeous?"

"Hmm."

"They look perfect together, right?"

Noah rolled his eyes. "Can't even a meal shut you up?"

Maya pouted and stabbed at her rice.

Clueless block of wood!

As lunch ended, Elias headed to the lab.

He bid farewell at the cafeteria entrance.

After a few steps, he suddenly turned back.

Clara arched a questioning brow.