Chapter 478: Lenora Voss's Gaze Lingered on Clara Whitmore for a Fleeting Moment

Lenora Voss's gaze lingered on Clara Whitmore for a fleeting moment.

She remembered this girl. Their previous chance encounters had inexplicably unsettled her. That flawlessly beautiful face always dredged up unpleasant memories.

Clara walked past without sparing her a glance.

As they brushed shoulders, Lenora caught a faint whiff of jasmine. She instinctively frowned and quickened her pace.

"Clara, come see the dress I picked!" Helen Whitmore's voice carried from nearby.

Clara hurried over. "You've already decided? I didn't even see you try it on."

Helen winked mysteriously. "I'll show you at home. Just helped an aunt pick clothes for her son. She mentioned he's been watching Seven-Day Tales..."

Meanwhile, in the lab, Elias Mercer sneezed three times in rapid succession.

Theo Marsh immediately leaned in. "Someone must be thinking about you, eh?"

Elias shot him an icy glare. "Seems you have too much free time."

Theo's back stiffened.

"You're attending tomorrow's academic symposium at the Bellwether Grand Hotel."

"No way!" Theo groaned.

Elise Warren smirked nearby. "Serves you right for running your mouth."

* * *

At six in the evening, the mall lights flickered on.

As Helen and Clara debated dinner options, Spencer Hale called.

"I've reserved a restaurant on the lower level. Come straight down."

Helen hesitated. "We couldn't possibly—"

"Don't be polite," Spencer chuckled warmly. "You came all the way to the capital for your book signing. As your host, dinner is the least I can do."

He'd chosen a fusion restaurant blending local flavors with broader appeal. Their private booth offered panoramic views of the antique street through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Spencer meticulously accommodated everyone's preferences when ordering, even remembering Clara's dietary restrictions.

Throughout dinner, Helen and Spencer chatted animatedly about signing details and new book concepts. Clara noticed a long-absent sparkle in her mother's eyes.

This was a far cry from the irritable woman who used to snap at editors over the phone.

On their way to the restroom, Helen suddenly mused, "We should thank the friend who introduced you to Editor Spencer. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Clara nodded quietly. "I'll arrange it."

* * *

The next morning, a long queue already snaked through the book signing venue.