Chapter 73: Grant Holloway Jerked His Hand Away from Paige Lawson's Grasp

Grant Holloway jerked his hand away from Paige Lawson's grasp as if electrocuted.

Paige's nails accidentally scratched a red mark across his knuckles. Following his frozen gaze, she spotted Clara Whitmore standing by the champagne tower.

"You invited her?" Grant's voice tightened.

Connor Hayes swirled his glass, ice cubes clinking. "We're all old classmates." His smile carried hidden meaning. "Did I need permission?"

Clara's gaze swept the room, lingering on Grant for less than a second. She strode toward Connor, the hem of her black coat slicing through the air.

"Happy birthday." She extended an exquisitely wrapped gift. "Lab data can't wait. I won't stay long."

Connor ignored the present, plucking two champagne flutes from a passing tray instead. "In such a hurry?" He drained one glass, his Adam's apple bobbing. "At least finish this."

The crystal rim bore a lipstick imprint as Clara downed the drink. The alcohol burned her throat just as her phone vibrated in her purse—her advisor's manuscript revisions.

"Cake time approaches." Connor suddenly gripped her wrist.

Warmth and alcohol flushed Clara's cheeks as she twisted free. "I need air."

Grant's gaze followed her through the columned hallway. Paige suddenly clutched her chest, swaying against his arm. "My heart...it's racing..."

Outside, rare orchids bloomed in climate-controlled glasshouses. Clara counted breaths to steady herself when an unseen force yanked her into moonlit laurel shadows.

A chest scented with cedar pressed against her. She raised an elbow to strike, then froze at the tequila-laced whisper:

"Recognized me?" Connor's laughter vibrated against her. His fingers traced the silk ribbon at her waist. "Your earlobes always redden when you lie."

Clara's back met the cold marble pillar. Moonlight fractured through leaves, webbing cracks across his glasses.