Chapter 93: Connor Hayes's Lips Curved Slightly

"Of course."

"Isn't your investment bank swamped at year-end?"

"Depends on the person." Connor Hayes's lips curved slightly. "For someone important, I'm free even at 3 AM. For those who aren't? Even weekends are booked."

Clara Whitmore was still deciphering his words when the ballroom lights shifted abruptly. The partner-switching segment began.

Amid the flickering lights, a figure was flung toward her.

Paige Lawson stumbled past, her face etched with shock.

The next second, Clara's wrist was seized in a firm grip.

Grant Holloway's palm burned against her skin, his other arm possessively encircling her waist.

He shot Connor a challenging glance before his gaze softened instantly as he turned back.

"Clara, are you still mad at me?"

"I went to your place three times, but you weren't there." His voice was rough. "If Connor hadn't interfered, I would've—"

Clara's lashes fluttered, but she remained silent.

"Did I come too late?"

Grant leaned in, his breath grazing her ear.

The moment the spotlight had illuminated them earlier, he'd seen Connor's hand resting on her waist.

Watching them spin across the dance floor, Connor whispering in her ear—he'd crushed his champagne glass in his fist.

Six years. He'd never even gotten the chance to waltz with Clara.

So when the music changed, he'd pushed Paige away without hesitation.

He thought this would be like before.

A little coaxing, a little vulnerability, and she'd return to him.

"Those men were just tools to make me jealous, weren't they?" His grip tightened. "I'm losing my mind with envy."

In the past, those words would've made her heart race.

But now—

Too late.

When she'd realized she was becoming hysterical, unrecognizable even to herself, she'd known this relationship should've ended long ago.

"Six years together. Can you really walk away so easily?"

Clara frowned. "Let go."

Grant instinctively tightened his hold before jerking back. "Sorry..."

As the final note faded, she stepped away decisively. "What's past is past. No need to revisit it."

Her gaze flickered toward Paige, who stood frozen nearby. "If you've chosen someone else, stop wavering."

Her skirt swirled with finality as she turned.

Connor, who'd been distractedly guiding Paige in circles, chuckled under his breath.

Seems Mr. Holloway's usual tricks had failed this time.