Chapter 95: Connor Hayes's Lips Curved Slightly

Connor Hayes's lips curved slightly. "I'll pursue you my way. Don't feel pressured. How would I know if I don't try?"

Clara Whitmore frowned. "Even if you'll get hurt in the end?"

His gaze remained steady. "Willingly."

His persistence caught her off guard, leaving her speechless.

Sensing her resistance, Connor didn't press further. He simply stood beside her in comfortable silence, listening to the waves.

It wasn't until midnight that he finally took his leave.

Clara watched his retreating figure, lost in thought.

Connor always knew when to advance and retreat. His courtship was restrained yet tender, never making her uncomfortable.

Unlike Grant Holloway, who used to pester her relentlessly and had now escalated his behavior.

She massaged her temples.

Whatever. She couldn't control others.

Focusing on herself was enough.

As she turned, her body froze.

A shadowy figure stood motionless in the darkness.

Like a ghostly apparition.

Clara gasped.

The man stepped into the light, revealing his face.

"Grant Holloway! Are you insane?"

Lurking in the shadows at this hour—was he trying to give her a heart attack?

After Clara left the ball, Grant had immediately followed.

But he couldn't find her anywhere.

Just then, Paige Lawson had latched onto him, demanding late-night snacks.

Losing all patience, he'd summoned a waiter to deal with her.

The hotel's tight security made tracking Clara's room number difficult.

When he finally arrived, he saw Connor standing beside her on the balcony.

The sea breeze lifted her white gown, her hair dancing lightly.

The tall, broad-shouldered man beside her made them look like a perfect match.

The sight struck Grant like lightning.

Only after Connor left did Clara notice him.

Dark currents swirled behind his mask. With each step he took forward, she retreated.

"I've said everything there is to say. You—"

Before she could finish, he seized her wrist.

"Why is he allowed when I'm not?" Grant's eyes burned red.

Clara struggled against his grip. "What's wrong with you now?"

"I saw Connor," he rasped. "Do you even know who he really is?"