Chapter 102: Clara Whitmore Looked Up at Mason Reed

Clara Whitmore looked up at Mason Reed. The lead partner at Morningstar Law Firm, the ace attorney exclusively serving the Hayes Group.

She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and murmured, "Thank you."

The Hayes Group's legal team was unparalleled domestically. Their involvement eliminated countless bureaucratic hurdles.

For Clara, this went far beyond what money could solve.

Connor Hayes glanced at her, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm no saint, not even close to being a good man. It's only because the victim was you..."

The sea breeze brushed her face as Clara averted her gaze to the ink-black ocean. "What did you say just now? The wind was too loud."

Connor chuckled. "Didn't hear me? I can repeat it."

Clara: "..." No need.

Under the same starry sky, inside a water villa at the resort.

Paige Lawson carefully applied a luxurious face mask before the mirror.

Expensive indeed meant quality. The high-end skincare she'd once scrimped on was now hers to use freely.

With Grant Holloway's supplementary card in her possession, she could max it out without consequences.

This premium mask had noticeably brightened her complexion.

Grant frowned at his vibrating phone from the sofa. "Paige, your phone."

"Decline it for me. Must be the academic advisor again. So annoying!"

"Your advisor?"

"Yeah, I submitted a leave request before the trip. Why keep calling?" She rolled her eyes impatiently.

Grant: "...Was it approved?"

"What does it matter? I'm already here. Everyone does this."

Grant: "..."

"I'm going for a walk."

"Wait for me, I'm almost done—"

The closing door cut her off.

Grant's thoughts drifted to Clara.

During their university dates, Professor Miriam Caldwell's calls always interrupted them.

Data errors. Incorrect citations. When he got upset, she'd pacify him while respectfully taking the calls.

"Doesn't it bother you?" he'd once demanded.

She'd looked surprised. "Why would it? The professor's helping me."

Yes, she was always rational. After arguments, she'd initiate resolution immediately, never making unreasonable demands.

Sometimes her composure felt inhuman. That clinical detachment made him question if she loved him at all.

Wasn't it said? A woman's lack of emotion means lack of love.

But Paige was different. A single glance from him could send her into anxious devotion, bending to his every whim.

So after six "respectful" years with Clara, Grant had fallen for Paige's worshipful gaze.