Chapter 13: Catherine Holloway Took a Graceful Sip of Coffee

Catherine Holloway took a graceful sip of coffee, her manicured fingers tapping lightly on the table.

"Clara, in elite marriages, it's perfectly normal for men to have mistresses. As long as the wife's position remains secure, nothing else matters."

Today's meeting was specifically arranged to educate her future daughter-in-law.

Clara Whitmore responded with a cold laugh, setting her cup down sharply.

"Mrs. Holloway, I appreciate your 'concern.' But Grant and I have already broken up. Let's pretend we don't know each other from now on."

Catherine's face darkened instantly.

Clara had tolerated her future mother-in-law's harsh treatment for Grant's sake. Now that she'd discarded Grant himself, why would she care about his mother?

"One more thing," Clara turned back before leaving, "I'd advise against speaking so maliciously in the future."

"Someone might punch you."

She dropped this casual remark before walking into Ashford University library.

Catherine trembled with rage. "Who does she think she is?!"

Victoria Holloway quickly steadied her mother. "Mom, did she really break up with Grant?"

"Don't be naive," Catherine scoffed.

Everyone knew Clara had been desperately in love with Grant.

* * *

Inside Ashford University's library, Clara randomly pulled a bioinformatics book from the shelf.

Elias Mercer's name stood out boldly on the cover.

Opening it, she found an elegant inscription: "All knowledge is interconnected, disciplines know no boundaries."

She couldn't help smiling.

Only that polymath genius could declare interdisciplinary research so matter-of-factly.

Her growling stomach startled her—lunchtime had long passed.

As she exited the library, Sloane Bennett's call came through.

"Grant came looking for you yesterday!" The urgent voice crackled through the phone. "You didn't run into him, did you?"

"No." Clara's tone remained calm.

"Good. Listen, can you do me a favor tonight?"

* * *

Meanwhile, Catherine stormed into Holloway Holdings headquarters.

"Did you see Clara's attitude?" She slammed the desk upon entering. "How dare she speak to me like that!"

Grant frowned. "You met her at the library?"

"She claims you've broken up?" Catherine's eyes narrowed suddenly.

Grant instinctively denied it. "Impossible."

"Exactly!" Catherine sneered. "A social climber like her would never let go of this golden opportunity."

Grant loosened his tie irritably.

After ushering his mother out, he texted Mason Reed: Need gift ideas for Paige's birthday.

They met at Copley Galleria's jewelry section.

"This heart pendant necklace suits young women perfectly," the sales associate recommended enthusiastically.

Mason suddenly gasped. "Clara?"

Clara was collecting Sloane's custom jewelry order. At the sound of her name, she turned.

Grant's spine stiffened instantly.