Chapter 173: Elias Mercer Chuckled Along

Elias Mercer chuckled along.

Mason Reed squinted through his cigarette smoke. "Connor, your birthday's next month, right? Any big plans this year?"

Julian Cross lounged on the sofa with lazy grace. "Last year's racetrack party was wild. Time for something different?"

Connor Hayes's slender fingers tapped rhythmically against his crystal glass.

The refracted light danced across his sharp features.

"Just a small gathering this year."

Mason choked on his smoke. "What?"

Julian nearly slid off the couch. "You're serious?"

Connor arched an eyebrow. "Problem?"

"Since when do you do low-key?" Mason leaned in for closer inspection. "Wait—did you meet some girl and suddenly decide to play nice?"

Julian perked up. "Unless you mean one of those... private pool parties?"

Connor set down his glass. "My estate on Beacon Avenue. Invitations coming soon."

As he walked away, Mason and Julian exchanged bewildered glances.

Sunlight streamed through the windows.

Both men instinctively looked up at the cloudless sky.

* * *

Clara Whitmore was organizing design drafts when the call came.

"A birthday party?" Her brow furrowed slightly.

Connor's voice carried through the receiver. "Just a few friends."

Her fingers absently traced the edges of her sketches.

She didn't want to see Grant Holloway.

"Mason will be there." Connor paused deliberately. "Unless... you're avoiding someone?"

Clara's hand stilled.

"That's over."

Connor's quiet laugh vibrated through the line. "All the more reason to come. Address sent."

The call ended with decisive finality.

* * *

The estate blazed with light on the evening of the party.

Grant entered arm-in-arm with Paige Lawson.

She helped remove his coat, her fingers brushing his shoulder with practiced casualness.

"Happy birthday."

Grant tossed Connor a set of keys.

Connor caught them with a smirk. "Thanks."

As Grant started to speak, movement at the periphery of his vision froze the words in his throat.