Chapter 225: Connor Hayes's Gaze Lingered on Elias Mercer for Less Than a Second

Connor Hayes's gaze lingered on Elias Mercer for less than a second.

He knew exactly what that look meant.

It was the primal possessiveness of a predator toward its prey.

Connor suddenly turned.

Clara Whitmore nearly collided with his chest in surprise.

"Careful." His hand hovered near her elbow without touching.

As she steadied herself, a cup of hot milk tea appeared in her hands.

"For me?"

"Who else?" Connor arched an eyebrow. "See anyone around?"

Clara examined the label. "When did you order this?"

"Trade secret."

"Mr. Hayes must be quite skilled at pleasing women."

"Only you."

A faint blush crept up Clara's ears as she instinctively stepped back.

Amusement flickered in Connor's eyes.

Pushing too hard would only scare the prey away.

"Shall I walk you to your building?"

"No need." Clara refused immediately.

He nodded, watching until she safely crossed the street before leaving.

At the campus gate, Clara spotted Elias beneath a ginkgo tree.

"Professor Mercer?"

"Waiting for you." His eyes dropped to her drink. "You like this?"

"Occasionally."

"I've never tried it." His tone remained neutral. "No idea how it tastes."

Clara hesitated. "Would you... like this one?"

"Thank you." As Elias accepted the cup, his fingertips brushed her knuckles.

She jerked her hand back like she'd been burned.

Meanwhile, Connor's car idled at a red light.

His car phone rang.

"Connor!" Mason Reed's voice blared over thumping music. "What've you been up to?"

"Working."

"That's it?" Mason lowered his voice. "No... romantic developments?"

Connor scoffed. "Tell Grant to ask me himself."

A commotion erupted on the line.

"What?" Mason forced a laugh. "Just checking in."

"Really?" Connor tapped the steering wheel. "Perfect. Put me on speaker."