Chapter 342: The Dinner Finally Ended

The dinner finally ended. Elias Mercer let out a long exhale as he stood to leave.

"Clara, see Professor Mercer out," Daniel Whitmore suddenly said.

Elias paused mid-step.

He turned to look at Clara Whitmore.

The girl rose slowly, her cheeks flushed an unnatural pink.

She reached the doorway just as the wind slammed it shut with a bang.

"Why bother walking him next door..." she muttered under her breath, waving dismissively. "Bye, Uncle Elias."

Elias whirled around.

His eyes narrowed as he advanced step by step. "What did you call me?"

His voice held a dangerous edge.

Clara looked up and met his dark, intense gaze.

Too late, she clapped a hand over her mouth.

Her face burned crimson.

"I-I didn't mean to!" she stammered. "I meant to say Professor Mercer..."

She stomped her foot in frustration.

Elias suddenly chuckled. "Daring to drink again?"

He'd noticed her fondness for alcohol last time.

Tonight she'd downed glass after glass right in front of her parents.

"Quite bold." He reached out and lightly tapped her forehead.

The moment the action registered, both froze.

Elias frowned.

Such boundary-crossing gestures weren't like him.

Clara blinked up at him. "Professor, head-tapping makes people stupid."

"..."

"If I turn stupid, how will I compete in the math Olympiad?"

Elias arched an eyebrow. "Math Olympiad?"

"Yes! The exam's next week." Her expression was dead serious.

"..."

Definitely drunk.

He shook his head in resignation. "You're a sophomore in college."

"Nonsense! I'm only a high school freshman!"

Elias massaged his temples.

Right. Completely wasted.