Chapter 366: Julian Cross's Voice Was Icy

"Say that again." Julian Cross's voice was icy.

The manager trembled. "Room 1901 just checked out..."

"She left?!" Julian shot up from his chair, the legs screeching against the floor.

The manager took a step back. "Y-yes, about ten minutes ago."

"Damn it—"

The manager looked bewildered.

Julian yanked at his tie in frustration. "Get those women out of here! They're driving me insane—"

The manager hesitated. Just half an hour ago, this young master had personally called to arrange for female company.

Chaos erupted in his wake.

Meanwhile, Clara Whitmore's life remained as tranquil as ever.

At seven in the morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains.

She stretched lazily and got up to make breakfast.

By eight-thirty, she left the house with a grocery basket.

At exactly nine, she returned with fresh vegetables. As she pushed open the door, her father's excited voice greeted her. "...I never knew you were so knowledgeable about botany too!"

She froze mid-motion while slipping off her shoes.

A familiar male voice drifted from the balcony. "You flatter me, Mr. Whitmore. Just a passing interest."

Elias Mercer.

Clara placed the groceries in the kitchen, poured two cups of warm honey water, and walked toward the balcony.

Daniel Whitmore and Elias sat with their backs to her on small stools. Seven or eight flowerpots lay scattered before them, soil strewn across the floor.

"Dad, Professor, have some water."

"You're back, Evie?" Daniel turned, noticing the dirt on his hands. "Let me wash up first."

Elias calmly removed his gloves and accepted the cup. "Thank you."

Clara eyed the soil-stained cuffs of his sleeves. "No lab work today, Professor?"

"An experiment this afternoon." He took a sip. "Ran into your father while taking out the trash after my morning jog."

Daniel wouldn’t let such an opportunity slip.

Hearing Elias was free, he’d eagerly invited him over.

Elias had showered at home before coming.

"About last time..." Clara's ears burned. "I drank too much. I’m really sorry."

"Last time?" Elias raised a brow.

She bit her lip, unsure if he genuinely didn’t remember or was teasing her.

"That dinner... when I got drunk. If I said anything strange..."

Amusement flickered in Elias's eyes. "Nothing much."

Seeing her nervousness, he added, "Just a bit... lively."

Aside from insisting on comparing heights and nearly tearing his shirt, it really was nothing.

Clara exhaled in relief.

"Though," Elias suddenly leaned closer, voice dropping, "don’t casually ask a man if he’s capable next time."

She stiffened instantly.

Memories flooded back.

"Let me touch you! You touched my head first!"

Drunk, she’d grabbed his collar, practically hanging off him.

Elias’s breath hitched, but she remained oblivious, pressing closer.

"Just once... Are you even capable?"