Chapter 404: Maya Torres Tugged at Noah Kessler's Sleeve

Maya Torres tugged at Noah Kessler's sleeve as they took seats beside Clara Whitmore.

Connor Hayes signaled the waiter. "Two more place settings, and add your two signature dishes."

"Would you like recommendations?"

Connor's gaze shifted to the newcomers.

"Braised pork belly!" Maya blurted out.

Noah adjusted his glasses. "No seafood, please."

"Right away."

The waiter bowed and quietly closed the carved wooden door behind him.

Silence settled over the private dining room.

Connor tapped the table lightly. "Aren't you going to introduce us, Evie?"

The affectionate nickname made Maya's head snap up.

Noah's eyes narrowed behind his lenses.

Clara remained composed. "My classmates, Noah Kessler and Maya Torres."

She turned to Connor. "This is Mr. Hayes, CEO of Solstice Technologies."

"Must be serious trouble if Evie reached out first." He emphasized the word "you" deliberately.

Maya and Noah exchanged glances, hesitating to speak.

Clara sighed. "Here's the situation..."

"So you want to bypass the university and purchase the CPRT analyzer privately?"

"Yes."

Connor paused mid-tap. "Does the administration know?"

Clara shook her head. "Not yet."

There was no point reporting when they weren't even sure about securing the equipment.

"Private purchases are allowed. Solaris is willing to sell, but only through proper channels." Connor's gaze sharpened. "Otherwise, it'll cause endless complications."

Maya frowned. "Even if we pay with our own money?"

"The equipment will ultimately reside in the university lab. The accounting must be transparent." Connor chuckled. "Unless you enjoy being taken advantage of?"

Maya slammed the table. "Of course not!"

Connor calmly adjusted his cufflinks. "Leave it to me."

Maya nearly knocked over her teacup in excitement. "You're amazing, Mr. Hayes!"

Connor suddenly turned to Clara. "What do you think?"

Her fingers tightened.

He clearly had already decided—why ask her publicly?

Seeing her silence, Connor smiled wider. "Then it's settled. Fifty percent discount. Acceptable?"

"Half price?!" Maya counted on her fingers. "That's enough savings for a sports car!"

Clara and Noah frowned simultaneously.

"Business partnerships require boundaries." Clara's tone was firm.

Noah nodded. "Favors are the hardest debts to repay."

Connor swirled his wineglass. "Just an internal discount. I am, after all, a shrewd businessman."

As the conversation lulled, the group began eating.

Maya's eyes widened after her first bite of braised pork. "This is incredible! Why haven't I heard of this place?"

"Members-only establishment." Connor dabbed his mouth with a napkin.

Clara glanced at him sideways.

"Hence 'private kitchen.'" He winked at her.

When the meal ended, Clara excused herself to the restroom but headed straight for the reception.

"Mr. Hayes already signed the check."

Familiar footsteps approached from behind.

"I thought you were touching up your makeup?" Connor leaned against a marble pillar, his tie slightly loosened.

Clara turned. "I said this was my treat."

He stepped closer, whispering near her ear, "Pity. I never let the woman I love pay."