Chapter 46: She Focused Intently on the Lecture

She focused intently on the lecture, taking meticulous notes. He focused intently on watching her.

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating her profile. Her eyelashes cast delicate shadows across her cheeks.

Grant Holloway was momentarily transported to the past.

Back then, she had been just as diligent—except her gaze would frequently drift toward him, her eyes sparkling like starlight.

Now she wouldn't even spare him a glance.

"What are you thinking about?" Paige Lawson's voice snapped him out of his reverie.

Grant averted his eyes. "Business matters. Don't come to the office these next few days."

Paige's smile froze.

The moment she stepped out of the villa, she dialed Julian Cross's number.

"Julian, Grant seems upset lately. Is it about the hospital—"

"Clara? She only brought him congee twice." Julian hung up abruptly.

Paige clenched her phone, her nails digging crescent moons into her palm.

The next day at the library.

"Stay away from Grant Holloway!" Paige loomed over Clara Whitmore, who was reviewing her notes.

Clara didn't look up. "Relax. I have zero interest in him."

That evening.

Owen Parker beamed at Clara's unexpected invitation. "Cooking together again? Fantastic!"

Their laughter echoed as they walked down the narrow alley.

A black executive sedan screeched to a halt at the alley's entrance.

Grant's knuckles whitened on the steering wheel as he tracked their retreating figures.

Moss-covered walls, peeling paint, the damp scent of mildew hanging thick in the air.

Mason Reed's words echoed in his mind: "The place she lives... it's terrible."

His chest constricted painfully.

Silently, he followed them into the shadows.