Chapter 51: No Way Back

The air in the silent car felt frozen. Elias Mercer's fingers tightened slightly around the steering wheel as his peripheral gaze caught Clara Whitmore's tense profile in the passenger seat.

The black executive sedan glided smoothly along the ring road, deliberately moving at a reduced speed. Elias adjusted the air conditioning two degrees warmer but made no attempt to break the heavy silence.

The gates of the villa district slowly opened. Mr. Alden, the security guard, leaned out. "Miss Whitmore? You're finally back!"

Clara forced a weak smile, her eyes fixed on the familiar tree-lined avenue outside. Elias noticed her clenched fists and quietly parked the car in front of the villa.

"I won't be long," she said hoarsely, unbuckling her seatbelt.

Elias frowned. "Those books are heavy."

"Unnecessary." She pushed the door open and strode toward the three-story villa without looking back.

When the doorbell rang, Mrs. Palmer was preparing lunch in the kitchen. She hurried to answer, her eyes widening in surprise. "Miss Whitmore!"

"I came to collect some things," Clara murmured, though her gaze drifted past the housekeeper, landing on the spiral staircase.

Grant Holloway leaned against the railing in a silk robe, swirling half a glass of whiskey. The amber liquid refracted harsh light under the sun.

"Alone?" He sneered. "Those books will take you at least three trips."

Clara walked straight to the study. "Don't trouble yourself."

The study carried a faint scent of cedar. She efficiently packed pre-sorted books into a woven bag, never once glancing at Grant, who lounged against the bookshelf.

Sweat trickled down her temple. As she slid the final book into the bag, Grant suddenly erupted, kicking over a nearby footstool.

"Clara!" He seized her wrist. "For these worthless books, you finally step foot in this house?"

"Let go!" She winced, struggling, but his grip only tightened.

Dark fury churned in his eyes. "What the hell am I to you?"

"That's my question!" Clara jerked her head up. "Who disappears for weeks without a word? Who ends a relationship via text?"

She yanked her hand free but stumbled backward. The sofa caught her legs, sending her tumbling into the cushions.

Grant loomed over her, breathing heavily. His gaze dropped to her flushed lips, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"Clara..." His voice roughened with that familiar warmth.

Clara turned her face away from his approaching kiss, palms pressing against his chest. "Grant Holloway! We're over!"