Chapter 77: Clara's Wrist Was Suddenly Seized by a Long-fingered Hand

Clara's wrist was suddenly seized by a long-fingered hand.

Elias Mercer's grip was firm yet controlled.

Connor Hayes's expression turned glacial. "Professor Mercer?"

Clara's lashes fluttered. "Professor..." Her voice trembled imperceptibly.

Elias's gaze lingered on her red-rimmed eyes. "Need help?"

"Yes." The word came out thick with unshed tears.

He shrugged off his tailored suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "I'll take you home."

His arm settled protectively around her slender frame as he turned to leave.

Clara clung to his sleeve like a drowning woman grasping driftwood.

"Why are you here?" she whispered.

"Academic symposium." Elias's reply was clipped. "Coincidental timing."

"Stop right there." Connor blocked their path. "Isn't this overstepping, Professor?"

Elias didn't break stride. "Move."

"This is my territory." Connor's eyes narrowed. "Miss Whitmore is my guest."

Clara tightened her grip on Elias's sleeve. "I'm leaving with Professor Mercer."

Connor's face darkened.

"Slut!" Grant Holloway suddenly charged forward. "Already collecting men like trophies?"

He sneered at Elias. "No wonder you dumped me so easily. Had this one lined up already?"

"Even targeting my friends now? You're disgusting."

Clara's entire body shook.

Each word stabbed like shards of glass.

She lifted her gaze to Grant. "Six years..."

"So this is what you really think of me."

Elias felt her trembling through his jacket.

His voice dropped to subzero. "Watch your mouth."

Grant barked a laugh. "What? Getting defensive?"

"She's not even worth fighting over—used goods."

Clara's face drained of color.

She bit her lip until copper bloomed on her tongue.

"I thought..." Her whisper barely carried. "We loved each other once."

An inexplicable pang struck Grant's chest.

His mouth opened. No words came.

The night wind lifted strands of Clara's hair.

She turned decisively to Elias. "Let's go."

Grant watched her retreating figure, knuckles whitening.

"Why..." The hoarse question tore from his throat.