Chapter 94: Connor Knew Grant's Playbook

Connor Hayes could recite Grant Holloway's playbook for winning people over with his eyes closed. Expensive gifts, half-hearted apologies—the man never changed.

Too bad Clara Whitmore had outgrown such tactics.

"You seem cheerful, Mr. Hayes." Paige Lawson blinked her doe eyes innocently.

Connor smirked. "Naturally."

"Because Clara rejected Grant?"

He finally looked at her. "Isn't this what you wanted?"

Paige didn't deny it. "Yes. I want to stay by his side forever."

"Then I wish you both... marital bliss?"

Releasing his grip on her waist, Connor took two steps back.

Paige beamed. "Thank you. May you win your beloved's heart soon."

Tch!

Connor shot Grant a pitying glance as he turned away.

The fool thought he'd adopted a bunny, unaware it was a scorpion.

As they passed each other, Grant spoke low: "Stay away from her."

Connor halted, eyes glinting dangerously. "Not your concern."

"At least I was legitimate." Grant sneered. "Without me, she'd never have noticed you."

Connor scoffed. "Remember—you're just another ghost in her past now."

Clara returned to her water villa, removing her mask before showering.

Damp hair cascaded over her shoulders as she stepped onto the second-floor terrace. The night breeze carried the ocean's briny scent.

The rhythmic waves sounded like a lullaby.

Leaning against the railing, she watched distant boat lights dotting the dark sea like fallen stars.

The gentle night smoothed the creases in her heart.

Lights flickered on next door. Connor emerged onto his terrace, pausing at the sight of Clara illuminated against the night.

Her profile in the warm glow resembled an oil painting.

Sensing his gaze, she turned.

"Your earring." He opened his palm.

Her fingers brushed her bare earlobe in surprise. She accepted it with thanks, but he remained.

"I've traveled everywhere, yet only Harbor Cay' seas make people drop their guards." His eyes stayed fixed on the horizon.

Clara agreed silently.

Before this trip, thesis deadlines and Grant's pestering had suffocated her. Now she could finally breathe.

"Something on your mind?" Connor caught her studying him.

After a pause, she said, "Don't waste your time on me."