Clara wouldn't be happy to know that Wren visited Moonbay Elementary School and that he made a donation.

Aaron gave him a curious look. "Mr. Zachman, after all you've done for Ms. Salford, you don't want her to know? I'm not sure what's happened between you two, but family doesn't hold grudges forever. Maybe it'll be better if you talk things out." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "If you don't mind me meddling, I could try talking to her for you. Ms. Salford doesn't strike me as someone unreasonable-she might understand your intentions."

Wren masked the bitterness in his eyes and shook his head.

What had happened between him and Clara wasn't something that could be fixed with a quick conversation. And Clara, more than anyone, wouldn't want people digging into their past.

"No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Johnson. I've got other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave. I'll send over the donations and supplies within a week."

Wren rose from his seat as he spoke.

Aaron seemed ready to insist he stay for lunch, but Ethan intervened with a subtle shake of his head, and Aaron let it go.

"Well, then, I won't keep you any longer, Mr. Zachman. Ethan, please escort him out."

"Of course." Ethan smiled and gestured toward the door. "Right this way, Mr. Zachman." Wren exited the office first, and Ethan followed closely behind.

It happened to be the end of a class period, and students were spilling into the hallways.

Ryan, who taught in a nearby classroom, had just returned. He spotted Ethan walking alongside someone with an imposing presence-sharp features, an air of authority, and a style that screamed wealth. Unable to help himself, he glanced a few times.noveldrama

For some reason, his mind went

back to what Frank had mentioned a few days earlier: a man claiming to be Clara's brother had come to visit her. According to Frank, the guy was strikingly handsome and definitely not an ordinary person.

He was assuming that the tall guy he saw was Clara's brother.

Just then, Nina interrupted his thoughts as she asked, "What are you staring at?"

Her sudden pat on his shoulder startled Ryan. He turned to see Nina grinning at him. Ryan frowned, brushing her hand off.

"Watch yourself," he chided. "Be more professional."

Nina's smile faltered, and a fleeting shadow crossed her expression before she quickly masked it.

"I just saw you standing there frozen and wondered what had made you so distracted," she said lightly, glancing in the direction he'd been looking. All she saw were two figures walking away. "Isn't that Mr. Stone? Who's the guy with him?"

Ryan looked again, catching only the two retreating backs. The man's sharp features and commanding presence were still fresh in his mind. He carried himself with the same confidence and poise as Ethan, if not more so.

The way Ethan had acted around him was also telling. This guy clearly wasn't an average visitor. Judging by their direction, they'd just come from Aaron's office. Ryan briefly wondered if his earlier suspicion was right—if this man was somehow connected to Clara.

But then, he dismissed the thought. Someone like that, with his tailored suit and polished demeanor, had to come from a family of immense wealth and influence. If Clara were really from such a background, there was no way she'd be volunteering in a place as remote and impoverished as this.

Her family wouldn't allow it, and even if they did, she wouldn't be able to handle the hardships here.

Ryan decided he was just overthinking it.