Katrina had a nagging feeling that the divorce wouldn't go as smoothly as she had hoped. She could already tell as much from Carlisle's reaction the day before at the hotel when she mentioned it. Even if he no longer loved her, his pride meant everything. Moreover, a divorce could hurt Zachman Group's stock prices, something Carlisle would be reluctant to risk.

It seemed like trouble was inevitable.

And then there was Clara, always sharp. If Katrina had told Clara about her plan, Clara would have immediately sensed something was off. After all, why would she suddenly decide on a divorce? She didn't want to worry Clara unnecessarily. It would be better to wait until everything was more settled before bringing it up.

...

The sky had turned gloomy once again when school let out in the afternoon. Dark clouds hovered ominously on the horizon, like a storm was about to hit the city.

Clara slung her bag over her shoulder and exited the school gates, heading toward the bike shed.

Nina and Ryan followed behind her as they left campus.

Spotting Clara, Ryan instinctively wanted to approach her and offer a ride home. With the weather on the verge of rain, it was the perfect excuse to start a conversation and get closer.

But before he could act on it, Nina immediately noticed and cut him off. She grabbed his arm with eyes full of jealousy, firmly stopping him from approaching Clara.

Ryan frowned and glared at her. "Haven't I told you to behave at school? Stop clinging to me. It'll look bad if people see it. Get home on your own. I don't have time to give you a ride." With that, he pulled his arm away from her grip and started heading in Clara's direction.

However, Nina wasn't about to let him have his way. Her expression soured at his words, and her tone turned mocking. "Are you worried about looking bad, or are you afraid Clara will see? You're so eager when it comes to her, but has she ever even acknowledged you?

"Throwing yourself at her, only to be ignored. How pathetic!"

Ryan's expression darkened, and he glared at her with clenched teeth. "Nina, have I been too nice to you lately?"

Though stung by his anger, Nina quickly swallowed her frustration. She leaned in closer, wrapping her arms around his and speaking ina sultry whisper near his ear, "Don't be mad, okay? Is she really better than me? How about we try something new tonight? Just forget about her, alright?"

Ryan had been irritated by her recent overstepping, but her suggestion immediately piqued his interest. He felt a rush of superiority as he compared Clara's cold detachment to Nina's eager attempts to please him. "Let's see how you do." He pinched her cheek.

When he looked back toward the bike shed, Clara was already gone-he hadn't even noticed when she left.

Ryan let out a frustrated sigh but quickly brushed it off. Clara would be around for a long time. He had plenty of chances, so there was no need to rush.

He grabbed Nina's hand and headed toward his car, eager to experience the "new tricks" she had promised.

Meanwhile, Clara was too preoccupied to notice any of this. She was wondering whether Wren had already left.

Riding her bike back to the courtyard, she hesitated momentarily at the closed gate before pushing it open and walking inside.

After parking her electric bike under a sheltered spot to charge, she grabbed her bag and headed toward the house. The moment she opened the door, the familiar aroma of home-cooked food hit her-a scent she had known for many years.

Clara felt a sudden pang of

helplessness a complicated wave ofnoveldrama

emotions stirring in her heart,

especially when her gaze fell on the

busy figure in the kitchen. She had once longed for the warm scene, but now, she wanted to avoid it

aftogether.