Chapter 35: Collaborate with Me

"You know exactly how I feel about you. Why do you keep running away?"

Clara let out a soft sigh and walked to the window, pulling back the curtains to gaze at the pitch-black night sky.

The night breeze drifted in through the half-open window, carrying a slight chill that helped disperse the turmoil in her mind.

Alistair’s attitude confused her and made her uneasy. She had never expected him to harbor such feelings for her—or rather, she had never permitted herself to consider it.

Clara knew all too well that an unbridgeable chasm existed between her and Alistair. He was the head of the Vance Group, a formidable figure in the business world, while she was a mere dance teacher with a past she wished to forget.

She didn't want to lose herself in such complex emotional entanglements, and she certainly didn't want Alistair to be negatively affected because of her.

However, his actions and words tonight made it impossible for her to simply evade him as she had before.

"Clara, what is it that you actually want?"

Alistair’s question echoed repeatedly in her head. What

did

she want? She couldn't even tell herself for certain.

Perhaps she just wanted a peaceful life, far away from the strife and the endless calculations. But fate seemed unwilling to let her go.

Clara shook her head, casting the messy thoughts aside. She closed the window, pulled the curtains shut, and turned back toward the bed. She needed rest; there was a tough battle to be fought tomorrow.

The next morning, Clara rose early and changed into a simple, professional outfit. She stood before the mirror, carefully adjusting her makeup and clothes to ensure every detail was impeccable.

Today, she was going to meet Mia.

She picked up her phone, checked the time, and walked out of the house.

Half an hour later, Clara arrived at a high-end cafe. She pushed open the door and scanned the room, quickly spotting Mia sitting in a corner booth. Mia was dressed in designer labels and wearing exquisite makeup, looking as radiant as ever.

Seeing Clara, Mia immediately broke into a smile and waved her over. Clara walked over expressionlessly and sat opposite her.

"Clara, long time no see."

Mia spoke with a smile, her tone carrying a hint of intimacy, as if no unpleasantness had ever occurred between them.

Clara gave her a cold look, her voice steady. "Mia, let's skip the act. Why did you ask to see me today?"

Mia’s smile stiffened for a fraction of a second but quickly returned to normal. "Clara, you're always so direct. Actually, I asked you here because I wanted to discuss a collaboration."

"Collaboration?" Clara arched an eyebrow, her tone laced with mockery. "What could there possibly be for us to collaborate on?"

Mia smiled and pulled a document from her bag, pushing it toward Clara. "Take a look at this first."

Clara looked down. The cover read:

“Dance Studio Partnership Plan.”

She flipped through the pages, her brow gradually furrowing.

"You want to open a dance studio with me?" Clara closed the file and looked up at Mia, her voice full of disbelief.

Mia nodded, a confident smile on her face. "Exactly. Clara, I know you’ve always wanted your own studio, but funding and resources are always an issue. I happen to have the connections and the network. We can cooperate and make this studio a powerhouse."

Clara let out a cold laugh and pushed the file back to Mia. "Mia, do you really think I would ever trust you?"

Mia’s expression shifted, but she maintained her smile. "We’re adults now. We should prioritize profit and interest, shouldn't we?"

"Prioritize interest?" Clara’s voice turned icy.

Mia’s expression finally darkened. she stared at Clara, a hint of a threat in her tone. "Clara, don't be ungrateful. I came here today with sincerity. If you insist on making an enemy of me, you will have to live with the consequences."

Clara met her gaze without a hint of fear, her voice freezing. "Mia, did you think I was still the same Clara you could push around? I’m telling you, I won't let you have your way."

Mia turned deathly pale. She stood up abruptly, looking down at Clara. "Clara, don't choose the hard way! Do you really think you can go up against me alone?"

Clara also stood up, her gaze lethal. "Mia, we'll see about that."

With that, she turned and left the cafe, leaving Mia standing there with a grim, darkened face.

Walking out of the cafe, Clara took a deep breath, trying to settle her emotions. She would no longer allow anyone to bully her or destroy her life.

Just then, her phone rang. The screen displayed "Alistair Vance." After a moment of hesitation, she pressed answer.

"Hello, Master Vance."

"Clara, where are you?" Alistair’s voice came through, sounding urgent.

"I’m out. Is something wrong?" Clara’s tone remained calm.

"Mia went to see you, didn't she?" Alistair’s voice was low and filled with concern.

Clara was startled. "How did you know?"

"I just received word that she made an appointment to meet you today." Alistair’s voice carried a suppressed fury. "Clara, why didn't you tell me?"

Clara was silent for a moment. "It’s my business. I didn't want to trouble you."

"Clara!" Alistair’s voice rose sharply. "Do you have any idea how dangerous Mia is? Going to meet her alone—what if something had happened?"

Clara’s heart gave a slight jolt; she hadn't expected him to be this worried. She said softly, "Master Vance, I’m fine. I’ve already seen her, and our talk is over."

Silence followed on the other end. When Alistair spoke again, his voice sounded exhausted. "Clara, how long are you going to keep acting so tough? Can't you try to rely on me just once?"

His voice came through again, low and firm. "Clara, where are you? I’m coming to get you now."

Clara hesitated but eventually gave him her location.

Half an hour later, Alistair’s car pulled up in front of her. He got out and strode toward her, his gaze locked onto her face as if confirming she was truly unharmed.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice thick with tension.

Clara nodded. "I'm fine."

Alistair’s brow remained furrowed. He took her wrist and led her to the car. "Get in. I’m taking you back."

Clara didn't refuse and sat obediently in the passenger seat. As he drove, Alistair asked in a low voice, "What did Mia say to you?"

Clara was silent for a moment. "She wanted to collaborate on a dance studio."

Alistair’s frown deepened. "Did you agree?"

"No." Clara shook her head, her voice resolute. "I don't trust her."

A flash of concern crossed Alistair’s eyes, but he only nodded. "Good. If you need anything, tell me anytime."

When they arrived, Clara opened the door to get out, but Alistair suddenly reached out and caught her wrist.

"Clara." His voice was low and hesitant.

Clara turned back to look at him. "What is it?"

A complex emotion flickered in Alistair’s eyes. He remained silent for a long moment before finally letting go. He whispered, "Nothing. Just get some rest."