Chapter 306

Two hours later— Ethan Blackwood and Clara Walton stepped out of the car. He stood quietly by the door, holding it with one hand so Clara could get out more easily. Just as Clara’s foot touched the ground, her heel snagged on the car’s edge. "Ah—" she gasped. They were surrounded by media and arriving guests. That little stumble made things look more awkward than they were. Plus, her fitted dress made it hard to bend down. Clara ended up stuck halfway, not able to move. Ethan noticed right away, and in full view of everyone, he crouched down. "I’ve got it." Clara froze, not quite sure what he was up to. Next thing she knew, Ethan had calmly freed her heel and slipped her shoe back on—as if it were the most natural thing in the world. His focus was all on her, like everything else had faded into the background. Clara bit her lip, eyes locked on him. "You…" "It’s done," Ethan said as he looked up, and their eyes met midair. Clara didn’t speak again. Ethan stood up, and that image of him