Chapter 11: Does Little Sister Want to Play Together?

"Want to give it a try?"

Alistair turned slightly, his hand resting casually on the pool cue.

Clara could feel him watching her. His gaze was far too intense, possessing an aggressive edge that felt like fire searing across her skin.

Clara froze for a heartbeat, her pulse quickening uncontrollably.

She instinctively wanted to refuse, but under Alistair’s hypnotically persuasive gaze, she found herself nodding as if possessed.

A nearly imperceptible curve touched Alistair’s lips, a flash of triumph gleaming in his eyes.

He walked over to Clara and handed her the cue. When his fingers brushed against her hand, a jolt of electricity surged from her fingertips through her entire body.

"Come here. I’ll teach you."

Alistair’s voice was low and resonant, echoing right by Clara’s ear and making it burn a deep crimson.

He stepped behind her, his hands gently covering hers to adjust her grip on the cue.

Clara could clearly feel the heat radiating from his body pressed against her own. His unique scent enveloped her, leaving her feeling dizzy and overwhelmed.

"Keep your elbow a bit higher. Yes, just like that."

Alistair’s voice was soft, laced with an unsettling intimacy.

His breath fanned against the nape of Clara’s neck, sending an itchy sensation through her that made her body tremble involuntarily.

Under Alistair’s guidance, Clara slowly took aim at the ball. However, her focus was completely shattered; her mind was entirely occupied by the man standing at her back, his body so close she could feel every movement.

"Don't be nervous. Just relax."

Alistair seemed to sense her tension and offered a soft word of comfort.

His hand slid slowly down her arm until he gripped her hand firmly, leading her through the motion as she struck the ball.

With a sharp

crack

, the ball rolled across the table. Though it didn't sink into the pocket, Clara’s heart hammered against her ribs like a drum.

"Not bad. That’s a great start for a first-timer."

Alistair’s voice carried a seductive edge. He didn't pull away immediately; instead, he remained behind her, his body still flush against hers.

Clara turned around, intending to say something.

However, she found Alistair’s face so close to hers that she could see every flicker of emotion in his eyes.

That soul-stirring gaze made her scalp tingle.

Their eyes locked, and the air around them seemed to solidify.

Clara’s breathing turned ragged. Her lips parted slightly as if to speak, but no words came out.

Alistair’s eyes darkened further. His gaze fell upon her lips, and his Adam's apple bobbed instinctively.

He leaned in slowly. Clara’s heart felt like it was about to leap out of her throat. She stood frozen, unsure whether to retreat or to...

Just as Alistair’s lips were about to touch hers, a sudden burst of noise from nearby shattered the ambiguous atmosphere and pulled them back to reality.

Clara snapped back to her senses, her face flushed with heat. She scrambled away from him, keeping her head low, not daring to meet his eyes.

"This is boring. I’m heading out too."

Silas Knight stood up. From his angle, he hadn't been able to see what had just transpired between the two.

"Make sure you get the little sister back to the Jian residence safely."

Silas offered a small smile and tossed his cue to a nearby attendant.

Alistair looked down at Clara, about to speak, when his phone rang.

He stepped aside to take the call. As he learned what had happened, a flash of annoyance crossed his face.

"I understand. I’m on my way."

After hanging up, Alistair walked back to Clara and gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"What a shame. I can't spend the afternoon with you."

Clara took a step back, thinking to herself that this was exactly what she had hoped for.

Still, she maintained her sweet, obedient facade and offered a bright smile. "It’s alright, Brother Alistair."

Seeing her act this way, Alistair inwardly gritted his teeth.

Who said she was innocent? She was clearly a little fox, skilled at calculation!

Alistair dropped her off at the gates of the Jian estate. Clara looked down to unbuckle her seatbelt, but for some reason, it wouldn't release.

Alistair watched her struggle, his gaze lazy and his smile undeniably flirtatious.

He reached out and seized the black strap, yanking her toward him.

"Acting like this... I’m really starting to wonder if my little sister is playing hard to get."

Clara’s eyes widened as she stared at the man inches from her face.

He was strikingly beautiful. Up close, he looked like a cunning fox; from a distance, he resembled a proud, solitary wolf.

Alistair lowered his gaze, his other hand slowly stroking Clara’s pristine cheek. He marveled inwardly at how truly beautiful she was.

Mia walked out of the house just in time to witness this scene.

From her perspective, it looked as though they were locked in a kiss!

"How is this possible? Isn't Alistair Vance supposed to be indifferent to women!"

Mia gripped the strap of her bag tightly and strode down the steps. She stopped at the passenger window and rapped on the glass.

Startled by the sudden noise, Clara tried to recoil, but Alistair wouldn't let her. Holding the seatbelt tight, he arched an eyebrow at her.

"I'll unhook it for you."

In the next second, the sound of the buckle clicking open echoed in the car.

Clara pushed the door open, her face burning.

Mia, finding herself completely ignored, stomped her foot in fury and glared at Alistair through the window.

"Brother Alistair! Where did you and Julian take Clara so early this morning? Why didn't you take me along!"

A flash of disgust crossed Alistair’s eyes. He shifted gears and drove off without a word.

"Brother Alistair! Alistair!"

Mia was fuming. Within seconds, even the car’s exhaust fumes had vanished.

"Does Sister like Brother Alistair?"

Clara watched Mia’s back and asked softly, a smile spreading from her lips to her eyes.

Mia turned to face Clara, her expression guarded and hostile.

"None of your business."

With that, Mia stormed down the steps and climbed into her yellow sports car.

It was only now that Clara began to find this game of "True and False Heiress" interesting.

Mia wasn't exactly stupid. If Clara didn't have a mission to complete, things might have actually gone as Mia desired.

"The game has officially begun, Mia."

Clara turned and headed into the living room. Her biological parents were usually busy with work and often stayed away for days at a time.

"The young miss is back."

The maid bowed and took her bag. Clara sat on the sofa, idly playing with her phone.

"Maid Zhang, do you have Sister Mia's WeChat? Could you send it to me?"

Maid Zhang nodded and shared Mia’s contact information.

After sending a friend request, Clara turned and headed upstairs.

"She actually had the nerve to add me? Is she an idiot?"

Mia looked at the notification with annoyance, nearly hitting 'Decline.' But then, a thought occurred to her, and she changed her mind, tapping 'Accept' instead.

"Whether you’re truly a fool or just playing dumb, I’ll find out soon enough."

A smirk played on Mia’s lips as she parked her car and walked into a private club.

Spotting Alistair’s back in the distance, Mia smilingly snapped a photo and posted it to her moments.

"Another happy day with Brother Alistair~"

Clara scowled when she saw the post.

'Brother Alistair~' indeed.

Before she could finish scoffing, a message from Mia popped up on WeChat.

"Does Little Sister want to come and play together?"