LOGINShe opened her eyes, her head aching slightly. "Did I drink too much?" she wondered, taking in the beautiful room.As she sat up straight, her gaze landed on Dave, busy with his laptop on the couch. Her eyes drifted to his chest, and she swallowed hard."Stop staring," his deep voice commanded.Claire's face flushed, thinking he hadn't noticed her admiring him. "Why am I here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Dave looked up, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Do girls always ask stupid questions?"Claire's gaze darted away, unable to meet his intense stare.Dave stood up, walked over, and stood beside her, his hands tucked into his sweatpants. "I didn't know you liked clubbing. Money changes people, I guess."Claire's frown deepened. "What's that supposed to mean?"Dave smirked. "I'm surprised you can still talk like that, Emma. Are you turning into a slut?"Claire's jaw clenched, her v
Claire wiped her tears and entered her apartment, heading straight to her bedroom. She changed out of her work clothes and stepped into the shower."You're not my type"his words echoed in her mind, triggering a sob. She turned off the shower, filled the bathtub, and submerged herself in the hot water, flinching at its temperature.Lying in the water, Claire closed her eyes, letting her tears flow. She couldn't believe how much Dave's words hurt. His gaze, once filled with kindness, now seemed distant.Did she make a terrible mistake by ending things? Claire regretted it, missing the sweet Dave who once cared for her.She coughed, lifting her head out of the water, and coughed again. Tears streamed down her face."I'm sorry, Dave. I shouldn't have ended things with you," Claire whispered, choking on a sob. "I thought I could live without you, but I can't stop thinking about you. Please..."Claire cleaned up and walked out of the bathro
Claire walked into the lounge and stopped dead in her tracks, witnessing the maid trying to touch Chris."What the fuck are you trying to do, woman?" Chris snapped, making the maid flinch and step back."I...I'm sorry, sir," the maid stuttered."Just leave before you piss me off," Chris growled.The maid nodded and hastily exited, her body shaking.Claire folded her arms and approached Chris. "That was rude."Chris shrugged. "Like I give a fuck.""You're always this rude?" Claire asked.Chris scoffed. "Leave me alone before I get angrier. I'm not in the mood.""Why work for him?" Chris added."I want to," Claire replied, walking to the kitchen.Chris followed. "There are many companies you can handle instead of working for someone else.""I choose what I want, and I'm not going to run any companies," Claire said firmly.Chris suggested, "At least work for me inst
Claire stood outside the conference room, smoothing her dress and taking a deep breath. She had been preparing for this moment for weeks. "Claire Emma Carter?" a voice called. Claire turned to face a smiling receptionist. "Yes, that's me." "Right this way, please. Mr. Thompson is waiting." Claire followed the receptionist into the conference room, where a panel of interviewers greeted her. "Welcome, Claire. Thank you for coming in today," Mr. Thompson said. Claire shook hands with the interviewers and took her seat. The interview began, with questions about her qualifications, experience, and goals. Claire answered confidently, showcasing her skills. Then, Mr. Thompson leaned forward. "So, Claire, what makes you want to work at our company?" Claire's eyes sparkled. "Your company's innovative approach to technology and commitment to excellence align w
Inside the car, Yvonne glanced at Claire, who had been quiet since leaving Dave's office. "Are you okay?" she asked.Claire shook her head."What happened? Did you guys fight?" Yvonne's curiosity was piqued."I slapped him," Claire admitted, feeling remorseful. She hadn't meant to slap him, but the way he called her stupid infuriated her. Dave had never called her that before.Her nose flared with anger, recalling his words. "Claire, you're fuming," Yvonne observed, chuckling.Claire shot her a serious look, but Yvonne laughed louder. "You look pretty when you're mad."Claire rolled her eyes. "Why did you slap him?" Yvonne asked."He called me stupid," Claire said, sighing. "Do you think I'm stupid too?""Of course not," Yvonne reassured. "Maybe he meant you make stupid decisions."Claire raised an eyebrow, wondering if she was indeed poor at making decisions."I feel bad for slapping him," Claire confessed."I told you, you're in love with him," Yvonne teased, earning a stern glance.
"You should wear this," Yvonne said, holding up the red dress.Claire shook her head, examining herself in the mirror. "It's too short."Yvonne rolled her eyes dramatically. "That's perfect for someone meeting their dream man."Claire chuckled, shaking her head. She reconsidered, admiring how the dress fit her perfectly with black heels. Her loose hair and light makeup, courtesy of Yvonne, enhanced her beauty."I'm going like this," Claire said, spritzing perfume.Yvonne smiled. "Now you look perfect, baby doll. Let's go."Upon arriving at the lounge, they found Amelia, Zara, and the twins seated."Can we watch TV in the cinema?" Kia asked, looking at Amelia.Ria nodded.Amelia complimented Claire, "Wow, baby, you look beautiful."Zara agreed.Kia asked, "Are you meeting your boyfriend?"Claire laughed softly. "No, I have a meeting."Kia raised an eyebrow. "That looks like a date."The others laughed.Claire teased, "Okay, it's a date."Kia clapped happily. "I knew! Can we go to the c
INShe was certain she saw him, and she wasn't mistaken. "Yvonne, I'm coming!" Claire exclaimed, dashing after Dave before Yvonne could respond.Heels and all, Claire rushed through the crowd, apologizing briefly to those she bumped into."Dave!" she called, just as he was about to press the elevat
Soft music played as the party began. Yvonne walked with Claire to a group of five young people."Hey, guys! Enjoying yourselves?" Yvonne asked.A redhead girl, along with the others, turned to them."Yvonne, long time no see! And who's this cutie?" the girl asked.Claire smiled nervously."She loo
At the Carter mansion:"Is Zara coming?" Amelia asked.Jaxon nodded. "She is. My wife wouldn't miss it.""Okay, then, honey, you should invite your business partners," Amelia said. "I'll take care of the family invitations."Arnold nodded in agreement. They were finalizing preparations for Claire's
Yvonne hugged her. Claire's nightwear was damp from sweating.As they pulled out of the hug, Amelia walked in, followed by Arnold. "Are you guys okay?" Amelia asked, approaching them."We're fine, Mom. It was just a dream," Claire said."Are you sure you're okay, Princess?" Arnold asked, concern et







