Chapter 241

• Claire's pov
• I pushed open the front door with one hand, the other holding two carefully wrapped garment bags. My heels clicked lightly against the polished floor as I stepped inside, the scent of fresh lilies from the hallway vase greeting me. My heart was still racing with anticipation—tonight was not just another company dinner. Tonight, they would announce the winner of the biggest deal of the year, one that had been dragging on for months, full of tension and power plays. And I was determined Nathan would be there beside me.
• “Nathan?” I called softly, trying to sound casual, though my voice carried a mixture of command and coaxing.