Chapter 16

Theo's POV The door closed behind Claire with a soft click that somehow felt more final than a slam. I remained frozen in place, her words reverberating through me like physical blows. *"It's not fair to give me hope and then snatch it away..."* Her red-rimmed eyes and trembling figure had nearly broken my resolve. I'd had to grip the edge of my desk to stop myself from crossing the room and pulling her into my arms—an action that would have only confirmed everything she accused me of. Because she was right. I was sending mixed signals, unable to fully commit to either path: maintaining strict professional boundaries or acknowledging the undeniable pull between us. I released a heavy sigh, sinking back into my chair. The office suddenly felt too quiet, too empty without her presence just beyond my door. Scenes from the previous night flashed through my mind with merciless clarity: Claire on the hotel bathroom floor, water droplets tracing paths down her skin; the way her wet hair had c