Chapter 41

Everyone froze. All eyes turned toward the doorway the moment they heard the voice. There she was—soaked from head to toe, pale as a ghost, scrapes on her forehead and cheek, barely holding herself up against the doorframe, but still stunning in a way that made people look twice. Claire Richards. It was really her. Both the office and factory staff recognized her immediately—that beautiful, calming secretary everyone talked about. Julian shot up from his seat and rushed over to catch her, his eyes lighting up like stars. “Claire, you’re okay.” A huge wave of relief crashed over him, hitting so hard he nearly hugged her on the spot. Claire managed a faint smile. “Guess I got lucky. Didn’t die.” Her grandma lived by the sea, and before grade school, she'd grown up in that fishing village. She was a strong swimmer and knew how to keep herself alive when the tide rose. She thanked her lucky stars she hit the rocks with her leg instead of her head. Owen's face drained of all color. No way.