Chapter 40

He leaned casually against the car door, that sleek, well-groomed black hair now tousled by the wind, making his usual elegance look a bit more unruly and dangerously charming. As soon as he saw Claire walking over, his laid-back posture straightened ever so slightly, but when his eyes landed on the man beside her, his gaze darkened. The night breeze had a real bite to it, carrying an unmistakable chill. Even with Ethan' jacket draped over her shoulders, Claire couldn't help but shiver a little. She didn't spare a glance for the man ahead, just kept walking straight with Ethan. Just like earlier in the hall, she brushed past Nelson as if he were invisible. But unlike back there, Nelson didn't let her walk away this time—he stepped to the side, directly blocking her path. "What are you trying to pull here, Mr. Cooper?" Claire's voice was calm but edged with irritation. She had planned to ignore him and keep moving, but more and more people were filtering out of the venue behind them—som