Chapter 35

Clayton had picked a high-end restaurant for the meeting. Charisse arrived first. He hadn't shown up yet. The waiter poured her some tea while she sat there quietly waiting. The porcelain cup felt warm, borderline hot in her hands, but her fingertips were still icy. No matter how much mental prep she'd done, she still couldn't shake the tension. The sky outside looked like it was holding back a storm. And then, right on cue, a low rumble of thunder echoed in the distance—it sounded more like a warning knock straight to the heart. The door creaked open. Clayton walked in, calm and poised in a dark navy suit, with two waiters behind him. He nodded at them courteously. "Thank you," he said with a polite smile. Then, turning to Charisse, he smiled again. "Sorry for being late." Charisse quickly shook her head. "Not at all." He took the seat across from her. "Haven't seen you in a few days. I wanted to give you a hug, but I figured that might freak you out." His eyes were soft, his tone gen