Chapter 134

Clara could feel Ryan's eyes on her when she stepped into the office. There was something different about the way he was looking at her this time. It wasn't overtly hostile, but it still made her uncomfortable. A flicker of annoyance stirred within her, and she considered leaving the office immediately. But before she could act on the thought, Ryan spoke up, "Ms. Salford, we've been working together for a while now, and you've never really talked about your family. Did your brother already leave?" Clara's brows furrowed slightly. Why was he bringing this up out of nowhere? "He's left," she said after a pause, her tone calm but firm. "Mr. Chase, you seem awfully interested in my personal life. I don't like discussing these things with people I'm not close to. You've crossed a line." Her words made it clear where she stood. Ryan's face betrayed a brief flash of awkwardness, but he quickly masked it with a sheepish smile. "Don't take it the wrong way, Ms. Salford. It was ju