Chapter 118

Claire held her phone close to her chest on instinct. “Good morning, Mr. Archer!” “Morning, Michael!” Her voice was light and cheery, and her smile looked natural at first glance, but the slight stiffness at the corners of her mouth still betrayed her nerves. Her eyes quickly flicked across Julian’s chest, and in a flash, last night’s scene burst into her mind—how he’d pulled her into his arms, gripping her wrist, whispering near her ear... Her ears burned instantly. “Morning,” Julian replied calmly. His expression was quiet, face cool and composed like polished ice—stunning yet untouchable. Claire followed behind him, taking a deep breath to clear the chaotic images swirling in her mind. “New phone?” Michael whispered to her. “…Huh?” She glanced down, then answered softly, “Smashed my screen yesterday by accident, just using my old one for now.” “I figured something was off when I saw it.” They only shared a few words before the elevator arrived. Claire stepped out and headed toward o