Chapter 85

Claire: Was he... mocking her for daydreaming? Kenneth chuckled even harder from the side. After breakfast, Kenneth drove them to the airport. Their destination? Smokefall. Julian and Claire took a flight to Smokefall Airport, then hopped into a car heading for the resort. The resort was nestled deep in the Smokefall mountains, surrounded by steep peaks and thick forests. They’d somehow carved out a high-end, fairy-tale-like retreat in a place you could barely call accessible. With a total investment north of 23 billion, Julian's firm held 60%, while Gary’s company accounted for the remaining 40%. Claire hadn’t been to Smokefall much, but her impression of the place was all blue skies, fresh air, and breathtaking views. As the car left the city behind, the skyline stretched wider, and fluffy clouds drifted lazily across the window. Claire leaned back, the tension slipping from her shoulders, eyelids heavier with each blink… Her head tilted toward the window. Then a warm hand gently red