Chapter 22

Claire's POV I wasn't in any rush to put my phone down. Instead, I continued with exaggerated sweetness, "Darling, I can't stand that greasy smell—makes me want to throw up. Let's have something light instead, okay? Perfect, see you at noon. Bye, husband!" After rattling off this performance in one breath, I hung up and looked up—only to freeze in place. Oh. My. God. When had Lucius materialized beside my desk? He stood there, tall and imposing. I ducked my head immediately, my heart hammering against my ribs. He must have heard everything. Mortification crawled up my neck. Gary Ackerman, our financial manager who stood nervously at Lucius's side, cleared his throat. "Claire, how are you taking personal calls during work hours?" "I'm sorry, sir," I mumbled, rising to my feet. From the corner of my eye, I stole a glance at Lucius. His face remained expressionless, but something dangerous flickered in those eyes. The manager tried to smooth things over. "Mr. Watson, you know Claire's usu