Chapter 31

Claire's POV I stood on the sidewalk outside my apartment building, dragging my suitcase behind me as I checked my phone for the cab's arrival time. The morning air was crisp, and I pulled my blazer tighter around myself, trying to calm the nervous energy that had been building since I'd woken up at five AM. Three days in New York. Three days of pretending Theo meant nothing to me while being constantly in his presence. I'd packed my most professional outfits, practiced my neutral expressions in the mirror, and given myself countless pep talks about maintaining boundaries. A sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb, its tinted windows reflecting the morning sunlight. My heart sank as I recognized the vehicle—and more importantly, who was likely behind the wheel. The passenger window rolled down, revealing Theo in the driver's seat. He wore a white business suit that fit him perfectly, his silver-streaked hair immaculately styled. Even in my determined state of professional detachment, I