CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE - The Awkward Silence

That evening, as Claire recounted the day's events to Mason over a late-night snack in their kitchen, she couldn't keep the excitement out of her voice. "And then," she said, gesturing with a piece of cheese, "Emily tried to call me out on this supposed error, but I was ready for it. You should have seen her face when I turned it around!" Mason laughed, his eyes twinkling with pride. "I wish I could have been there to see it. You handled it beautifully, Claire." As they sat there, sharing stories and laughing over their respective career ups and downs, Claire felt a warmth spreading through her chest. It wasn't just the victory at work or the lingering excitement from the conference. It was this – the easy companionship, the mutual support, the feeling that she'd found someone who truly understood and appreciated her. "You know," Mason said, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "I'm really glad you came to Paris, Claire. Not just for the work you're doing with Dayton Enterprise