CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE - Unexpected Chemistry

Claire slumped into her ergonomic office chair, her eyes fixed on the New York skyline outside her window. The familiar vista of towering skyscrapers and bustling streets felt oddly alien after her time in Paris. She sighed, running her fingers through her hair as she turned back to her computer screen, filled with complex financial models and projections. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at it, hoping to see Mason's name. Instead, it was a message from her boss, Richard. "Meeting in 10. Bring the Harrington report." Claire groaned, quickly gathering her materials. As she rushed out of her office, her mind wandered to the pending offer from Lumina Enterprises. The position promised more responsibility, better pay, and a chance to work on cutting-edge financial strategies. Yet, something held her back from accepting outright. In the elevator, she found herself standing next to Sarah, a fellow analyst she'd known since her first day at Dayton. "You look like you could use a coffee,