CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT - The Business Trip

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching the sun set over the San Francisco skyline. Claire found herself leaning into Mason, drawing comfort from his presence. "Mason?" she said softly. "Hmm?" "I know we said we'd take things slow, but... I don't want to lose this. Us." Claire stood at the head of the conference room, her heart pounding as she faced her team. The skeptical looks on their faces made her stomach churn, but she took a deep breath and began. "I know I'm new here," she said, her voice steadier than she felt, "but I also know we have a job to do. This merger could redefine Ultimate X's position in the market. We need to work together to make it happen." A man in his mid-forties, Greg, leaned back in his chair with a smirk. "With all due respect, Ms. Langford, we've been doing this for years. What exactly do you think you can bring to the table?" Claire felt a flash of anger, but she kept her composure. "Fresh perspective, for one. And a willingness to ch