CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX - A Difficult Conversation

project was progressing well, with Claire's innovative strategies earning praise from the board. Even Mark had begrudgingly come around, his attempts at sabotage having fizzled out in the face of Claire's competent leadership. One evening, as Claire was wrapping up a late meeting, her phone buzzed with a text from Mason. Mason: Just got some big news. Meet me at our spot in the park? Intrigued, Claire hurried to finish her work and made her way to the small hill in Golden Gate Park where they often went to watch the sunset. She found Mason already there, pacing nervously. "Hey," she called out as she approached. "What's going on?" Mason turned, his face breaking into a wide smile. "Claire! I got the funding!" Claire's eyes widened. "For your new tech initiative? Mason, that's amazing!" She threw her arms around him, and he lifted her off her feet, spinning her around in excitement. Claire's heels clicked against the polished floor of Universe X's headquarters as she made her wa