CHAPTER SEVENTY - A Last-Minute Decision

The rest of the day passed in a blur of meetings and financial projections. Before Claire knew it, it was time to head home and get ready for dinner. She hadn't heard anything more from Mason, but she tried to stay optimistic. As she was touching up her makeup, she heard the front door open. "Claire?" Mason's voice called out. "In here," she replied, her heart racing. Mason appeared in the bathroom doorway, looking tired but impeccably dressed in a crisp suit. "Sorry I'm late. The meeting with the legal team ran long." Claire turned to face him, taking in the dark circles under his eyes and the tension in his shoulders. "It's okay. Are you... are you up for this? We can cancel if you're not feeling up to it." Mason shook his head. "No, no. Your parents are here. We should go." He paused, his expression softening slightly. "I'm sorry I haven't been very present lately. This lawsuit... it's just consuming everything." Claire stepped closer to him, reaching out to straighten his tie