CHAPTER NINETY-THREE - The Scandal Dies Down

"Claire," he said, reaching out to steady her. "Are you okay? How did it go?" She pulled away from his touch, suddenly feeling claustrophobic. "It was... intense. They're really digging deep, Mason. I feel like I'm being treated like a criminal." Mason's face darkened with anger. "This is ridiculous. I'll talk to the board, make them see reason-" "No!" Claire cut him off. "Please, don't. That will only make things worse. They already think I'm using you for special treatment." Mason ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. "This has gone too far. It's time I put an end to it." Before Claire could ask what he meant, Mason strode off down the hallway, determination in his steps. She watched him go, a feeling of dread settling in her stomach. Meanwhile, across town, Veronica Chase sat in a plush office, a satisfied smirk playing on her perfectly painted lips. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at it, her smile widening as she read the message. "Lan