CHAPTER 29 THE PROPOSITION

Minutes passed like hours, the silence of the office stretching taut like a drawn bowstring. Finally, a tentative knock sounded on Ethan’s door, heralding Claire’s arrival. Ethan didn’t answer immediately, letting the suspense hang heavy in the air. But when he did, his voice was measured, almost gentle. “Come in, Claire.” The door swung open, revealing Claire’s disheveled form, her brown hair still wild and untamed. Claire stepped into Ethan’s office, her gaze downcast and nervous. She was aware that he’d ordered her here, and no doubt had a reprimand at the ready, but she could never have expected this: the breakfast on Ethan’s desk, his enigmatic, almost sympathetic expression. “Claire, please, sit down.” he gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Have something to eat.” Claire, clearly confused, edged into the chair, reaching for the food. With trepidation, she picked at the food, a piece of toast here, a sip of coffee there. The silence that stretched between th