Chapter 453 The Proposal

It had been a long day for everyone. Matthew decided enough was enough and waved goodbye to Claire and Adrian, heading home for some much-needed rest. Claire, however, remained at Cryptonic, not working but stewing over everything that had unfolded. Her mind buzzed like an angry hive of bees. Adrian noticed her sitting on the couch, arms crossed, eyes darting back and forth as if trying to crack an invisible code. He sighed and plopped down beside her, leaning back casually. “Claire, you’ve got to let it go. Rest,” Adrian said softly, nudging her arm with his elbow. Claire shook her head, looking at him like he’d just suggested she run a marathon in heels. “I can’t, Adrian. If I let my guard down even for a second, Eligos will twist this whole situation into something worse. He always finds a way.” Adrian frowned, watching her fingers twist a strand of hair absentmindedly. He reached over, gently taking her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Claire,” he said, voice low a