Chapter 472 Hosting the Christmas Party

Claire sat at her desk, fingers tapping restlessly against the polished wood. The soft hum of her office seemed unusually loud as she stared blankly at her phone. Her mind was still reeling from the conversation she’d just had with Mr. Saint Laurent. “A Christmas party, Claire. It’s time.” His voice, full of warmth and gentle authority, echoed in her mind. He’d always spoken to her like she was a part of the family, which made the call all the more difficult to process. “But why me?” she had asked, trying to keep the disbelief out of her tone. “Because it’s been three years, dear,” he had replied kindly. “You disappeared for too long. It’s time for the world — for your peers — to know that Claire Peterson is back. Hosting this party will show everyone that you are still a force to be reckoned with.” She leaned back in her chair, pinching the bridge of her nose. The weight of his words pressed on her shoulders, and no matter how many times she tried to reject the idea, he had count