The silence that followed Ethan's words were heavy, thick with the scent of damp wool, cheap coffee, and the quiet destruction of six years

The sun rose over Manhattan.casting a brilliant,golden sheen across the glass facades of the city's towering skyscrapers.Inside the grand limestone headquarters of Bennett Holdings on Fifth Avenue,the atmosphere was a masterclass in quiet,absolute power.

Claire stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of the executive penthouse office,Looking down at the bustling ant-like movement of commuters far below.She wore a tailored charcoal-grey pantsuit cut from Italian wool—sharp,immaculate,and commanding.Her hair was swept back into a sleek chignon,and the exhaustion that had shadowed her eyes for six years had been replaced by a cool,Excellent clarity.

The heavy oak doors swung open silently,and Evelyn stepped into the room,followed by Marcus Vance,the chief legal counsel for Bennett Holdings,carrying a stack of thick leather-bound portfolios.

The board is assembled,Claire,Marcus said,Offering a respectful nod."Crownridge Properties' executive team arrived twenty minutes ago.They are currently waiting in Conference Room A,brimming with absolute confidence about their restructuring presentation."

Claire turned away from the window,fastening a pair of diamond-and-sapphire cufflinks at her wrists—a gift from her grandmother that she hadn't worn since her graduation from Wharton,years before she met Ethan and buried her ambitions in a desperate attempt to prove she could love an ordinary man.

"And Mr.Ethan Cole?"Laria asked,her voice is calm and devoid of emotion.

"He's leading the financial segment of their presentation,Marcus replied,Opening a file."He was recently nominated for Director of Acquisitions.According to their internal memos,he's considering their star rising talent."

A faint,ironic smile touched the corner of Claire's lips."Star talent."Let's see how brightly he shines when the lights go out."