I pull off my masquerade mask and pocket it while walking toward Claire.
She sees me coming and sits straighter, setting her glass down. For a second, her eyes move to the file in my hand before traveling back up to my face. There’s something sharp in those eyes, something assessing. She knows me well enough to sense when I’m a few seconds from exploding.
My phone is already in my hand as I text the driver. Be ready. We’re coming out.
When I reach her table, I don’t waste time. “We’re leaving.”
Claire frowns. “Right now?”
“Yes.”
“Were you able to close the deal?”
“No longer interested.”
Her frown deepens. “Seriously? You had me wooing him for nothing?”
I don’t respond, just extend my hand. She stares at it for a beat before sighing and standing up. Her dress rustles against the c
