Chapter 188
Claire walks confidently into her office, proudly wearing a stunning pink diamond necklace that symbolizes her rising status at Moonves. With Queenie gone and her identity as Seere revealed, along with her recent award, she has transformed from an overlooked newcomer to a powerful figure within the company. Despite the distractions swirling in her mind, she forces herself to focus on work.
During lunch, Claire receives a call from her friend Liyah, who excitedly comments on Claire’s rapid romantic developments with Lucien, sparked by his public gestures like bringing her to work and the roses on her desk. Liyah theorizes that Lucien has secretly loved Claire for years, despite his past aloofness and the complicated history involving Liam. Although Claire initially denies the idea, she can’t help but feel her heart race at the possibility.
Meeting Liyah at a restaurant, Claire hides the expensive pink diamond necklace, which Liyah identifies as the priceless Tears of the Cosmos, a gift from Lucien that signals his deep affection. Their conversation quickly turns playful and intimate as Liyah probes about Claire’s romantic and physical experiences with Lucien, teasing her about their chemistry and the potential for a deeper relationship. Claire admits to strong feelings and sparks but confesses her uncertainty and fear about commitment following her painful past with Liam.
Liyah, ever the candid friend and self-styled love expert, encourages Claire to embrace the fun without pressure, understanding her desire for connection without the complications of a serious relationship right now. As their conversation unfolds, Liyah hints at revealing the “playbook of players,” suggesting she has advice or strategies for navigating complicated romantic situations, leaving Claire intrigued and eager to hear more.
Chapter 187: The Playbook of Players
I strode confidently toward my office, the exquisite pink diamond necklace resting against my collarbone immediately attracting envious glances from every woman who crossed my path. The gem sparkled brilliantly under the office lights, a silent proclamation of my newfound status.
With Queenie gone, my true identity as Seere unveiled, and my latest award win fresh in everyone’s minds, I had swiftly transformed into an undeniable force within Moonves. It was a far cry from the cold shoulders and dismissive looks I endured when I first stepped into this building months ago.
As I entered my office, I inhaled deeply, deliberately pushing aside the swirling distractions in my mind. It was time to focus—work mode activated.
Hours slipped by in a blur, and before I realized it, lunchtime had arrived. Just as I stood to refill my coffee, my phone buzzed insistently, Liyah’s name flashing across the screen.
“Hello?” I answered, curiosity piqued.
“Claire-bear!” Liyah’s voice burst through with infectious enthusiasm. “Hot dang, girl! You’re killing it!” Her excitement was palpable. “When did things with Lucien heat up this fast? The whole social scene is losing it over those roses and him bringing you to work this morning p>
I blinked, my mind suddenly overwhelmed. I had glanced at the roses sitting in the vase on my desk with a gentle smile, but how had rumors already spread so wildly? It felt like the worst possible scenario—too much pressure, too soon. I wasn’t ready for this pace, not with Lucien.
“Uh, yeah,” I managed to say weakly.
Liyah’s tone dripped with smug satisfaction.
“I called this ages ago,” she declared. “Lucien’s been scheming forever. I swear on the goddess, I have a theory. His whole no-women policy all these years? It was because he was waiting for you. He’s always treated you differently, even back when we were kids. Even when he pretended to hate you, he never acted like it around you. I think Lucien’s been in love with you all along but couldn’t say it because of that Clown you got stuck with first p>
I shook my head, instinctively denying it. “That’s ridiculous. Impossible.” But my heart betrayed me, pounding wildly at the suggestion.
“Spill the details,” Liyah demanded. “That over-the-top romantic display this morning means something happened last night. You chasing Liam at highway speeds must have triggered his protective instincts. The man saw his chance and took it. Classic move to stake his claim p>
Suddenly, everything clicked into place.
Damn it. It actually made sense.
Had Lucien truly been harboring feelings for me all these years? Why else would he always appear like a knight in shining armor during my bond with Liam, especially when I hit rock bottom? How else to explain him quietly removing every obstacle after the rejection was finalized, all while maintaining his calm exterior?
I pushed the thought away immediately.
Who was I kidding? If I couldn’t even make my own mate bond work, ending up bruised and broken, how could the city’s most infamous bachelor have been pining for me all this time?
The idea sent a chill through me—not disgust, but an unsettling feeling that I’d missed the signs for far too long.
“Liyah,” I gasped, my chest tightening with a mix of anxiety and relief, desperate to unload. “Are you free for lunch? It’s on me p>
“Always,” she replied, dragging the word out teasingly. “But I pick the place. That new Thai spot I’ve been dying to try p>
“Deal,” I said without hesitation.
Fifteen minutes later, we met at the restaurant. The moment Liyah caught sight of my necklace, her eyes widened with awe.
“Holy s**t,” she whispered, covering her mouth but leaning in closer, voice trembling with excitement. “Claire, is that the Tears of the Cosmos pink diamond? They say it’s one-of-a-kind and worth millions. Tell me Lucien gave you this p>
Her outburst drew curious glances from nearby diners. I nearly jumped out of my seat, quickly placing a hand over Liyah’s mouth.
“Liyah, keep it down,” I hissed, eyes darting nervously around the room. “How much is this worth p>
Fumbling, I hastily unclasped the necklace, treating it like a burning coal, and shoved it deep into the darkest corner of my bag, my paranoia about being robbed suddenly overwhelming.
“If it’s real, ninety million is just the starting point,” Liyah whispered, eyes still blazing. “The ring alone is valued at around thirty-five million, and that diamond is half the size of the pendant you’re wearing p>
“Holy hell,” I breathed. “Lucien is treating you like absolute royalty. Now spill—what scandalous things went down last night? And more importantly, how are his skills… in bed p>
Liyah’s face split into a wicked grin, her eyes sparkling with mischievous delight as if we were discussing the final episode of her favorite drama.
My cheeks flamed bright red, the blush creeping up to my ears as I swatted at her arm, mortified. “Liyah, be serious p>
“Since when do besties keep it PG-13?” she shot back, banging the table hard enough to rattle the silverware. “I once bet Ethan a million bucks that Alpha Lucien might be asexual. Payday’s coming. So? Was it otherworldly p>
I lowered my voice, glancing away. “His technique was like being caught in a riptide—in the best possible way p>
“Gold medal-worthy lips?” Liyah’s eyes twinkled. “But the main event? With Lucien’s physique.” She let out a filthy cackle that said it all.
“We haven’t crossed that particular finish line yet,” I admitted, heat flooding my face.
“Whoa,” Liyah exclaimed, slapping her thigh. “Then why not go all the way last night while the chemistry was nuclear? You’re a grown woman. What’s one night of fun with someone clearly pursuing you p>
I sank back into my chair like a deflated soufflé, sighing deeply in exasperation. “Liyah, my brain is a mess. Help me make sense of this p>
“Confused? About what? Spit it out,” Liyah said eagerly, rubbing her hands together like a self-proclaimed love guru ready to solve any problem. “Your girl’s seen it all. There’s no love issue I can’t fix with laser focus p>
“You know how it is,” I said, massaging my temples as words tumbled out in a rush. “We were like parallel lines—never meant to cross. And me? Romance wasn’t even on my radar, especially after the disaster with Liam. But last night, that kiss… it was mind-blowing. We’re not mates, but my whole body tingled, alive with sparks p>
“Then this morning, he cooked you breakfast, and there were more kisses… Damn it. At this rate, my walls are going to come crashing down. But Liyah, I’m not sure I’m ready for a relationship right now p>
My voice trailed off into anxious mumbling.
Suddenly, Liyah’s palm hit the table with understanding.
“Got it,” she said. “You can’t get enough of his skills, you wouldn’t say no to a repeat, but you’re terrified he’ll drop some big love confession next. So basically, you want the fun without the strings. Right p>
I nearly choked on my water. When I recovered, I gave her an impressed thumbs-up.
“Damn. The Love Doctor nails it again, right on the money. So,” I leaned in, our noses almost touching as I whispered, “What should I do? I really like Lucien, but I’m not in the right headspace for commitment or titles p>
Liyah hooked a sly finger at me. I leaned closer, catching her conspiratorial whisper.
“Want to know the playbook of players p>
I held my breath. “What’s that p>
This chapter delicately captures the tumultuous blend of newfound success and emotional vulnerability that Claire experiences. As she navigates her rising status and the swirling rumors about her relationship with Lucien, the tension between her public image and private feelings becomes palpable. The sparkling pink diamond necklace symbolizes not just material triumph but the complex, sometimes overwhelming, emotions tied to love, trust, and self-discovery.
Through the candid and playful exchange with Liyah, Claire confronts her fears and desires, highlighting the universal struggle of balancing passion with caution. The chapter leaves us with a tender sense of hope and uncertainty, as Claire stands at the crossroads of embracing a new chapter in her life, unsure yet willing to explore what lies ahead, guided by friendship and a slowly awakening heart.
Next chapter promises to dive deeper into the complexities of Claire’s evolving relationship with Lucien, as Liyah’s playful yet insightful guidance may reveal new strategies and perspectives that challenge Claire’s current mindset. The tension between desire and caution is palpable, and readers can anticipate moments of vulnerability and self-discovery as Claire grapples with her feelings and the implications of opening her heart again.
At the same time, the glittering symbol of Claire’s rising status—the pink diamond necklace—casts a shadow of intrigue and potential risk, hinting at complications that could arise from newfound attention and envy. Emotional stakes are heightened as Claire navigates not only romantic uncertainties but also the pressures of her public image and personal identity. The next chapter is set to blend sharp wit, heartfelt conversations, and subtle revelations that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.