Chapter 6: The Apology and the Deal

Claire hadn’t heard from Darren since that brief meeting in his office.The conversation had been strictly professional nothing more, nothing less. He’d asked about the estate, and she’d answered like any competent lawyer would. Nothing in her tone betrayed the memories they shared or the ones she secretly treasured. She’d told herself she was over him, whatever feelings she once had were buried under paperwork and time. But when Darren's driver showed up at her firm with a handwritten invitation to dinner, her breath ceased.

Just dinner, she reminded herself.

Now, seated in one of the city’s most exclusive rooftop restaurants, she sipped on a glass of red wine and waited. The skyline stretched out behind her, glittering, smug and silent. She hated places like this, too polished, too intentional. But Darren had chosen it for a reason. She arrived before him, nerves tightening with each tick of her wristwatch.

She didn't have to wait long.

Darren walked in. Tailored black suit, dark blu