Chapter 8 - THE RETURN TO VALE TOWER
Claire entered Vale Tower through the main entrance.
The receptionist looked at her uniform.
Then at her face.
Her expression changed.
"Mrs. Vale?"
Claire nodded.
Employees began whispering.
She walked through the lobby.
The same lobby where she had once attended Julian's holiday parties.
The same marble floors.
The same chandeliers.
The same expensive silence.
But Claire was different now.
She reached the private elevator.
Julian was waiting inside.
He looked exhausted.
His suit was wrinkled.
His eyes were red.
For a moment, they stood without speaking.
"Why did you come?"
"To ask you one question."
He swallowed.
"Which one?"
"Did you ever love me?"
Julian looked down.
That hurt more than any answer.
Finally, he whispered.
"I did."
Claire laughed quietly.
"Then why?"
"Because my father taught me that love makes you weak."
"And you believed him."
"Yes."
She stared at him.
"What happened in Paris?"
Julian closed his eyes.
"I was supposed to disappear."
"Did you fake the crash?"
"Yes."
"Did you know I would lose everything?"
"Yes."
"Did you care?"
His eyes filled with tears.
"At the time, no."
Claire stepped back.
At least he was finally telling the truth.
Then Julian whispered:
"But there was one thing I never expected."
"What?"
"Your father survived."
Claire said nothing.
Julian looked terrified.
May you like
"And now he is coming for everyone."
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