Seducing my Ex-husband back (Claire) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

PROMISES

-CLAIRE’S POV~

{FLASHBACK: THE ELEVATOR}

It happened when I had slipped away earlier, heading back to the car because I had forgotten my phone.

The elevator doors slid open. Richard was inside.

Not alone…he stood with an older man I recognized immediately. Blaze. A family friend, an investor, someone

who used to smile at me across Blackwood’s dinner parties.

I stepped in without hesitation, planting myself at the opposite end of the elevator.

The mirrored walls reflected the three of us, but Richard’s eyes locked on me as though the reflection was a

tether.

They spoke in hushed voices…foreign contracts, overseas investors, partnerships that reeked of desperation.

Richard’s company was gasping for air, and he was ready to sell pieces of himself to keep it alive.

I pretended not to listen, my gaze on the glowing floor numbers, but my ears drank in every word.

Then Blaze turned, his eyes narrowing in recognition. “Forgive me, but… aren’t you Claire? Richard’s…”

“Ex–wife,” I said quickly, forcing a smile. “Not his anything anymore.” The words were more severe than I had

anticipated.

Blaze blinked, uncomfortable. “That’s… a shame. You two always looked so perfect together.”

Richard inhaled, lips parting like he was about to paint over the truth with something glossy.

But I beat him to it. “Perfect until I walked into my bedroom and found him with my best friend.” The silence

that followed was nuclear. Blaze’s jaw dropped. Richard’s entire face drained of color.

I smiled sweetly. “On my marriage bed, no less. Romantic, wasn’t it, Richard?”

Shock widened Blaze’s eyes.

“I… perhaps this isn’t the time.” He cleared his throat, already backing toward the door as the elevator slowed.

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Chapter 23

“We’ll discuss another day, Richard.”

When he left, the doors sealed me and Richard alone.

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The air grew thicker. His reflection looked up at me through the mirrored wall, his pupils dark, and his chest rising and falling too quickly.

Finally, I broke the silence. “You promised to support my foundation. Still reviewing the proposal?”

His voice was low, almost hoarse. “One has to be careful. Especially when money’s involved.”

I arched a brow, closing the distance by a fraction. “Careful? Or just scared?”

He turned, facing me fully now. “Should I be?”

I didn’t answer. Instead, I reached up and straightened his tie, letting my fingers drag across the silk deliberately slow. His breath caught.

“You think too much,” I murmured, smoothing the fabric against his chest. “It’s not good for your health.” His

mask cracked–the strong, untouchable Richard trembling beneath my touch.

For a moment, the air between us was molten. His lips hovered a whisper from mine, his gaze falling to my mouth like gravity itself was pulling him.

I leaned in just enough that his breath feathered against my cheek–before the elevator chimed.

The spell shattered.

I stepped back, tugging my dress into place. “Consider this generosity, Richard. But it won’t last. Make your

move before I take the choice away.”

The doors opened. I walked out; leaving him staring after me.

***

{PRESENT DAY}

The temperature in the room drops ten degrees.

“What do you mean, you saw him?” Alexander’s voice is carefully controlled, but I can hear the edge beneath it.

“He’s here. At the gala.” The lie comes easily. I don’t mention that I actually spoke to him.

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Chapter 23

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That he was in that elevator discussing business deals with foreign companies, looking desperate and

dangerous.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to ruin the evening.” Another lie. The truth is, I wanted to handle Richard myself. Test the

waters. See how desperate he really is.

Alexander steps back, running a hand through his hair. “Where did you see him?”

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“In the parking area when I went back for my phone.” At least that part is true. “He was talking to someone. Mr.

Blaze, I think.”

Alexander’s expression darkens further. “Blaze? What were they discussing?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t want to eavesdrop.” The biggest lie of all.

Alexander studies my face in the dim light, and I can see him weighing my words. Deciding whether to believe

1. me.

“Did he approach you?” His voice is deadly quiet now. “Did he say anything to you?”

“No.” True enough. Richard didn’t approach me first. “I avoided him.”

“Good.” Alexander moves closer again, his hands finding my shoulders. “I don’t want you anywhere near him,

Claire. Promise me.”

The possessiveness in his voice should be flattering. Instead, it makes something twist in my chest. Not because I object to his protection, but because of what I’m not telling him.

“Alexander…..”

“Promise me,” he repeats, his grip tightening slightly.

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