Chapter 54: Asking for Her Help (Part 1)

At the end of the workday, the company's lobby was bustling with activity. Claire Grace, who had clocked out four or five minutes later than Lucas Zeller, stepped out of the elevator and was just about to head toward the exit when she felt something tap her back.

"Claire," a sweet, coquettish voice called out. Surprised, Claire turned around.

Behind her stood three colleagues from the sales department, and the one who had called her name was Shauna Mills, the slightly plump girl standing on the far left.

What did they want from her? Claire clearly remembered that Shauna used to address her by her full name. So why was she suddenly using "Claire" like they were close friends?

"Shauna, is there something you need?" Claire asked cautiously.

"Claire, we just wanted to ask you about something," Shauna replied, her eyes narrowing in a smile. The other two girls standing beside her nodded eagerly.

Perhaps it was because Claire hadn't interacted much with Shauna and the others during her time in the sales department, but something about their smiles made her uneasy.

"I'm still new here, and I don't know much about work matters. Sorry, but I've got to go," Claire said politely, smiling as she began to walk away.

"Oh, come on, it's not about work!" Shauna quickly grabbed Claire's short sleeve to stop her from leaving. "Come on, let's chat at the coffee shop next to the office."

Before Claire could protest, the trio had already surrounded her and were leading her outside.

---

Claire sat uncomfortably on a tan-colored sofa, surrounded by the three saleswomen. The strong aroma of coffee wafting up from the clear glass table was making her head spin. It was strange—ever since she'd burned her hand making coffee at lunch, even the smell of coffee made her feel nauseous.

Why did they bring her here? What could they possibly want from her? She glanced around, confused. They were all sitting there, staring at her in silence. Were they going to act out a mime performance or something?

Just as Claire was about to ask, Shauna finally broke the silence. "Claire, are you close with our boss?"

Huh?! *Our* boss? Claire blinked in surprise, then quickly realized they were talking about Lucas Zeller. Since when did he become *their* boss?

"We're not close," Claire quickly responded, "but—"

"Claire, don't lie," interjected Lauren Hayes, the girl sitting next to her.

"Yeah, we all know you're close with the boss, and you even live under the same roof. No need to pretend," chimed in Coco Lee, the brunette with chestnut-colored hair sitting across from her.

Claire's eyes widened in shock.

How did they know that? This was way too bizarre. Were they spying on her?

"Claire, there's no need to hide things between coworkers, right?" Shauna leaned in, her overly friendly smile almost making Claire believe they had always been close.

"No, really, Shauna. The boss and I aren't that familiar with each other," Claire insisted, hoping that outright denial might work.