Chapter 106: Intentional Trouble

"Blaire, starting today, the company will assign a dedicated driver to take you to and from work," Lucas Zeller said flatly as they entered the sleek, modern lobby of Zeller Enterprises. 

"A dedicated driver?" Blaire Zeller frowned, looking up at him with confusion. "Why do I need a dedicated driver?" 

"You get carsick, don't you?" Lucas replied without missing a beat. "This way, the driver can adjust the speed to make your commute more comfortable. And you won't have to compete with Claire for the passenger seat." 

Blaire's expression soured. "What is that supposed to mean?" Her voice rose sharply. "Are you saying I'm a burden just because I occasionally catch a ride with you?" 

Lucas sighed, his tone patient but firm. "I'm doing this for you. It's not a problem for you to ride with me, but if Claire and I have plans after work, it becomes inconvenient." 

"Convenient? Or are you just trying to push me away?" Blaire's voice cracked with indignation. "You never used to treat me like this!" 

"You're overthinking things," Lucas replied dismissively, his attention already shifting to the stack of documents on his desk. He flipped open a report, his tone neutral. "By the way, isn't your office on a different floor?" 

"Lucas!" Blaire stomped her foot in frustration, her golden ponytail swinging loose and cascading over her shoulders. She glared at him, her petite frame trembling with anger. "You're practically kicking me out! You used to be so different. You'd never rush me away or treat me like I didn't belong." 

Lucas's dark eyes flicked up from his desk. "You came back to work at the company, didn't you? Then contribute. You're part of the Zeller family, and we all have responsibilities." 

"Responsibilities?" Blaire scoffed, folding her arms. "And what about Claire? She's part of the family now too. But she's clueless about how things work here, and yet you made her your personal assistant? Why does she get special treatment just because she's your wife? Do you know what people used to call her here? They called her 'the cosmetics idiot,' and you're the one who gave her that nickname!" 

Lucas's jaw tightened, though his tone remained steady. "Are you seriously jealous of Claire's position as my assistant, Blaire?" 

"I'm saying she's unqualified!" Blaire fired back, her cheeks flushed with indignation. "She's only adding to your workload. Unlike her, I actually understand how this company operates. I've been here long enough to anticipate what you need before you even say it. But her? She's just a distraction." 

Lucas leaned back in his chair, his gaze calm but piercing. "I don't need her to manage the business, Blaire. That's my job. I asked her to be my assistant because I want her by my side, not because I expect her to handle everything perfectly." 

Blaire opened her mouth to retort but stopped short. She clenched her fists. "Fine, but let's talk about the upcoming 'Liquid Diamond' launch," she said, redirecting the conversation. "I've brought this up multiple times since I got back, but you keep brushing it off. Lucas, it's almost August. October will be here before you know it, and we haven't even settled on a target demographic, let alone started formulating the fragrance. At this rate, we'll be scrambling to meet deadlines. Don't say I didn't warn you." 

Lucas smirked faintly, clearly unfazed by her urgency. "Blaire, you seem to forget who you're talking to. I'm a master perfumer. A truly exceptional product requires inspiration and expertise, not rushing to meet arbitrary timelines." 

"Even the best perfumes take time to perfect!" Blaire countered, her tone exasperated. "You're only this lax because Claire doesn't give you the structure you need. She's making you lazy!" 

Lucas's gaze hardened, his voice dropping a note. "That's enough, Blaire. If Claire heard you talking like this, she'd be upset." 

Blaire scoffed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Relax. I sent her to the factory to pick up some materials. She won't hear a thing." 

Lucas straightened abruptly, his sharp gaze locking on hers. "You sent Claire to the factory?" 

"Of course. She's the least busy person here. Who else would I send?" Blaire said casually, though the smirk tugging at her lips betrayed her real intent. 

"She doesn't know a thing about raw materials," Lucas said, moving toward the window that overlooked the factory path. His voice was cold, the tension in his posture unmistakable. 

"Then she'll learn," Blaire replied with a shrug. "It's a good opportunity for her to familiarize herself with the basics. I was only thinking of how this might help her assist you better." 

"Blaire, stop this nonsense," Lucas snapped, his voice low and steady but with an edge of warning. "She's your sister-in-law, not some errand girl." 

"Don't be so dramatic," Blaire shot back, feigning innocence. "I just wanted to give her a chance to be useful. Why are you always assuming the worst of me?" 

"Because you've given me plenty of reasons to doubt your intentions," Lucas said bluntly. 

Blaire's expression darkened, though she quickly masked her anger with a look of wounded disbelief. "Fine," she said coldly. "I'll get back to work. But don't think this conversation is over." 

Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and stormed out of his office, slamming the door behind her.