Chapter 139: Will You Regret It?

"Is something wrong, Mr. Jackson? Is there something inappropriate about the way I'm dressed?" Claire Grace asked, looking down at her outfit. Though the clothes belonged to Sarah, the ensemble was entirely of her own creation. She'd thought as long as the colors weren't mismatched and the outfit was comfortable, it was fine. 

"You're dressing too casually and without any sense of style. No one will take you seriously as a stylist if you don't present yourself better," Blaine Jackson replied with a critical gaze. "Later, I'll take you shopping to pick out some suitable clothes. For now, go finish the tasks you're supposed to handle as my assistant." 

"Alright, alright, I'll get right on it, Mr. Jackson." Claire gave him a cheeky wink before heading toward the workspace. 

Blaine stood frozen, staring after her retreating figure. A strange, unsettling emotion stirred in his chest. 

Before Claire, there had been Helen—playful, full of life. She used to wink at him just like that. 

*** 

Across town, Lucas Zeller stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his downtown office, staring into the distance. Last night's events replayed in his mind. 

The woman he'd seen last night felt entirely unfamiliar. Her personality, her temper, even her tone—it was as if she were someone else entirely. 

His Claire had always been gentle, even when she was upset. She might throw the occasional tantrum, but she would never lash out at him with such intensity. Last night, though, he had seen true anger in her eyes—raw and unrestrained. 

What had Blaire said to her? What could have pushed Claire to act so out of character? 

"Mr. Zeller," came a voice, interrupting his thoughts. It was his lawyer, Greg Abbott. "Could you review this agreement and let me know if there's anything you'd like to revise?" 

Lucas turned around, taking the divorce agreement Greg offered him. His eyes skimmed over the document before he spoke, his tone detached. "Increase the settlement from five million to ten million dollars. Add a clause stipulating that a monthly payment of one hundred thousand dollars will be deposited into her account for life. Beyond that, if there's anything else she needs, no matter how unreasonable, I'll agree to it." 

Greg hesitated. "Are you sure, Mr. Zeller? That's a considerable amount—" 

Lucas cut him off, his voice firm. "I'm sure. I'll give her anything she asks for. My only fear is that she won't ask for anything at all." 

Before Greg could respond, Roy Lin, Lucas's closest friend and confidant, stood abruptly from his seat. He strode over and snatched the agreement from Lucas's hand, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. 

"Lucas, have you lost your mind? You're seriously going through with this? Divorce? Are you insane?" Roy's voice rose, and his frustration spilled over. 

"Do you even hear yourself? You're crazy about her—anyone can see that. And now you want a divorce? What's wrong with you? Did you hit your head? Or maybe it's genetic, considering Blaire's been acting just as irrationally." Roy's voice grew louder as he ranted, his words tinged with the colorful language he'd picked up from his wife, Lauren Wells. 

Lucas glared at him but said nothing. He turned back to Greg. "Just make the changes and contact her." 

Greg hesitated, but before he could speak, Roy stepped in. "Greg, you've been working hard enough. Since the agreement is ready, I'll deliver it to Claire myself. I know where to find her." 

"But Mr. Lin—" 

"No buts," Roy said firmly, taking the documents from Greg. "I'll handle it. You just keep drafting agreements. Go, you've got plenty on your plate." He ushered Greg out of the office, shutting the door behind him with a loud click. 

Turning back to Lucas, Roy's tone shifted to one of exasperation and concern. "Now, are you going to tell me what's going on? How did things get so bad that you're considering divorce?" 

Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair before sitting down heavily on the couch. "You're so damn noisy. Why do you even care?" 

"Because I'm your friend, and I'm trying to help you! I can't help if you don't tell me what's wrong." 

Lucas leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. "The only solution is divorce. It's what I told her last night. If freedom is what she wants, then I'll give it to her." 

"Bullshit!" Roy snapped, his voice filled with disbelief. "Anyone with eyes can see how much Claire loves you. And you're telling me this is her idea?" 

"You don't know what happened," Lucas shot back, his frustration evident. "Stop shouting like you know everything. You're annoying." 

"And you're being a coward! If you'd just tell me what's going on, maybe we could fix this! Or do you actually want to lose her?" 

Lucas's head shot up, his gaze piercing. "If you're so eager to deliver the papers, then go. But stop lecturing me. You're not my boss." 

"Fine, I'll go," Roy said, grabbing the agreement. "But remember this: once the papers are signed, there's no going back. If you regret it later, don't come crying to me. Because there's no guarantee she'll take you back." 

"I won't regret it," Lucas said flatly, though the strain in his voice betrayed him. 

Roy shook his head. "You're lying to yourself. But hey, if you're determined to play the fool, be my guest. Just don't expect a happy ending. I'll deliver these, but you'd better be ready for the consequences." 

With that, Roy stormed out, leaving Lucas alone with his thoughts. 

Lucas leaned back on the couch, staring at the ceiling. The echo of Roy's parting words lingered in his mind. 

Would she choose Blaine Jackson once she was free? 

And if she did... could he live with that?