Chapter 166: One Year Later

France. 

"Lucas, why are you sneaking around Claire's room like a thief?" Lauren Wells stood with her arms crossed, her sharp gaze sparkling with a hint of mischief as she watched her brother, Blaine Jackson, peering around the doorway to Claire Grace's room. 

"Who's sneaking?" Blaine straightened his posture, shooting his younger sister a sharp look. "Don't you have work at the company today? Why are you back so early?" 

"Oh, I see. Mom's on vacation, and suddenly you're stepping into her role?" Lauren arched a brow at him, smirking. "Relax, she's not back yet. You know how it is—ever since Sophie snatched her away from your team, Claire's been too busy to even breathe." 

Blaine sighed deeply. "I had no idea Sophie would pull a fast one on us. She promised it would just be a small cosmetics campaign, but somehow it turned into over a hundred products." 

"That's what they call strategy, big brother. And you thought she'd go soft just because you were close to Claire? How naive can you be to agree to something like that verbally?" Lauren shook her head dramatically. "But hey, I heard from Sophie a few days ago that the campaign's almost over. Just one more shoot, and Claire will finally get a break." 

"Really? That's fantastic!" Blaine's eyes lit up with genuine excitement. 

Lauren tilted her head, her gaze narrowing as a mischievous grin spread across her face. "You know, Blaine, I think you—" 

"Don't even start," Blaine interrupted, his voice firm. "I see Claire as I see you—as family. There's nothing more to it." 

"Then why do you act so shifty whenever she's around? Why not just openly go talk to her?" Lauren teased, heading toward the stairs. 

"I told you, there's nothing!" Blaine insisted, frustration creeping into his tone. 

"Fine, fine. Nothing at all." Lauren chuckled as she descended. "But who was it that put his dream of expanding into Asia on hold for Claire's career? You used to treat your studio back home like it was sacred. Yet here you are, giving it up just so she could grow. Honestly, Blaine, you treat Claire better than you treat me, your actual sister." 

"I… I told you, it's not like that!" Blaine said, exasperated. "Claire wanted a fresh start, so she chose to stay in France. She barely knew anyone here, so of course I stayed to help her settle. And I didn't give up the studio; I just paused it for a year. I'll head back and pick up where I left off soon enough. My dream of making it big in Asia isn't something I'll give up on so easily." 

"So today, you're planning to ask her if she wants to go back to the U.S.?" 

"Exactly. What's wrong with that?" 

Lauren plopped onto the couch, pulling Blaine down with her. "Nothing, except… aren't you worried she might reconnect with her ex once she's back? You know, the CEO she used to date?" 

Blaine's face hardened. "Claire isn't the same person she was a year ago. She's stronger, more independent. I'm not worried about her falling back into the past. Besides—wait, why would I even worry about that? If they get back together, I'll be happy for her. Stop overthinking it." 

Lauren rolled her eyes. "Wow, Blaine. You're so generous. I swear, I've never seen anyone as clueless as you when it comes to feelings." 

"Lauren Wells, you—" 

Their bickering was interrupted by a clear, confident voice. "I knew it. Whenever the house gets this noisy, it's always you two arguing." 

Both siblings turned toward the sound. 

Claire Grace stood in the doorway, her long black hair tied neatly behind her. She wore a sleek white tank top paired with a tailored cobalt blazer, the outfit perfectly highlighting her slim waist. Matching straight-cut jeans emphasized her long legs, and her entire look exuded a blend of elegance and professionalism. 

What captivated most, however, were her eyes—bright, clear, and brimming with an unmistakable confidence that could draw anyone in. 

"Wow, Claire! Yesterday you were rocking a sultry look, and now you're the picture of a corporate powerhouse!" Lauren beckoned her over. "Sophie really has an eye for talent. She saw your potential and signed you right away. I can't believe you can pull off so many different looks so effortlessly. It's amazing." 

"Give me a break! It was me who saw her potential first," Blaine interjected. "I made her my assistant, and she shined in the Asia Design Competition. If it weren't for me, Sophie wouldn't have noticed her at all." 

"Sure, sure. You're the genius here," Lauren said dismissively, turning back to Claire. "Hey, do you have work today, or are you finally free?" 

Claire shook her head. "The past few days went really well. The shoot progressed faster than expected, so we'll wrap everything up tomorrow. After that, I'm done." 

"That means you can head back to the U.S. with Blaine soon, right?" Lauren blurted out, her words racing ahead of her thoughts. 

"Back to the U.S.?" Claire turned to Blaine, her gaze steady. "Are you planning to return for work?" 

"Yeah. The annual Asia Design Competition is coming up, and I can't miss it. I need to get back and prepare." 

Claire nodded thoughtfully. "So, do you want me to come with you?" 

"Only if you're ready to leave this behind and want to go back," Blaine replied carefully. 

"When do you leave?" 

"What?" Blaine blinked, caught off guard by her quick decision. 

"I'm exhausted. I'll take a shower and rest. Let me know the details once you've figured it out. My work here is flexible, and I can wrap up anytime," Claire said simply, already heading toward her room. 

Blaine watched her retreating figure, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. 

So, she was the one who wanted to go back the most all along.