Chapter 171: Never Letting Go

The 68th sigh drifted softly and wistfully from Claire Grace's lips when a sudden knock echoed through the CEO's office, snapping the moment of melancholy. Lucas Zeller's despondent gaze lifted just in time to see Sarah's silhouette entering the room.

"Really? You're not lying? She's coming back the day after tomorrow?" Lucas sprang to his feet, his face alight with excitement and joy.

"It's true, Mr. Zeller," Sarah replied with cautious sincerity. "Claire called right after you left. Since my phone number hasn't changed, she was able to reach me. But I've had no way to contact her."

"Did she… mention me?" Lucas sat back down, trying to compose himself, masking his eagerness with a nonchalant air.

"She did," Sarah admitted but added hesitantly, "Though… she didn't use your name."

"Did she sound resentful? Or perhaps hurt when she spoke about me?" His attempt to sound indifferent faltered under the weight of his emotions.

"Uh…" Sarah fumbled, unsure how to frame her answer. "Well, I think Claire still cares about you. It's obvious you still hold a place in her heart."

"Really?" Lucas couldn't hide the joy flashing across his face. "Did she say she was returning solely to help Blaine reopen the Blue Elegance line? Did she mention any other reasons?" He desperately hoped she was coming back for him.

"I wanted to ask, but she said she was tired and hung up. Since I didn't have your number, I came straight here to tell you," Sarah emphasized, her loyalty apparent.

Lucas nodded thoughtfully. "Then I have a favor to ask of you."

"A favor?" Sarah blinked in surprise, unused to such politeness from her usually commanding boss. "Anything you need, Mr. Zeller. I'll do my best!"

"I'd like you to persuade her to stay with you once she's back. And then…" Lucas outlined his carefully crafted plan, leaving no detail unshared. As he spoke, Sarah began to understand his intentions fully.

Internally, she couldn't help but feel for him. **Whoever spread the rumor that Mr. Zeller didn't love Claire had to be blind.** What kind of man waits faithfully for his wife, even after she left him for another man? And now, instead of holding a grudge, he's plotting tirelessly to win her heart again. His love was nothing short of selfless and extraordinary.

"Leave it to me," Sarah assured him. "And thank you, Mr. Zeller, for trusting me with this."

"Thank you, Sarah. And for going out of your way to bring me this news," Lucas added with genuine gratitude.

"Don't mention it, Mr. Zeller. Honestly, I just want to see you and Claire reconcile. It's heartbreaking to see two people who clearly love each other kept apart like this."

"Well said. For your outstanding dedication, the company will triple your quarterly bonus this term."

Sarah's heart soared, though she modestly waved it off. "You're too kind, Mr. Zeller. This is simply what I should do, as an employee and Claire's friend. I just want you both to be happy."

"Good. Now go about your work. I'll be in touch later," Lucas said, dismissing her kindly.

Sarah nodded, leaving the office with a quiet sense of triumph. Lucas, meanwhile, leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk tugging at his lips, his dark eyes gleaming with determination.

**After a year of waiting, she's finally coming back.** Had she changed? Sarah mentioned Claire was staying with Blaine Jackson, yet she claimed her return had nothing to do with him. Did that mean her heart still held a place for Lucas? Or was it anger that lingered? No matter her reasons, one thing was certain—this time, Lucas wouldn't let her go.

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### Scene Change: Airport Reunion

The terminal buzzed with travelers, a sea of attractive men and women moving through the crowded space. Among them stood Blaine Jackson, exuding effortless charm. He held the hand of a striking young woman, while his other gestured animatedly to a nearby assistant managing their luggage.

"Mr. Jackson!" Several voices, male and varying in tone, called out, cutting through the din.

Blaine turned to see three familiar figures waving at him enthusiastically from across the crowd. Adam, Joel, and another man hurried over, their eyes locking onto the woman by Blaine's side.

Her appearance turned heads wherever she went: a high ponytail of sleek, ebony hair, striking and elegant features, and a pair of tea-colored sunglasses perched on her nose. A platinum necklace glinted against her fair neck, while a white cropped bustier paired with a pink jacket and light denim shorts highlighted her toned figure. On her feet, she wore trendy strappy heels, perfectly accentuating her lithe form. She was undeniably the center of attention.

"Wow! Didn't Mr. Jackson say he was coming back with Claire? Who's this gorgeous stranger?" Adam asked bluntly, staring in awe.

"I'd bet she's his girlfriend," Joel suggested.

"Or maybe he switched assistants and left Claire behind in France?" the third man speculated.

Before Blaine could respond, the young woman burst into laughter, the sound bright and melodious.

The three men exchanged confused glances before Blaine finally removed the sunglasses from her face, revealing a delicate, radiant visage they recognized—albeit with some hesitation.

Their eyes widened in shock as realization dawned.