Chapter 173: Determined to Win

Claire Grace watched helplessly as Sarah and Blaine Jackson stood at the airport entrance, bickering like children. The insults flew back and forth—Sarah accusing Blaine of being a "foolish witch," and Blaine retaliating by calling her a "jealous hag." 

It was a surreal sight. Blaine, typically calm and composed, prided himself on maintaining his public image. Yet here he was, throwing petty barbs at Sarah in public. Claire tugged on his arm gently, her voice soft but firm. "Blaine, this is an airport. There are a lot of people watching." 

Blaine blinked, his annoyance momentarily interrupted. He glared at Sarah one last time before turning to Claire and grabbing her hand. "Let's go," he muttered, pulling her toward the exit with long strides. 

"Hey! Where do you think you're taking Claire?" Sarah, who had come to pick her up, rushed after them. She blocked their path, arms stretched wide. "Claire, you just got back! I have so much to tell you. Plus, didn't you promise you'd stay with me when you returned?" 

"Promise?" Claire tilted her head in confusion. 

"Did you?" Blaine asked, raising an eyebrow. 

"I..." Claire stammered, uncertain. 

Sarah jumped in before she could respond. "You *did* promise! I even moved to a bigger, cozier apartment just for you. You wouldn't let me go through all that trouble for nothing, would you?" Sarah grabbed Claire's arm protectively, shooting Blaine a pointed look. "And besides, she's a girl. Why are you, a grown man, clinging to her like that? If anyone should be holding her hand, it's me!" 

"Hag! You'd better watch your tone!" Blaine's face turned red with frustration. A year apart, and Sarah was still as infuriating as ever. 

"Enough!" Claire stepped between them, cutting off what promised to be another round of verbal sparring. She turned to Blaine with an apologetic smile. "Since Sarah already went through the trouble of moving for me, I'll stay with her. Your place gets too crowded anyway." 

Sarah beamed and immediately pulled Claire toward the exit. "Let's go, Claire. I'll take you home to freshen up first." 

Claire waved a quick goodbye to Blaine before leaving with Sarah. Blaine sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose in exasperation, before turning and walking away in the opposite direction. 

Unbeknownst to them, a tall figure emerged from the shadows nearby. His intense gaze followed the two women until they disappeared into the crowd. A smile—resolute and full of intent—curved across his lips. 

---

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Sarah's apartment was located in a sleek, modern building. The elevator whisked them to the 15th floor, where the doors opened to reveal a hallway with only two units per floor. 

As they entered, Claire couldn't help but marvel at the spacious, tastefully furnished interior. The apartment was filled with top-of-the-line appliances and cozy furniture that radiated both comfort and style. 

"Sarah, you just moved in, right? This place must cost a fortune," Claire remarked, still in awe as she took in the luxurious surroundings. 

Sarah shrugged nonchalantly, pulling a soda from the fridge and handing it to Claire. 

Claire took the drink but pressed on. "Did you win the lottery? Or did your dad strike it rich overnight?" 

"Ugh, you've been watching too many crime dramas." Sarah rolled her eyes. "Do I look like I'm dripping in gold and diamonds?" 

Claire smirked. "Then how much is the rent for this place?" 

"Um... it's not that expensive. Just a little over ten grand a month," Sarah mumbled, avoiding Claire's gaze. 

"Ten grand?" Claire massaged her temples, exasperated. "Sarah—" 

"Alright, alright! Stop nagging. Go take a shower. We're going out for dinner later," Sarah interrupted, steering the conversation away. She led Claire to a guest room. "I already set everything up for you. If you need anything else, let me know." 

Claire leaned out from the bathroom door, grinning. "Why do I feel like you're babying me? Have you turned over a new leaf?" 

Sarah quipped back, "The city's changed a lot in the past year, and you're going to need someone to show you the ropes." She glanced at her phone. "Now hurry up. We can chat more later." 

---

Dinner was at an upscale Spanish restaurant in a private dining room. As Sarah focused on the food, Claire's piercing gaze didn't waver from her. 

"Sarah," Claire began casually, her tone laced with amusement, "are you going to tell me the truth? Did you suddenly hit the jackpot, or...?" 

Sarah set her fork down and let out an exaggerated sigh. "Why are you so fixated on this? Is it so hard to believe I can afford a nice apartment and a fancy dinner?" 

"You know that's not what I mean," Claire countered. "You've never been one to splurge on luxury. And a ten-grand-a-month apartment? That's way out of character for you." 

"Fine," Sarah admitted with a dramatic huff. "My dad struck a deal with me. If I visit him and my mom for four hours every day, he'll cover my rent. Happy now?" 

Claire laughed, shaking her head. "You must really hate living with your parents." 

"You have no idea," Sarah muttered. 

"Alright, let's eat." Claire picked up her fork, finally letting Sarah off the hook. "But if you're ever short on cash, let me know. I'll treat you next time." 

Sarah grinned mischievously. "Sounds like someone had a windfall while they were away. Tell me, Claire, did you strike it rich?" 

"Not quite," Claire replied with a smirk. 

"Well, whatever it is, this food is amazing." Sarah's words were muffled as she dove into her plate.