Chapter 174: Seeing Him Again

After finishing about seventy percent of their meal, Claire Grace finally responded to the question Sarah had asked earlier.

"You've been around cosmetics for a long time. You must have heard of Mystique CN, right?"

Sarah nodded enthusiastically. "It's a high-ranking French brand globally. The prices are insane. Why do you ask?"

"Do you like their products?" Claire asked with a knowing smile.

"Of course, but I can't afford them. Just one item from Mystique CN costs as much as my entire monthly living expenses."

"Well then," Claire said, her tone nonchalant, "which product do you want? Or do you prefer the full set?"

"Obviously, the full set!" Sarah replied instinctively, then paused, realizing the implication of Claire's words. "Wait—you're not saying you're going to get it for me, are you?"

"Bingo. I'll arrange it when I get back. You'll have it within a week at most."

"You're kidding, right?" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"What's the big deal?" Claire reached over and playfully tapped Sarah on the forehead. "You've probably heard Mystique CN recently changed their product image and brand ambassador. They're rolling out a series of new campaigns worldwide next quarter."

"How do you know all this about Mystique CN?" Sarah frowned thoughtfully before her eyes lit up with realization. "Don't tell me you worked there during your year in France?"

"Why? Do I not look the part?" Claire stood up, made a twirl, and struck a few playful poses.

"Wait a minute," Sarah gasped, her mouth agape. "Are you saying…you're the new face of Mystique CN?"

Claire chuckled as she sat back down. "Why else would I be sending you the full set?"

"Wow! I'm in awe of you!" Sarah's eyes sparkled. "I can't believe my best friend is Mystique CN's brand ambassador! And now I get the full set—it feels like a dream!"

"Don't exaggerate," Claire teased. "You look like me back in the day, as if you've never even seen makeup before. But you're surrounded by cosmetics all the time."

"That's just how it is," Sarah shrugged. "I love Zeller Cosmetics too, but when something is always available, it's easy to take it for granted. It's the same with people. You only realize their worth after they're gone."

"Why are you suddenly so philosophical?" Claire feigned ignorance, brushing off the undertone of Sarah's words.

"Claire, I know you get what I'm saying. The truth is, Lucas really regrets—"

"Are you done eating?" Claire interrupted, her expression shifting subtly. "Let's head back if you're finished."

"Claire, don't tell me you don't miss Lucas at all? What happened between you two last year? There wasn't even a proper fight. He thought you were just going to that competition with that 'witch' and would come back. But you didn't return for an entire year."

"Sarah, there's nothing between Lucas and me anymore. Why do you keep bringing him up?"

"Because I feel bad for him. You don't know this, but after you left, he was impossible to deal with. The entire company became the target of his bad temper. For as long as you were gone, that's how long it lasted."

"If anyone deserves pity, it's the employees. Why him?" Claire muttered, though her heart wavered. Lucas was temperamental, arrogant, and self-centered—a walking list of flaws. Yet the familiarity of those flaws tugged at her emotions.

"On the surface, sure, but think about it. Why was he so angry all the time, exhausting himself like that? Anger is terrible for your health, you know. It's because you left. He couldn't handle it, and it's messed him up."

"Why are you defending him? Did he bribe you or something?" Claire asked suspiciously.

"Of course not! Don't underestimate me. I'm only saying this because you're my best friend. I want you to be happy with the person you love."

"Who said I still love him?" Claire countered, pulling Sarah to her feet as they exited the private room together.

"Claire, don't be like this. You used to be so upfront about your feelings. Why not now?"

"I've told you many times. I'm not the same person I was back then. I've forgotten everything from before," Claire said, her voice trailing off. Please, don't bring it up again.

Before Sarah could respond, her phone rang, interrupting the moment.

"Claire, wait here for a bit. I'll take this call and stop by the restroom," Sarah said as she walked away.

"Sure, go ahead."

Once Sarah disappeared around the corner, Claire's gaze softened as she absentmindedly played with the charm on her phone. 

Did he really regret letting her go? Or was it just his pride, bruised by the idea of a woman breaking up with him?

She had resolved not to let her emotions be swayed by him anymore. But hearing Sarah talk about his constant anger—it made her heart ache in ways she didn't want to admit.

"Miss, excuse me," a low, magnetic male voice suddenly pulled her from her thoughts. 

Her body froze, and her mind went blank. Instinctively, she looked up—and there he was.