Chapter 2 That Explained His Impatience

Claudia paused; she knew a great deal about Gwyneth.

Struggling to hide her sadness, she blurted out, "Perhaps it's best if I resign, right?"

Eddie hesitated, ultimately choosing silence. A sharp slam of the door responded in his stead.

Claudia remained motionless, her smile tinged with sarcasm. She had anticipated this outcome. What was she hoping for anyway? Seven years had passed-seven long years. If winning his heart was possible, it wouldn't have taken this long.

......

Claudia was scheduled to meet her blind date, Brice Douglas, at a five-star restaurant. Before she arrived, her mother had informed her that Brice was a university professor and urged her to behave impeccably.

Brice was handsome and courteous, exuding an air of grace with every gesture. Claudia engaged in conversation with him for nearly an hour, finding him to be quite delightful.

Midway through, Claudia excused herself to visit the restroom. Upon her return and just as she was settling back into her seat, she heard someone call her name. "Claudia? What a coincidence!"

Turning around, Claudia was slightly taken aback to see Frank Carter standing there, with Eddie not far behind.

Her heart fluttered as her gaze met Eddie's, who noticed her but swiftly looked away, pretending as if they were strangers.

Feeling overlooked was something Claudia had braced herself for. Regaining her composure, she smiled at Frank. "I'm here dining with a friend. Are you having a business dinner here? I thought I reserved a table elsewhere for you."

Frank immediately replied, "We were supposed to be there, but Mr. Selleck decided against it and called off the appointment." As they conversed, Frank suddenly lowered his voice and added, "Did you hear? Miss Riley has returned. She favors the cuisine here the most. Mr. Selleck has been eagerly awaiting her return. He rushed over from the office this very afternoon."

Claudia was momentarily taken aback by the news. She had nearly forgotten. Whenever Gwyneth was around, Eddie transformed into an entirely different person.

Claudia's conversation with Frank was brief, as Eddie soon called him away. It seemed Gwyneth had arrived.

That explained his impatience.

Claudia smiled wryly and turned back to her seat where Brice, looking curious, inquired, "Is that guy a coworker of yours?"

She nodded and responded, "Yes, but soon he'll be a former coworker."

"And the other gentleman, is he your boss?"

"How did you figure out?" Claudia asked, surprised.

Brice grinned. "From the intense look in his eyes-it's not the gaze of a colleague, but that of a boss observing an employee."

At that, Claudia found herself at a loss for words.

After their meal, Brice dropped Claudia off at her apartment. She didn't invite him inside. Once he drove away, she approached her door at a leisurely pace. Just as she was about to insert her key, she froze.

Leaning against the doorframe, a man stood smoking a cigarette, his brow furrowed in apparent impatience.

"Mr. Selleck?" Claudia blinked, puzzled. Wasn't he supposed to be with Gwyneth at this hour? Why was he here instead?

"You look somewhat disappointed to see me. Why is that?" Eddie flicked his cigarette away and stepped closer.

Claudia, still caught off guard, managed to respond, "It's quite late. Is there something you need?"

"Do I need a reason to visit?" Eddie retorted.

Claudia, momentarily lost for words, finally replied, "I'm off today. Even though I'm quitting by the end of the month, I still get my days off, right?"

Without changing his expression, Eddie shot back, "Who authorized your resignation?"