Chapter 6 Heartbreak Written All Over

"Why the sudden appearance, Eddie? You're rarely here, always caught up in work or traveling for business." At a bustling downtown nightclub, a man sporting glasses and a crisp suit playfully poked fun at Eddie.

"Eddie looks like someone just broke his heart," another man added, nodding thoughtfully.

The bespectacled man erupted with laughter. "Broken his heart? Who in their right mind would dump Eddie?"

"Shut up," Eddie retorted, giving them a stern look that showed he was not in the mood for banter.

The atmosphere turned tense, prompting the bespectacled man to venture cautiously, "I heard Gwyneth's back. She's the only one who can really affect your mood."

Eddie responded only by grabbing his drink and gulping it down swiftly.

The two men exchanged knowing looks, words unnecessary to convey their thoughts.

As Eddie drank, he became quieter, not louder like most would.

Noticing Eddie's condition, the bespectacled man seized his phone to call Frank.

Just as he was about to press the call button, a hand clamped down on his wrist.

Though seemingly inert, Eddie snapped open his eyes and commanded, "Call Claudia."

Claudia was on the verge of sleep when her phone vibrated. Eddie's name flashed on the display, making her hesitate and consider ignoring the call. After a brief pause, she answered, reasoning that she couldn't just ignore her boss.

Upon her arrival at the nightclub, she easily spotted Eddie's car. As she approached, a man with glasses called out, "You're Claudia, right?"

She turned and nodded, her eyes briefly searching for Eddie in his car.

"Your boss is drunk," the man casually remarked, shrugging. "He specifically asked for you. He's all yours now. I'm leaving."

With another nod, Claudia watched him depart before she entered the car. Eddie lay on the back seat, eyes closed, his expression deeply troubled.

She sighed quietly and bent down to whisper, "Mr. Selleck?"

Eddie's eyes fluttered open at her voice, and he scoffed dismissively without speaking.

Tight-lipped, Claudia shut the door and told the driver to proceed.

The drive to Eddie's villa was oppressively silent, filled with a tense atmosphere so thick that even their breathing sounded loud. Claudia remained silent, eyes downcast, until they arrived.

Upon her arrival, she leaned closer and softly called out to Eddie. She tried twice without eliciting any reaction. His eyes remained closed, leaving her unsure whether he was asleep or merely ignoring her.

As time slipped away, she exhaled another sigh and called his name once more.

This time, Eddie stirred and looked up at her. "Help me up," he demanded.

Claudia hesitated, not moving an inch.

Eddie rubbed his forehead, his discomfort evident.

Observing his strained expression, Claudia finally relented. She extended her hand to assist him, but as soon as he gripped her hand, she was unexpectedly pulled forward with remarkable strength.

She tumbled into his embrace in a swift motion.

Her eyes widened in surprise, noticing the redness of his eyes. Her heart fluttered, and she instinctively tried to retreat. But he tightened his hold on her wrist.

"What are you doing?" she asked, trying to pull back once more.

Despite her efforts, his grip was unyieldingly strong, and she found herself immobilized.