Nelson stood silent.
That alone said a lot.
Claire’s smirk deepened.
She casually tapped his chest with a finger.
“Since you’re planning on marrying her, then go get the divorce done already.
Stop wasting her time.
As for me, trust me, I know exactly what I’m doing.
No need for your lectures.
We’re still technically married, but that doesn’t give you any authority.
Once it’s over, you’ll have even less.”
After saying that, she took two steps back.
The sarcasm on her face disappeared without a trace.
She looked calm, way too calm.
The kind of calm that screamed she was done—completely.
“You should go.
I don’t want anything more to do with you, and I sure as hell don’t need more trouble in my life.”
He hadn’t stood up for her even when Serena paid someone to assault her.
If she ever let him get close again, who knew what chaos would follow?
She’d paid the price for her past feelings—enough was enough.
If he tried pushing again, she wouldn’t be so forgiving.
Of course, Nelson didn’t budge.
His face, usually so composed and handsome, had turned dark.
He’d lived over two decades being praised—sometimes sincerely, sometimes not.
But this—being called “trouble,” and by Claire of all people?
The girl who used to trail behind him?
Stubborn, he took a step forward, only to be blocked by Adrian.
“Mr.
Cooper, maybe it’s time to get a reality check.
You’ve already got someone in your bowl—stop staring at the pot.
Claire’s made herself clear.
If you keep pushing, this is gonna get messy.”
Nelson ignored him, eyes fixed on Claire’s unreadable face.
“You really won’t come home with me?”
Claire lifted her gaze.
“Mr.
Cooper, please don’t twist your words like that.
You knew I used to love you.
Now that I’ve finally let go—for your sake and Serena’s—you’re pulling this?
Aren’t you afraid I might cling to you again?
Then you won’t be able to get rid of me.
Imagine being stuck your whole life with a woman you don’t even like.
You sure that’s what you want?”
“Home,” she scoffed inwardly.
Such a ridiculous word now.
That first year she was exiled abroad, she’d still hoped—hoped he might care, that he’d come to find her.
He never did.
Not even a damn phone call.
Why wish for a warm welcome when all that came was cold rejection?
Her gaze turned frosty.
“You’re the one who said it yourself—if it weren’t for Old Mr.
Cooper, you’d never have married me.
Now you drag your feet about the divorce.
What’s the point?”
Nelson was still stuck on that earlier question, dazed.
For a moment, he thought, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if she clung to him like she used to.
But that dangerous little thought was quickly drowned out by his rational side.
Until Claire knocked him back to reality—his feelings had been forced, and forcing things never worked.
His dark eyes regained clarity, the tension in his face easing.
His voice came low and slow.
“I know when it’s time to end things.
But I can’t watch you throw your life away.
The Thompsons kicked you out, and if you need money, you can ask me.
You’re someone my grandfather cared about.
If he were still alive, how would he feel seeing you like this?”
Seeing her like what, exactly?
Because she found a boyfriend with money—suddenly she was “heading down the wrong path”?
Yeah, sounds about right.
In their eyes, she was some orphan with no family, meant to hang with thugs on the street.
A legit friend like Adrian?
Unthinkable.
Claire found that genuinely ridiculous.
“Mr.
Cooper, let’s use your logic here—if spending your money and Adrian’s money results in the same outcome, why wouldn’t I pick the one that makes me feel better?”
“Claire!”
Just like that, she had him all fired up again.Claire casually cleaned out her ear.
“Yeah, I heard you.
Loud and clear, both ears are working just fine.”
People were already heading out for lunch from the CTR building, and it’d only get busier.
Claire didn’t want to keep arguing with Nelson.
He might not mind making a scene, but she did.
Guess that contract today wasn’t getting signed.
And if Adrian really went upstairs with her, those two might actually start throwing punches.
And honestly, she’d be more worried about Adrian hurting his hand.
She turned and spoke to Adrian gently, “Go upstairs and put some ointment on that.
I’m grabbing lunch with Alyssa; if I don’t go now, I’ll be late.”
Adrian perked up.
“I’ll come too!
Been meaning to see if Ms.
Grant would be interested in collaborating with XR.
Perfect timing.”
Nelson cut in, looking at them, “Hope you don’t mind one more.
The Coopers also have a campaign we’d like to discuss with Ms.
Grant.”
“Neither of you is coming!”
Claire exploded.
“If you have work to talk about, set up your own damn meetings!
What are you doing crashing our lunch?”
She shot both men a fierce glare, slipped her sunglasses back on, and stormed off without looking back.
The white BMW sped off down the street.
Adrian clicked his tongue, turning to head back into the building when Nelson called out.
“Mr.
Fields, apologies for earlier if I crossed a line.
XR’s still new to Jadewick—if you ever need support, Cooper Group won’t turn you down.
That said, I’d appreciate it if you could let Claire go.”
Adrian turned slowly, expression hard to read.
He pressed his tongue to his cheek and gave a half-smile, those familiar fox-like eyes filled with sarcasm.
“Let her go?
Shouldn’t that be something you tell yourself first, Mr.
Cooper?
And how do you know I’m not serious about her?
Just ’cause it’s showbiz doesn’t mean I can’t be the guy who stays clean in a dirty game.”
Nelson’s gaze narrowed.
“So, you’re saying you’re ready to stand against Cooper Group?”
Adrian laughed low, completely unfazed.
“Now, now, you’re the one dragging your personal mess into business, not me.
Don’t blame me for that.”
Yeah, Cooper Group’s business ran in real industries.
But he ran an entertainment company—and he wasn’t scared.
Even if he had to watch his step in Jadewick, backing down from just words?
No way.
How was he supposed to avenge his sister then?
What a joke.
If you really want to hit where it hurts, aim for the pride.
So Adrian added with a grin that didn’t reach his eyes, “Maybe you look down on people in entertainment, but at least I’m not two-timing with a ring on my finger.
What do you think, Mr.
Cooper?”
That was basically calling him out to his face.
Nelson’s lips tightened into a cold line.
After a pause, he actually replied.
“Mr.
Fields, Claire and I were married to honor an older family member’s wishes—I couldn’t go against that.
Cutting her off was my way of not giving her false hope.
Ending the marriage is just something that was bound to happen.
I’m not against her moving on.
But she’s not from our world.
Even if you really love her, can you honestly say your family would accept a woman with no background?”
Adrian rubbed his chin, amused.
“Well, I mean, when you put it like that, you’ve got a point.”
Nelson let out a quiet breath of relief, though he kept his expression composed and distant.
“Since you understand, I hope you’ll avoid giving her any unrealistic expectations.
Sorry again for earlier, nothing personal.”
Adrian didn’t respond.
He just gestured at the building behind him.
“You done?
I’ve got work upstairs.”
Nelson’s gaze dimmed, hesitating before asking, “One last thing, if you don’t mind—word is Velora Studio’s designer Vera Quinn is thinking about signing with XR.
Has that been finalized?”