he knew a great d

s, she blurted out, "Perhaps

osing silence. A sharp slam of

d this outcome. What was she hoping for anyway? Seven years had passed-seven l

..

-star restaurant. Before she arrived, her mother had informed her that

with every gesture. Claudia engaged in conversation with h

Upon her return and just as she was settling back into her seat

taken aback to see Frank Carter stand

's, who noticed her but swiftly looked aw

er composure, she smiled at Frank. "I'm here dining with a friend. Are you h

." As they conversed, Frank suddenly lowered his voice and added, "Did you hear? Miss Riley has returned. She favors the cu

had nearly forgotten. Whenever Gwyneth was around,

as brief, as Eddie soon called him

ined his i

er seat where Brice, looking curious, inq

d, "Yes, but soon he'll

gentleman, is

re out?" Claudia

is eyes-it's not the gaze of a colleague,

found herself at

n't invite him inside. Once he drove away, she approached her door at

n stood smoking a cigarette, his br

. Wasn't he supposed to be with Gwyneth

ee me. Why is that?" Eddie flicked h

managed to respond, "It's quite l

ason to visit?"

ed, "I'm off today. Even though I'm quitting by th

ion, Eddie shot back, "Who a