Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 10

"Felton, I'm the one hosting this party tonight. If there's a problem, you can come straight to me. Causing trouble like this is out of line, especially here. If people hear about it, what do you think they'll say?"

Maybe it was out of respect for Claire, but the guy immediately backed down. He drew his foot away and mumbled, "This waiter wasn't paying attention. Spilled wine all over me."

Claire stepped forward, and my heart started racing. I was crouched on the floor with my back to her, trying my best not to panic.

"Since this happened at my event, I'll pay for the cleaning. Let's just forget about it."

The man looked embarrassed. "Oh, no, I couldn't let you do that. I'll just go home and change." Then he turned and walked away.

I stood up, still facing away from Claire. My hands were shaking as I clutched my uniform. I kept my voice quiet. "Thank you."

I tried to slip away, but she called out behind me.

"Stop right there."

I froze on the spot. Did she recognize me?

Her heels tapped against the floor as she walked closer. Each step sent my nerves into overdrive. I held my breath, not daring to look at her.

"You dropped something. Here, take it."

Dropped something? I patted my pockets and realized my wallet was missing. Inside was the old photo of the two of us. If she opened it, she’d know everything.

I reached my hand back, hoping to get it quickly. "Thank you."

But my hand closed on nothing. Instead, her voice came again, a little sharp, a little teasing.

"Lambert, how long are you going to pretend? Do you really think I'm still that easy to fool? You put so much effort into this, getting a job here just to show up in front of me. What are you after? Do you want my sympathy? Are you hoping I’ll fall for that poor, pitiful routine again? Or do you think I’m still as naïve as before?"

I couldn't say a word. She was right in front of me now. There was nowhere left to hide.

She held up my wallet, already opened, and pulled out the photo inside.

"So thoughtful. Still carrying around this old picture. Did you think I'd get sentimental?"

That was never the reason. It was the only photo I had left. I held onto it through so many nights, through every rough patch and every bit of pain...

I didn’t try to explain. "Please, just give me my wallet. I’ll leave right now."

"Leave? Not a chance. I told you, I'm not letting you go."