Three years of loving him, three days to erase myself from his world novel Chapter 124

Women were intuitively sharp.

She could instantly sense that his demeanor was completely different from when they had met at the university and the restaurant. He had become distant, almost guarded.

Why?

Did he not want anyone to know they were acquainted?

Thinking about it, that was the only logical explanation.

Clara let out a quiet breath, averted her gaze, and pretended not to recognize him at all.

Unbeknownst to her, Seraphina had been watching their silent exchange like a hawk.

Her eyes darted back and forth suspiciously.

Hearing the butler, Phoebe set her coffee cup down and turned around.

She first addressed Jackson, "Thank you, you're dismissed."

Then, she looked toward Clara, offering a warm smile, preparing to welcome her.

But before a word left her mouth, Seraphina forcefully brushed past Clara and marched right up to Phoebe.

She acted as if she were the sole lead on this project, treating Clara like nothing more than a lowly assistant.

Clara furrowed her brow, her expression turning icy.

Seraphina plastered on a bright smile and extended her right hand, her tone oozing fake politeness.

"It is an absolute honor, Ms. Shaw. I am the chief designer for the Valentine's Day collection, Seraphina Shaw."

Phoebe’s eyes narrowed slightly. Having navigated the brutal corporate world for over twenty years, she could spot a manipulative amateur from a mile away. Seraphina's little act was painfully transparent.

Not even bothering to acknowledge her, Phoebe smoothly walked right past her extended hand and smiled directly at Clara. "Manager Vance, it's been far too long."

Clara offered a genuine smile and shook Phoebe's hand. "It has, Ms. Shaw."

Seraphina's fake smile shattered.

Nearby, a maid clearing away coffee cups witnessed the brutal snub and had to bite her lip to suppress a laugh.

Seraphina's hypersensitive ego immediately caught the slight. Her cheeks burned with searing humiliation. It was mortifying.

Phoebe exchanged a few pleasantries with Clara before suddenly remembering the man beside her. She gestured elegantly toward him.

"I almost forgot to introduce you. This is the CEO of Jarrett Global, Dominic Jarrett."

She then turned to Dominic. "And this is the project manager from Lowell Industries, Clara Vance."

"..."

Clara glanced over and found the man already staring at her. His dark, fathomless eyes were like a vortex threatening to pull her under. Her heart gave an unexpected jolt.

Watching the two of them, Phoebe's sharp instincts picked up on the undeniable tension.

It was a rose brooch, its craftsmanship undeniably intricate and beautiful. It was clear a lot of genuine effort had gone into it.

Phoebe wasn't a heartless woman. Seeing the girl's earnest effort, she decided to let her earlier rudeness slide. She accepted the brooch with a polite smile.

"That's very thoughtful of you. Thank you. The design is lovely, I appreciate it."

Seraphina beamed, radiating sincerity. "I'm so glad you like it! Let me pin it on for you. I think this rose will look absolutely stunning with your dress today."

Phoebe obliged. "Thank you."

"..."

Clara stood quietly to the side, watching the entire performance without a word.

But Seraphina wasn't done. After pinning the brooch, she looked right at Clara, her voice laced with mock curiosity.

"You know, I heard Manager Vance prepared a gift for you too, Ms. Shaw. I wonder what it is? Why don't you bring it out so we can all see?"

Phoebe raised an eyebrow, turning her gaze to Clara.

Clara's mind went completely blank.

She hadn't prepared a gift at all.

Looking at Seraphina's sly, triumphant smirk, Clara instantly realized what was happening. This entire charade was a trap.