Page 133

A few months ago, Claire’s mind would have immediately created a spreadsheet cataloging every possible catastrophe.

Now, the first thing she felt was excitement.

“I’d love to.”

“I thought you would.” Victoria grabbed her folder. “Take ten minutes. Then send the team a recap and proposed timeline.”

Claire nodded. “I will.”

Victoria reached the door before pausing. “And Claire?”

“Yes?”

“Good work.”

When the door closed, Avery turned slowly toward Claire. “You’re in charge of all three locations.”

“Apparently.”

Avery grinned. “You’re going to take over the company.”

She sounded like Noah.

“That seems premature.”

“I’ll remind you of this conversation when you’re my boss.”

“I would fire you immediately.”

“No, you wouldn’t. You need me.”

Claire smiled. “Unfortunately.”

Avery left to tell Daniel that his punctuation had survived the presentation, and Claire sat alone at the conference table.

She opened her phone. There was already another message waiting.

Noah: Well?

Claire smiled and typed.

Claire: The presentation went great. I’ll tell you everything tonight.

She had prepared for the presentation. She had worked hard. She had earned the opportunity Victoria had just given her.

But she had also eaten dinner, slept seven hours, and left the office before dark.

Success had not required sacrificing every other part of her life.

For once, it did not feel like something she had survived. It felt like something she could bring home.

CHAPTER 37

The Plan

Noah’s POV

Noah sat across from Cole at lunch, checking his phone between bites of his sandwich.