Alexander’s POV
The room is charged with an undercurrent of tension as Claire takes her seat, her movements deliberate, measured. I adjust the cuffs of my suit, smoothing down the lapel with a practiced motion. The tailored fabric clings to me perfectly, but even its precision doesn’t ease the tightening in my chest. I pick up the paper in front of me, forcing myself to focus as the meeting begins.
Her gaze catches mine, just for a moment. My jaw tightens lightly—lightly enough to go unnoticed. I won’t give her the satisfaction of seeing the effect she has on me.
As the presentation starts, I keep my focus on the slides being displayed, the voices of my team droning on in the background. Yet, out of the corner of my eye, I see her. She’s glancing at me, her fingers pressing too hard on
