Chapter 658

Claire blinked in confusion as the crisp night air hit her flushed cheeks. "What are you doing here?" she slurred, swaying slightly on her designer heels.

The hotel lobby lights cast long shadows as she stumbled outside. Most of her classmates had already left with their spouses or partners. Being single, Claire had stayed until the bitter end.

Three male classmates immediately swarmed around her like vultures. "Let us take you home," they offered simultaneously, their eyes gleaming with poorly concealed interest.

Claire let out a bitter laugh that turned into a hiccup. "Since when did I become so popular?" She poked the nearest man's chest with a manicured finger. "Or is it my bank account you're after?"

Though intoxicated, her words cut sharp as knives. "Rich women aren't stupid these days. We don't waste time on gold-digging losers." She'd learned from Julian Mercer that mixing social classes never ended well.

Money couldn't buy happiness, but poverty guaranteed misery - especially in relationships. More importantly, Claire refused to spend her hard-earned fortune on undeserving men.

The rejected suitors scattered like cockroaches under light, leaving only one figure standing resolutely beside her.

Claire squinted up at the towering silhouette. At 6'2", he made her feel petite despite her own height. "Still here? Didn't you hear me? Or are you just more shameless than the others?" she challenged.

Ignoring her barb, he firmly grasped her wrist. "Call a driver for your car. I'm taking you home."

Claire yanked her arm free. "Who died and made you my keeper?" Her gaze landed on the gleaming Mercedes idling nearby, noting the Cresthaven license plates. At least this one wasn't after her money.

As another gust of wind made her shiver, he suddenly bent to her eye level. "Max Harrison. Your desk partner who let you copy all my homework. Ring any bells?"

Memories surfaced through the alcohol haze - the transfer student whose family moved south for business. She'd once submitted his paper with his name still on it, earning a public scolding from their teacher.

The realization sobered her slightly. "Max? What brings you back to this reunion?"

"Business trip," he said simply, opening the car door. The interior light illuminated his sharp jawline. "Get in before you freeze."

Claire hesitated, then sneezed violently. Before she could react, a warm coat enveloped her shoulders.

Lucas appeared like a specter from the shadows, his shirt billowing in the wind. "No need for your assistance, Harrison," he said, possessively gripping Claire's shoulder.

The tension between the two men became palpable. Lucas's gaze never wavered as he declared, "I'll take my woman home myself."

Max's expression darkened, but he merely said, "Another time then, Claire," before disappearing into the Mercedes.

Only then did Claire process Lucas's words. She shoved him away violently. "I'm not your anything, Lucas! We're divorced - have some dignity!"

Lucas smirked. "Dignity? You used to worship the ground I walked on."

"That was before I grew a spine," Claire shot back, her alcohol-flushed face twisting in contempt.

Suddenly, Lucas hoisted her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Put me down!" she shrieked, the upside-down position making her stomach churn dangerously.

"Making sure you get home safe," Lucas said calmly, marching toward his car.

"Your funeral," Claire warned ominously.

Then she vomited all over his pristine white shirt.

Lucas froze, his entire body tensing. The man notorious for his germaphobia didn't even flinch. After a beat, he simply wiped himself off with tissues from the console.

As the car pulled away, Claire stared in disbelief. "What's your game?" she demanded.

Lucas met her gaze steadily. "Isn't it obvious? I'm courting you."

The declaration hung in the air as the city lights blurred past. Claire's intoxicated mind struggled to process this new version of Lucas - one who didn't rage at her drunken mishaps, one who spoke of pursuit rather than possession.

The rules of their relationship had changed, and Claire wasn't sure she wanted to learn this new game.