Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 41: Under His Gaze

Clairessa’s POV

Chapter 41: Under His Gaze

“Hey, Clairessa,” Nicole greeted as she approached my desk, her tone warm and her usual bright smile in place.

I glanced up from my computer, trying to suppress the anger rising in my chest. Of all the people I had to deal with today, Nicole was the last on the list but I had no choice. “Hi, Nicole,” I responded, keeping my voice short and my expression neutral.

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She paused briefly, as though gauging my mood, before continuing. “I know our meeting is set for noon, but I thought we could talk first. May I?” She gestured to the chair across from me.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and motioned toward the seat. “Go ahead.”

“Thanks.” She eased into the chair, still wearing that overly cheerful smile that got on my nerves every time I saw it. “Look, I know after the Adrian situation, you probably can’t stand me-”

I interrupted, not bothering to hold back. “It’s not an ‘Adrian situation.‘ I caught my boyfriend cheating on me with you. And then you had the nerve to flaunt it in my face. What kind of person does that?”

Nicole inhaled deeply, remorse etched on features.“Clairessa, I’m sorry for how I behaved that day in the restroom. Looking back, I regret it deeply, which is why I’m here now–to apologize.”

“Apology denied,” I shot back without hesitation. “You’re not here because you feel bad–you’re here because we’re stuck working together on this project.”

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Chapter 41: Under His Gaze

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“This isn’t about convenience,” she replied firmly, placing her hand on the desk as if she were going to reach out, only to pull it back when she saw the hard look in my eyes. “I’m offering a genuine apology. It’s up to you whether or not to accept it.”

I leaned back in my chair, my lips pressed into a tight line. She had some nerve walking in here, thinking she could smooth things over so easily.

“Look, Clairessa,” she continued, softening her voice. “I made a horrible choice by taunting you, but I wasn’t the one who broke promises to you. Still, I’m trying to be mature here–for both our sakes.”

My arms crossed as I studied her face. She wasn’t entirely wrong. The blame rested on Adrian, who broke his commitment to me and betrayed my trust.

I couldn’t let my anger toward him cloud my professional judgment. But forgiving Nicole was easier said than done.

“So, now you’re doing me a favor?” I asked, my tone sarcastic.

“In a way, yes,” she admitted with a shrug. “The Gemia project is a chance to prove to Mr. Storm that we’re the right people for the job. You don’t want to jeopardize that over something that isn’t work–related.”

As much as I hated to admit it, she was right. Gabriel trusted us to spearhead one of the biggest projects Storm Innovations had ever taken on in the entertainment industry–a project that had the potential to transform the way people experienced entertainment and travel. This wasn’t the time to let my emotions dictate my actions.

“Fine,” I said after a long pause, exhaling slowly. “For the sake of Gemia, I’ll put our differences aside. But once it’s over, we’re done.”

“That’s all I’m asking for.” Nicole’s shoulders relaxed as she smiled. “I knew you’d make the smart choice, which is why I’ve already started working on the project’s design.”

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Chapter 41: Under His Gaze

a design without

head slightly. “Think of it as a draft, not

version.”

forward, my voice edged with sarcasm.

sent me the mock–ups. My laptop pinged, and I opened the files. The designs were clean and functional, but dull. The colors lacked energy, and the concept felt too plain for the bold vision

the creativity we need. The designs

leaned over to view the screen. “What do you mean?”

creating an immersive experience. Gabriel said it himself: Gemia

designs again. “Hmm… I see what

realization dawning in Nicole’s eyes as I spoke. I continued, “These designs are good, but they don’t capture the full potential. We need something that brings that excitement to life. Something that

revamped the designs, infusing them with bold colors and dynamic visuals that reflected our goal: to be engaging and colorful, connecting users with real–life activities and promotions in a

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the screen toward her. “How

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completely changed it. This

said with a small, satisfied

impressed. “I’ve got to admit, this is way better

need to finalize the team selection. And Mr Storm

“Wait–he

it

and discussing ideas, Nicole and I finally put together a presentation we felt

Storm.

an email notification pinged on my laptop. It was from

From: Gabriel Storm

To: Clairessa Hartwood

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Subject: Pitch Delivery

I’d like to see where you’re at with

nerves jittering at the thought of presenting to Gabriel with so little preparation. Yesterday, he emailed me about submitting a report, but there was no mention of a presentation. Was this his way of

Despite the progress Nicole and I had made, I wasn’t sure if it was enough to meet his impossibly high expectations.

in the boardroom in fifteen minutes,” I finally

the other hand, remained composed, grabbing her materials with a reassuring calmness. “We’ll be fine,” she said, placing her

we’ve done.”

forcing a smile before standing from my seat.

arrived, Gabriel was already seated at the

the room. Even though I had grown accustomed to his intense energy, today felt different. The stakes were higher, and I couldn’t

see what you’ve got,” he said, his tone commanding as he gestured for

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41: Under His Gaze

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in a deep breath, nodded at Nicole, and began the presentation. I walked Gabriel through the updated designs, emphasizing the creative choices we had made to capture the

his hand, halting me mid–sentence. “Clairessa, you seem nervous,” he observed, his piercing dark eyes

left me momentarily speechless,

I struggled to find

moment, we can reschedule,” he added, his

concerned, or was this a test to see if I’d crack under pressure so he could use it

to give him that satisfaction of seeing me fold. Nicole and I had spent the entire day refining this presentation, and

ready to continue,” I replied, summoning all the