Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 183: Who The Hell Did He Think He Was

Clairessa's POV

It had been one hell of an emotionally draining week.

And I was more than glad it was finally over. After everything-the fire, the chaos, the unexpected stay in Gabriel's house-I'd taken a few days off just to breathe. Now, it felt like the right time to return. Not because I was ready, but because I didn't have a choice.

Gabriel said I didn't need to submit my resignation after all. But of course, that came with conditions-conditions I wasn't even sure I could fulfill.

Still, with rent in Miami climbing and my apartment-along with everything I owned-reduced to ashes, I couldn't afford to walk away. Not from the Storm men. Not from the company.

I needed every cent I could get.

And Storm Innovations wasn't just a job. I was building a career I actually loved, and there was hope that the Hart app might get funded-putting me on the business map. Setting me up for life. I told myself that was why I was going back, despite everything that had happened.

But underneath it all, there was another truth-I felt completely alone.

I'd tried calling Jess multiple times. Her number didn't ring, didn't go to voicemail just dead silence. She hadn't called or texted either, which wasn't like her at all. Jess was my best friend. My only friend. And right now, I needed her more than ever. I was starting to worry,

but I couldn't even focus on that—not with everything else crashing down around

me.

And I wasn't about to go crawling back to my parents' house. That wasn't an option either.

So as much as I wanted to tell Gabriel to go to hell, the truth was painfully clear— right now, he and Adrian were all I had.

I'd started scanning listings and contacting agents, hoping to find a new place not too far from the office. But before that, I had to replace every piece of ID and documentation I'd lost in the fire-which would take weeks. My life had become a cycle of paperwork and pretending I wasn't falling apart.

At least work could offer some structure... maybe even a sense of control.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

No fancy outfits anymore. I was dressed in a flowery shirt from the mall and a pair of black pants that hung a little too loosely on my hips. My hair was tied back in a messy bun, strands falling where they pleased. Just a bit of gloss on my lips. That was all I could manage.

I didn't look like the woman who used to walk into meetings with confidence and heels. I looked like someone trying to hold it together with borrowed strength and broken sleep.

Still, I looked at her-the woman in the mirror-one last time and forced myself to stand.

Time to face it.

made my way downstairs, a familiar

"Claire, finally! You're down."

bottom of the stairs with a bright smile, looking surprisingly put together in a navy-blue suit. I looked him over from head to toe. I couldn't even remember the last time I'd seen him looking so... corporate.

real difference was his blond hair-yet somehow, he carried that

I could think about

of it, the voice of reason in my

as I continued making my way

have left by

was waiting

day? Don't

completely unfazed. "If showing up late means I get to walk in holding your hand, I don't mind

my tone. "I don't think your dad would be too

took my hand gently and led me toward the dining area.

could respond, the housekeeper walked in with a tray.

Jane, but I'm not hungry. Let's

downed a cup of juice

work at my dad's company. He tried so hard to get me here. I think he gave up after a while.

finally happening, I think you should treat it like a fresh

a shot. Who knows? Maybe it'll all work

hand, holding it

into the sleek lot of the Storm Innovations building, the nerves were

we reached the elevators, Adrian's phone buzzed. He glanced at it and muttered,

man who loves control like he

Tell me about

me,

a tight smile, even

show. Not

I had to put on a brave face

you're ready to be back at work? I

you more time

my voice firm as I met his

slid open, and

behind us, silence settled for a moment. I

you're ready for all

around the

guess we'll find out,"

stood still, trying to center