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.

way downstairs, a familiar voice

"Claire, finally! You're down."

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

only real difference was his blond

I could think

voice of reason

making my way down

have left by

was waiting for

your first day? Don't you want to

means I get to walk in holding your hand,

softened my tone. "I don't think your dad would be too happy about that. I don't want him thinking you're

and led me toward the dining area. "There's

could respond, the housekeeper walked in with a

I'm not

push. He downed a cup of juice

was quiet at first. But as we neared the city, he looked out the window and said, "I can't believe I'm finally going to work at my dad's company. He tried so hard to get me here. I think he gave up after a while. The restaurant wasn't doing so well,

I think you should treat it like a fresh start. Learn

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

my hand, holding it gently for a moment. "Thank

the time we pulled into the sleek lot of the Storm Innovations

together. Just as we reached the elevators, Adrian's phone buzzed. He glanced at it and muttered, "That's

a small laugh. "Never met a man who loves control like he does. Sometimes it drives me

about

turned to me,

a tight smile, even

that show. Not

a brave face

at work? I could talk to my

more time

ready," I replied, my voice firm

slid open,

silence settled for a moment. I

ready

gestured around the

beside me. "I guess we'll find

still, trying