Chapter 433 Matthew Explanation

Claire strode into Cryptonic's sleek, glass-lined halls, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floors. She was expecting to see Matthew-or at least hear his familiar voice grumbling about work deadlines-but his office was eerily empty. The blinds were drawn, and

his usually cluttered desk sat untouched, with a thin layer of dust betraying his absence.

"Where is he?" she muttered under her breath, frowning.

Deciding not to jump to conclusions, Claire turned on her heel and headed to her own office. Once inside, she plopped into her chair and immediately dialed Sandra. The phone barely rang twice before Sandra's chipper voice answered. "Good afternoon, Ms. Peterson! How can I help you?"

"Sandra, is Matthew at Metacortex? I haven't seen him here," Claire asked, leaning back and fiddling with the pen on her desk.

Sandra paused, sounding slightly hesitant. "Matthew? Oh, no, he hasn't been at the office for a few days now."

Claire's brow furrowed deeper. "He hasn't? Why not?"

"He mentioned he wasn't feeling well and said he'd be working from home." Sandra's voice dropped, as if she wasn't entirely convinced herself.

"Sick?" Claire echoed, leaning forward. The idea sounded absurd. Matthew was the kind of person who'd jog five miles in the pouring rain and then show up to work like it was nothing. "Are you sure about that?"

"That's what he said," Sandra confirmed. "But honestly, I thought it was strange too. He has such a good record of showing up-this is the first time I've heard him say he's sick."

Claire drummed her fingers on the desk, her mind racing. "When was the last time he was at the office?"

Sandra took a moment to think. "Hmm... I believe it was after you went to Las Vegas. He came in once, but that was it. Afterward, he even canceled that meeting with the potential client."

Claire sighed heavily, raking her hand through her hair. "Got it. Thanks, Sandra. Let me know if you hear anything else."

Sandra replied, her tone tinged

that he hadn't even told her about it gnawed at her. Was he hiding something? It certainly seemed out

replied: Come by tomorrow

second before dialing Matthew's number. It rang

"Claire! What's up?"

snapped, trying to

sounded confused.

annoyance bubbling just beneath the surface. "Okay," she said curtly before

the...?" he muttered to himself. Shaking his head, he set his phone down

grabbed her bag and stormed out of her office. "Driver!" she called as she descended the lobby stairs. Her driver,

she ordered, sliding

thoughts swirling. Something was

car pulled up to

modern complex

glass windows and

garden. Claire stepped out, her heels clicking sharply against

ve

Her face was a mask of determination, and

got a nod

and

door, she was practically fuming. Raising her fist, she knocked firmly-three loud thuds that echoed

open. Matthew stood there, barefoot, wearing a rumpled t-shirt and sweatpants. But

as if debating whether to close it. "Uh... nothing?" he tried, offering her an unconvincing smile. Claire's eyes narrowed. "Matthew. Don't you dare try to feed me that 'nothing' nonsense. Look at your face! Did you walk

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