Chapitre 23: [Shopping]

The next morning, Claire got up, feeling anxious about meeting Cain's father. She couldn't quite understand the purpose behind it. Why was he even doing this? How would she meet his father? What if his father was as ruthless as Cain? These thoughts haunted her and she shook her head in frustration.

But since there was no way to avoid it, she resolved to go along with things. After freshening up, she got ready, lightly fixing her hair and applying a thin layer of lipstick and minimal makeup.

After a pleasant breakfast, they headed out to shop. As they walked out of the mansion, Claire spotted Mark standing near a pillar, his face serious as he spoke into his phone. Curious, she slowly sneaked over and stood nearby, listening in.

Mark was still on the call, instructing someone. "Tie him with chains and lash him until he talks. If he still doesn't open his mouth, pluck his nails or cut his fingers. That should help."

He turned mid-sentence and froze, dumbstruck, finding Claire standing right beside him, a shocked and terrified expression on her face.

Realizing she had heard everything, Mark rubbed his temples, looking at her with an awkward smile. Just then, Cain called him, and Mark bolted towards him like a rocket, eager to escape the awkward situation.

Claire remained rooted to the spot, processing what she had just overheard. What are these people? What is their actual profession? She shook her head, heading towards the car, her thoughts spinning.

**In the car**

Claire settled by the window, staring outside, lost in thought while Cain reviewed some files beside her.

Without looking up, Cain asked Mark, "The cargo ship incident—did the culprit confess?"

Claire turned her head away from the window, her gaze shifting to Cain, who was still engrossed in his files.

Mark responded hesitantly. "Well...yes, Mr. Wilson. I mean, no. He still hasn't said a word."

Mark's hesitation made Cain glance at him in the rearview mirror, his brows furrowing.

"What do you mean no?" Cain's expression tightened. "Use your methods to make him talk." As he turned his gaze, he noticed Claire looking at him intently, her expression one of mild horror.

Realizing how his words might have sounded to her, Cain quickly added. "I mean you know, offer him some money and a nice meal, like you usually do." He looked at her again to see if her expression had softened.

Mark pursed his lips, struggling to hold back laughter, but a soft chuckle escaped him.

"What's so funny?" Cain asked, his tone sharp.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Wilson." Mark cleared his throat, suppressing a smile. "I just remembered something funny."

As they pulled up to the entrance of a massive, luxurious shopping center, Claire shot them both a look, then stepped out of the car without a word, walking into the mall on her own.

Cain was left speechless by her behavior. Why is she acting so distant? He turned to Mark, frustrated. "What's gotten into you today?"

Mark narrated the incident from earlier, explaining how Claire had overheard him instructing someone to beat the truth out of a captive and even cut his fingers if needed.

Cain sighed, realizing that his attempt to cover things up had only made him look foolish. With a shake of his head, he followed her into the mall.

Mark, however, couldn't hide his amusement as he parked the car. Watching his boss struggle under Claire's scrutiny was oddly satisfying.

Inside the mall, Cain kept sneaking glances at Claire, who remained focused on the task at hand. They made their way to the gift section, where he picked an expensive cigar and a bottle of fine wine for his father, getting it neatly wrapped.

"Let's go and get you a beautiful dress," Cain suggested with a smile.Claire glanced at him, then at the gift in his hand with a look of doubt.

Cain raised an eyebrow, sensing her disapproval. "What's the matter? Do you think it's not a good enough gift?"

Keeping her gaze on the wrapped package, Claire replied, "I don't know. Looking at you now, I can't remember what even attracted me to you in the first place." With that, she walked away to a different section.

Cain felt his throat go dry. Was she questioning her choices? That stung. Taking a deep breath, he followed her.

Claire moved towards the food section, purchasing dehydrated fruits and a few other snacks. Then, she went to the men's department and selected a tasteful perfume, a set of cufflinks, and a tie. She assembled it all into a gift basket, carrying it with a proud expression as she walked toward the dressing section.

Cain pursed his lips, feeling like her choices had somehow one-upped him. Ah, Claire. He thought. You have a knack for making others feel inferior with just a look.

Moving into the dress section, he scanned the racks and picked a striking red velvet gown adorned with shiny stones—a bold choice. Imagining her in it, he handed it to her with a smile.

Claire eyed the dress, clicking her tongue in disapproval. Ignoring him, she moved to another section and selected a dark blue gown with minimal embellishments. It was simple yet elegant.

She returned to Cain, giving him a quick, disapproving glance that included both the dress and the gift in his hand. Without a word, she headed to the fitting rooms to try on the dress she had picked out.

Cain, realizing he'd been bested yet again, snarled quietly and handed the red dress back to the sales associate. Moments later, Claire emerged from the dressing room in the blue gown, her appearance taking his breath away. Suddenly, all his irritation melted away.

Approaching her, Cain took her hand and kissed it gently. "You look amazing, Claire."

They finished shopping, Claire picking up a gift hamper at the counter, and soon they were back in the car, driving toward Cain's family villa. As they pulled up, Claire's gaze drifted out the window, taking in the sight of the expansive estate surrounded by lush greenery and guarded by four armed men at each corner. She swallowed nervously.

Noticing her anxiety, Cain walked over, gently holding her hand. Drawing her close, he murmured, "Relax, Claire. He's my father, not some wild animal. He's going to like you. And trust me, he's a very lively person." He smiled warmly. "I'm here with you."

Taking a steadying breath, Claire nodded. Still, she couldn't shake the lingering tension as they walked up.

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