章 81: Had He Cared...

Evander's POV

I entered the café, scanning the cozy space until my eyes landed on Claire. She was sitting by the window, her head resting on the table as though the weight of the world had finally caught up to her. The sight stirred concern within me.

I walked over and quietly took a seat across from her.

"Claire, how are you?" I asked, my voice steady but laced with a hint of worry. Though, as usual, my expression remained cold and unreadable.

Her head stayed down as she groaned, her voice muffled but sharp. "I am damn exhausted!" she snapped, sounding more frustrated with herself than me.

She lifted her head to look at who was speaking, but the moment her eyes met mine, she froze. Her exhaustion melted into shock, and she bolted upright, her hands slamming against the table.

"Wh... What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice laced with disbelief.