Claire opened the drawer.
Inside lay a phone box, neatly and elegantly packaged.
It was the birthday gift Adam had forced Gilbert to buy for her just the day before.
Her gaze cooled.
She hadn't received many gifts in her life, but if she truly wanted them, there were always people willing to give. She didn't need her son pressuring anyone on her behalf, especially not Gilbert.
Without hesitation, she picked up the box and slipped it into her bag. She would return it to Gilbert when the opportunity arose.
She had no intention of keeping anything from him.
Lost in thought, she was startled by the sound of the doorbell.
"Come in," she called.
The door opened and a young man stepped inside.
He was dressed in a sharp suit, his demeanor composed and graceful, and his smile warm and radiant.
"Claire."
"Mr. Nelson," she greeted with a pleasant surprise as she rose to her feet. "Please, have a seat."
She hurried to pour him tea herself, her tone bright with genuine warmth.
