Love’s New Bloom By Simone Hastings

Chapter 66 Lies and False Accusations 

Two days later, al 3 pm, Kyle entered the president’s office with a stack of documents. Chandler was working on some files when Kyle placed the documents on his desk and said, “Mr. Frost, these are the materials you requested regarding Miss Kane.” 

“Alright. I’ll take a look at them later.” 

Kyle eyed the documents on the desk. “Mr. Frost, the receptionist just informed me that Miss Kane came to see Miss Lane earlier,” he reminded. 

Chandler looked up at Kyle, iciness spreading in his dark irises. “She was here to meet Erin?” 

“Yes,” Kyle confirmed. 

Chandler pondered for a moment and asked. “But why?” 

Kyle replied, “The picture featuring Mr. Burgess and Miss Lane in Strala Arena was posted on the Internet and spread around by many. Perhaps Miss Kane was here to talk to Miss Lane about that.” 

“Where’s Erin?” Chandler asked. 

# 

“Miss Lane went to deliver some documents to Mr. Cross earlier. The receptionist said Miss Kane would be waiting for Miss Lane in the lobby,” Kyle reported methodically. 

Chandler stood immediately. He placed Claire’s files in the safe and grabbed his car keys from his desk. After that, he strode out of the president’s office. 

Kyle followed closely behind. 

At this moment, in the lobby, Erin had just exited the elevator when she caught sight of Claire. 

Claire was wearing a white chiffon dress, her unblemished face slightly pale. Her left wrist was wrapped in bandages. Despite the tiredness suffusing her features, she was still stunningly beautiful. Despite being twenty years old, she still looked like a high school student with a great figure. 

In her professional attire, Erin was momentarily reminded of Matthew’s words about Chandler having feelings for Claire in the past. The last time Claire was in Chandler’s office, Erin had not dared to look at her loo closely. This time, Claire had specifically asked to meet her. so Erin took the opportunity to observe the other woman thoroughly. 

She had to admit that she was rather uncomfortable meeting Claire face to face. Perhaps it was because of both of their relationships with Chandler. 

“Miss Lane, thanks for agreeing to see me.” Claire walked up to her. 

Erin smiled faintly. “You’re welcome. May I ask why you’re looking for me?” 

Claire’s smile was rather weak. “Miss Lane, could you please help me to the couch for a bit?” 

Erin immediately walked over and helped her to the public lounge area in the lobby. When they were both settled on the couch, Claire asked right away. “What is your relationship with my boyfriend, Matthew Burgess?” 

Erin’s gaze lowered. As she had expected, Claire had come to interrogate her. That viral picture of her and Matthew had been circulating online and caused quite a stir. The night before, there was even a paparazzi who trailed her wherever she went. If it hadn’t been for Chandler, who handled matters for her secretly, she was afraid reporters would be waiting for her at the company entrance the morning. 

after. 

“Miss Kane, as far as I know, you and Matthew have already broken up.” Even though Erin was only friends with Matthew, she was uncomfortable and displeased to be questioned by his ex–girlfriend. 

Claire’s expression shifted, the hostility she felt toward Erin intensifying. Yel, she forced her expression to remain polite. Her lips curved in a faint smile. “Miss Lane, Matthew and I are only broken up on the surface. You know all about his upcoming concert. Naturally, I’m very supportive of his career in the performing arts, so pretending to be broken up in public really does not mean that much to me.” 

Erin stared directly into Claire’s eyes. Claire had beautiful eyes. It was a pity they were filled with lies. 

If they were only pretending to be separated, why would Claire try. to take her own life? 

Erin didn’t wish to expose Claire. Instead, she simply told the other woman, “Matthew and I are just friends. You don’t have to worry about me stealing your boyfriend. If there’s nothing else you have to ask me, I have to get back to work.” 

Seeing that Erin was leaving. Claire grabbed her arm and said, “Miss Lane, il you really are just friends with Matthew, you wouldn’t object to signing this agreement, would you?” 

“What agreement?” Erin asked, shocked. 

Claire immediately released her arm. Smiling sweetly, she opened the clasps of her designer’s bag and retrieved a document from within. Then, she placed the document in Erin’s hands. 

“Miss Lane, if there’s anything at all in this agreement that you’re unsatisfied with, you can raise your concerns directly with me. I will try to modify it based on your needs to the best of my ability.” 

Erin had too many questions, but she picked up the agreement in her hands and started reading regardless. Five minutes later, her lips curled into a cold sneer. Placing the document back into Claire’s hands, she started seriously, “I will not sign this.” 

Claire’s eyes flashed coldly, but as quickly as the momentary iciness had appeared, she swiftly smiled again and said, “Miss Lane. I told you, if there’s anything you’re unsatisfied with, you can let me know. Please don’t just reject me like this!” 

Erin looked at the woman in front of her, who was five years younger. She couldn’t believe how irrational and childish Claire’s actions were. Did she actually come all the way here to get Erin lo swear that she would never date Matthew? How could she bring herself to sign something this absurd? There was no way Erin would sign an agreement that deprived her of her basic rights just to satisfy Claire’s personal wishes. 

What a joke! 

And yet, as Erin glanced surreptitiously at the bandages around Claire’s wrists, she thought she could somewhat understand where Claire was coming from. 

“Erin Lane, don’t you dare look at me like this! I don’t like this!” Claire’s bandaged hands shook uncomfortably. 

Seeing that she was starting to get angry, Erin apologized immediately. “I’m sorry. If anything I have said or done upset you, Miss Kane, I sincerely apologize. However, I have said multiple times before that I will never sign your agreement!” Erin didn’t want to waste her time. arguing with Claire. She stood and prepared to leave. 

Claire stood as well and immediately grabbed her arm again. “You can leave, but not before you sign the agreement!” 

“What if I don’t?” Erin laughed coldly. 

Claire raised an eyebrow. Determination filled her dark irises. “If you don’t sign, don’t even think about leaving!” 

Erin couldn’t help but feel a little helpless. This time, she really understood Matthew and why he had wanted to break up with Claire. Claire really was nothing but a spoiled, rich girl. 

“Miss Kane, please let me go, or I’ll have to call security.” Erin tried her best to be professional. She had only come down to see Claire partly because of her own curiosity and partly for Matthew’s sake. 

Claire was about to lose her temper when she spotted two men walking out of the elevator. Immediately, she screamed and fell to the ground. To anyone passing by them, it seemed as if Erin had pushed Claire deliberately. Moreover, Claire had bandages all over her wrists. Her pitiful expression was enough to win over the favors of the two rather well–dressed men nearby. 

“Miss, are you alright?” 

Erin looked at Claire, who was on the ground, surprise filling her. She had not expected Claire to be this calculative. Who was she performing for? 

Instinctively, she turned and swept her gaze around the lobby. It was then that she saw Chandler walking toward them with Kyle. Erin humphed coldly. So Claire’s “Chandy” was here. No wonder. 

“Claire Kane, your Chandy is here. You can complain to him directly now.” Erin didn’t sympathize one bit with the woman who was trying to frame her. 

When Chandler stopped in front of them, the two male staff members who were previously trying to help Claire fled upon receiving a stern look from Kyle. Wordlessly, Chandler knell and helped Claire up. When he had helped her over to the couch, he asked softly, “Claire, what 

happened? Why were you sitting on the ground?” 

Claire burst into tears as soon as she looked up at Chandler. Her eyes shining with tears, she replied, “Oh, Chandy, please don’t blame Miss Lane. It’s not her fault at all. It wasn’t like she had pushed me deliberately. I was the one who tripped-” 

Erin stood by one side, a faint sneer on her lips. Chandler wouldn’t believe the crap Claire was spewing, right? Chandler glanced at Erin, his expression tight. “Erin, apologize to Claire right now!”