Dinner after the press conference was supposed to be calm. But Claire could feel the tension before she even walked in. Her mom tried to smile, but there was worry in her eyes. Her dad didn't bother to hide how he felt. The frown on his face made Claire's stomach drop.
"Claire, we need to talk," her dad said, speaking low and firm. He waved her to sit.
It wasn't a suggestion; it was a command.
The rest of the family sat at the table. Margaret, her younger sister, looked uncomfortable. She seemed unsure if she should jump in. Their mom looked anxious. Claire took a seat slowly, her heart racing.
Her dad spoke first. "I saw the news. What's this about you and that man? What deal have you made, Claire?"
His words hit her hard. It wasn't the first time he was disappointed, but it felt different this time. Her family had always looked to her for support, and now they wanted her to save them from money problems.
"I don't know what you mean," Claire replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's just a business arrangement, Dad. It's not what you think."
Her dad shook his head, his face getting red with anger. "A business deal? That man is using you! You can't trust people like him. He only wants what he can get. You shouldn't risk your values for money."
Margaret finally spoke up. "Dad, she's doing this for us. Can't you see? This is her chance. It's not just about him; it's about her business. She's doing what she must."
But her dad wasn't hearing it. "Margaret, don't be naive. Do you think a guy like Ethan Blackwood is going to help her out of kindness? There's no free ride. Claire needs to wake up."
Claire felt sad looking at her dad. He was angry, but there was more. Fear showed in his eyes. He saw Ethan as a danger, someone who could take everything from them. Claire realized she was stuck between two worlds: her dad's, where hard work mattered, and Ethan's, where power and money ruled.
"I know it's hard to get," Claire said softly. "But this is what will help us. The deal and the media attention—it's not just for him. It's for me too. I've worked my whole life on this. I can't back out now."
Her mom, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke. "Claire, we want what's best for you. But please be careful. I understand why you think this is the only way out. But at what cost? Is this what you truly want?"
That question hung in the air, heavy and unanswered. Claire wasn't sure if she could answer it. She had signed the deal, gone into the spotlight, and made promises to Ethan. But now, with her family watching, she felt confused. Who was she doing this for—herself, her family, or Ethan?
Margaret looked at her with concern and hope. "Claire, just don't lose yourself in all this. You've worked hard, but don't forget who you are. You've always stayed true to yourself."
Claire swallowed hard. Her sister's words made her feel even more torn. Margaret had always been there for her. Hearing that worry made Claire feel like she might crack.
"I'll be fine," Claire said, trying to sound strong. "I promise. Just trust me."
But as she glanced around the table, she knew trust was something she needed to rebuild. She wasn't sure she could trust Ethan. She wasn't even sure she could trust herself.
Her dad's face softened, his anger fading into regret. "Claire, we're not trying to control you. We're just worried. You've always been the strong one, the one who keeps us together. We don't want to lose you."
His words hit Claire harder than she expected. The weight of her family's hopes and fears had always been on her. Now, as she faced this new world of business and media, she didn't know if she could handle it much longer.
Her mom reached across the table, placing her hand over Claire's. "Honey, we want you to be happy. If you think this deal is right, we'll support you. But promise us one thing: Don't lose yourself in this. You're more than just a businesswoman, Claire. You're our daughter. We love you."
Claire's chest tightened. Her mom's words cut through her confusion. Could she follow through and stay true to herself? Or was she already too deep into something that might change her forever?
As dinner went on in awkward silence, the feeling that everything was slipping away wouldn't leave her. The deal with Ethan, her family's worries, and her doubts were starting to unravel.
That night, Claire lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Her father's words echoed in her mind, along with her mom's worries and Margaret's plea to be true to herself. She thought about the media, the press conference, and the pressure she felt.
Was this truly the right choice? Was she willing to give up so much for success, for a future that didn't even feel like hers?
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to calm the chaos inside. She didn't have the answers yet. But one thing was clear: the road ahead was going to be tougher than she ever thought.