Wanting to Be a Little Closer to You

After hearing Julian Sterling's definite answer, Ruby exclaimed, "Bro! I didn't expect you to improve so much. Now you even know what to do without me teaching you. I'm really too relieved!"

"I have a feeling that this time you'll definitely get back together with Claire."

Julian Sterling's expression softened a little, and a trace of gentleness rippled between his brows.

Next, he just had to work hard to clear away the barriers between them. When everything was ready, he would be able to be with her.

...

The next morning, Claire Bennett carefully got herself ready and headed out in high spirits to discuss a partnership with the people from Company F.

As she was going out, she saw that the door across the hall, the one belonging to the neighbors who had just moved in yesterday, was open. She glanced over curiously, only to find that someone from that unit happened to be leaving too.

Just as Claire Bennett was about to avoid them, she saw the back of a man in a suit. He looked tall and handsome, and for some reason he seemed a little familiar.

At that moment, the man turned around, and Claire Bennett saw a familiar handsome face.

"Julian Sterling!" she cried, her eyes widening in shock. She could hardly believe who she was seeing.

Why was Julian Sterling here? The people across from her had only just moved in yesterday. Could it be that the person who moved in yesterday was Julian Sterling?

How could it possibly be him? He should be at the Sterling family home!

When Julian Sterling saw Claire Bennett, a faint smile appeared on his face as he said, "Good morning."

"Morning..." Claire Bennett responded instinctively.

Seeing Claire Bennett's surprised expression, a lonely look appeared on Julian Sterling's face, and he said softly, "I was kicked out by Grandpa. I had nowhere to go, so I could only move here. This way I can be a little closer to you too. As long as I can see you every day, I'll be satisfied."

"..." Claire Bennett pressed her lips together, not knowing what to say for a moment.

Actually, she knew that with Julian Sterling's status and abilities, even if he had been kicked out, there was no way he would have nowhere to go.

He had so many houses under his name. She didn't even believe this excuse herself, but he had probably moved here because of her.

Claire Bennett felt somewhat moved, but she had already decided not to drag Julian Sterling down, so even if he was taking the initiative to get close to her now, she had to steady her heart.

She lifted a faint smile and said, "I've been pretty busy with company matters lately. I might not even have time to come back much. Your work should be pretty busy too, right?"

Claire Bennett was politely turning Julian Sterling down with those words, telling him there was no need to keep focusing his attention on her.

Julian Sterling knew very well about Claire Bennett's recent work situation. After all, he had just secretly arranged resources for her in private. But he didn't expose her; he merely curled his lips slightly, his expression meaningful.

The air suddenly turned awkward.

Claire Bennett knew Julian Sterling was looking at her, and she didn't dare meet his eyes. She hurriedly found an excuse to leave. "I still have things to take care of. Bye."

Watching Claire Bennett's retreating figure, the curve of Julian Sterling's lips deepened.

Claire Bennett still had feelings for him. She was even a little afraid of seeing him. So Ruby Sterling had been right that day—Claire Bennett had only taken the initiative to leave because she didn't want to drag him down, and she had even used Zane Cole as an excuse. It was really too laughable.

After arriving at Bennett Group, Claire Bennett was still somewhat unsettled, constantly thinking about how Julian Sterling had moved across from her.

In the end, she still couldn't resist taking out her phone and calling Ruby Sterling.

The call connected quickly, and Ruby Sterling's voice came through. "Claire, why are you calling me? Is something wrong?"

"Ruby, let me ask you something." Claire Bennett asked helplessly, "Was your brother kicked out of the Sterling family? He's moved into the place across from my apartment!"

Ruby Sterling had just finished talking with Julian Sterling yesterday, so of course she knew about his situation. Now that Claire Bennett was calling to ask, naturally she had to do her best to help.

Ruby Sterling sighed and said, "Sigh! It's because of you two. My brother is really stubborn and refused to listen to Grandpa, so Grandpa kicked him out! And he confiscated all the assets under his name, froze his bank cards—I heard he's even going to strip him of his position..."

Although she felt a little sorry toward Claire Bennett for lying, for the sake of the two of them being happy, Ruby Sterling could still lie through her teeth.

The more Claire Bennett listened, the worse her expression became. She had thought Julian Sterling moving here wasn't that miserable, but from the sound of it now, he seemed to be in even worse shape than she had imagined.

Originally, the reason she wanted to leave Julian Sterling was because she didn't want anything to happen between him and the Sterling family, but she hadn't expected things to still develop in the direction she least wanted.

Just then, Molly Lee walked in and said, "Manager Claire, it's almost time for our appointment with the investors."

"Ruby, I still have work to do. I'll talk to you another time when I'm free."

After saying that, Claire Bennett ended the call.