Shattered Rose He Held On Tight novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61 A Close Call

Oh no! Am I about to be silenced for good?

On the couch, Claudia lay half–asleep, her face still showing that cranky look people get just after waking up.

Sterling, that troublemaker, decided to mess with her. While she was groggy, he slipped a slice of sour lemon into her mouth, pretending it was fruit. The sharp tang made her mouth water instantly.

Furious, Claudia lifted her leg and kicked him right on his perky backside.

And honestly–it bounced.

Sterling didn’t even flinch. Instead, he casually caught her slender ankle in his hand.

At that exact moment, the front door opened. Two staff members walked in and froze at the strange scene, staring wide–eyed.

Clint had texted earlier to say they’d arrived. Claudia had unlocked the door, leaving it just barely closed so they could push it open easily.

Sterling reacted first. Instead of looking embarrassed about being kicked, he quickly grabbed the throw blanket from the couch and covered the woman’s skirt as it slid up her thighs.

Claudia yanked her foot back and sat up straight, instantly switching to an innocent, sweet look.

It all happened in a flash. Clint, already used to this kind of drama, kept his eyes down.

I didn’t see anything—my boss didn’t get kicked, nor did he cover a woman to keep her modest. Nothing.

Business partner, he said?

Who is he trying to fool?

Lisa, on the other hand, nearly had a heart attack.

When Claudia kicked him, Lisa thought her life was over.

This is supposed to be the start of my big day at the top, not the scene of a murder!

That was the Reaper’s backside she just kicked. What was she thinking?

Lisa had already imagined Claudia’s gorgeous legs being chopped off and put on display. But no–Mr. Romero just tucked her back in and covered her with a throw–on?

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A throw–on?!

Lisa almost doubted her eyes.

Sterling frowned, clearly annoyed at those people frozen in the doorway.

He wasn’t known for patience with the outsiders.

“Ahem.” Clint cleared his throat loudly and nudged Lisa. “Don’t just stand there. Get to work.”

Lisa snapped out of it fast.

Lisa was used to chaos. She quickly scanned the room, assigning her team to different spots. Clothes, jewelry, and tools were placed with care.

To keep the house from getting too crowded, only the key stylists and makeup artists stayed inside. The rest waited outside, ready to rotate in when needed.

Then she walked over respectfully to Sterling and Claudia, ready to hear their ideas firsthand.

Now that she was closer, her nerves finally settled, and she allowed herself a good look at the woman on the couch.

She had expected Sterling’s choice to be someone attractive, but this face was far beyond that. It was flawless–too much would’ve been overwhelming, too little would’ve been plain. It was a perfect balance.

Even if Claudia hadn’t been Sterling’s date, a face like that was flawless. Lisa’s heart raced; inspiration poured into her mind.

She could already picture how dazzling Claudia would be in public. This woman could be the centerpiece of her portfolio–the one that pulled more clients in.

Still, she couldn’t help but feel curious. A woman this unforgettable should have been noticed the moment she showed up. It was impossible that no one had heard of her.

That could only mean she hadn’t really worked with stylists in the industry before.

She didn’t seem like the daughter of some wealthy family, and her grace didn’t match the shallow vibe of a sugar baby. Could she be a new name in entertainment?

Forget it.

Lisa shook off the gossip running through her head and focused.

Whoever Claudia was didn’t matter. Her job was to make her shine.