Love Against All Odds by Shirley Hugh

Chapter 20 

“Alright, I guess I’m just unlucky to have run into such a lunatic like you,” Rocky said. 

“How did the task I assigned to you go?” Gavin fl*pped through the divorce case of Sirena and her ex–husband, knowing it was a tough lawsuit. 

“Assigned? What assignment? That was begging. You were begging me. Do you understand?” Rocky exploded with anger. 

“Suit yourself” Gavin sat there nonchalantly, making Rocky look like a fool. 

Rocky sat up with a satisfied smile on his face as if boasting. “Well, let me tell you something, and consider this mercy. Thalia was about to marry an old man, right? I looked into her and found out she had a promiscuous private life, having had one–night stands with many men. The number is quite large, tsk, tsk, tsk. She even had scandalous photos taken with them, 

but she wasn’t aware of them. 

“Go on.” Gavin shifted in his posture, listening more carefully. 

“And L… Well. I did her a favor. I sent her scandalous photos and hotel records to that old man she was going to marry. That old man made a big fuss, tarnishing Thalia Barker’s reputation. Now even a garbage collector wouldn’t be willing to marry her, not to mention that old man Rocky smirked, feeling a bit sympathetic toward Thalia. 

“Why did you have to provoke Gavin Byrd?‘ Rocky thought. You can’t afford to mess with him, a man who’s so devious and scheming… 

Seeing Rocky looking like he was ready to be praised. Gavin raised an eyebrow, staring into his eyes. 

Gavin exchanged a glance with Rocky. Rocky knew Gavin was thanking him. He gave a satisfied smile, showing that he was pleased with the way Gavin expressed his gratitude 

“Claire. What are you doing these days? It’s only been a few days, and you’re causing trouble again. Claire looked at Sacha, feeling wronged and shivering from the scolding 

Those security guards are too diligent. What can I do? 

Sacha waved her hand generously, “Fine. Forget it. Considering your great contribution last time. I won’t pursue this.” 

Claire was almost moved to tears. Thank you. Sirena!‘ she exclaimed in her mind. ‘I gotta treat you to a meal to show gratitude! 

Taking the cue, Claire gave an obsequious smile and said, “Well, Ms. Stewart, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head out” 

Just as she was about to leave, Sacha suddenly called her back 

“Claire, I have something else to discuss with you.” 

Is she going to criticize me again?‘ Claire wondered. “Wasn’t I already criticized just now?” 

“I have an intern here, and it would be more suitable for you to take him under your wing.” 

“No need, Ms. Stewart, Claire immediately declined. She didn’t want the trouble and believed anyone who agreed to it was a fool. 

Sacha smiled slyly. “How about a raise?” 

Upon hearing about the word “raise, Claire straightened up as if she had taken an adrenaline shot. 

“Don’t worry, Ms. Stewart. Everi if I have to lie down in traffic, I will make sure this intern is better than me.” 

Everyone has been a fool at some point, Claire thought. 

Sacha nodded in satisfaction and made a phone call. After a while, a young man walked out from behind Claire. He looked to be about 22 or 23 years old, probably just out of college. He had a clean–cut appearance with a crew cut and a polite smile. 

“You’ll be following her from now on. She’s very easy to get along with Sacha rarely praised her. Claire flashed a warm smile. ‘Of course, she said inwardly, I’m very amiable and outgoing 

The young man’s voice sounded pleasant, clear, and gentle. 

“Yeah. Ms. Barker looks like a very easy person to get along with.” 

As they walked out of the office. Claire asked, “What’s your name?” 

“Isaac Smith,” the young man replied. 

“Hmm, a good name, she thought. 

“How old are you? 

“Twenty–three. 

Every time Claire asked him a question, he answered it honestly. ‘He seems to be a nice guy, she thought. ‘I suddenly have a lackey for me to boss around. This is awesome!‘: 

Just call me Claire. Don’t call me ‘Ms. Barker‘ It makes me feel old, Claire instructed. 

Isaac nodded and smiled. 

Claire led Isaac outside. After all, being an entertainment reporter was about enduring the sun for as long as possible. It was a test of endurance 

“Stand properly.” Claire, wearing a sun hat, sat in the shade watching Isaac two steps away from her with a mischievous smile. 

“Okay, now, turn left, Claire commanded Isaac quickly changed direction, not even moving his hands against his pants. 

“Boy, are you from a military background? Why are your movements so standard!” Claire was extremely surprised. 

A drop of sweat fell, and Isaac replied. “My grandfather and father were both police officers” 

“Oh, I see. Claire was a little surprised. “So why didn’t you become a police officer?” 

“Fear of death,” Isaac half–jokingly told Claire. “You only live once, right?” 

Claire made a sound of agreement. After all, life was short, so it was best to live it well. 

“Why don’t you ask me why I made you suddenly change your direction? 

Isaac looked at the scorching sun and smiled. “You’re jealous of my skin color and wanted me to get a bit tanned. In that case, if I stand next to you, it would make you feel proud. So changing direction was to make me get an even tan.” 

“Wow, that’s spot on Claire was surprised once again. 

“Just a coincidence, Isaac remained noncommittal. 

Claire thought for a moment and then asked, “Anything else?” 

“Before, when I called you “Ms. Barker,‘ you didn’t seem happy about it. I noticed it in Sacha’s office. Isaac stood upright. 

“Do you have X–ray vision or something? Wow, you’re so good. Do you still need me to teach you?” Claire teased. 

Ttook psychology as an elective in college.” 

His words were concise yet to the point. This apprentice of hers seemed quite aloof. 

After basking in the sun for a whole afternoon, Claire noticed that not only did Isaac not get tanned, but instead, he looked 

even more attractive. 

‘Seriously, bro? Are you kidding me?” she thought. “Well, it looks like a lot of girls will be attracted to you, bro! 

Claire pretended to generously let Isaac off the hook, but inwardly, she was also praising him. This man was resilient. He was not only good–natured but also quite polite. 

In the evening, Claire was about to head home when Isaac suggested taking her out for dinner. 

‘Should I go with him?” she asked herself. ‘Of course!‘ She wouldn’t pass up on a free meal. She was not stupid. 

Gavin sat on the sofa in the office, smoking, his long legs lightly crossed. His gaze wandered aimlessly. On the floor lay his broken phone, shattered and fragmented, much like his heart. 

Jeffrey’s appearance had a great impact on Gavin. Gavin admitted that he was afraid that Claire would change her mind. He was afraid that she would abandon him. 

Claire didn’t love him, and he could feel it. 

When Gavin saw a photo of Claire with another man, he couldn’t control himself and did something excessive. She was smiling sweetly in the photo, and his heart couldn’t help but panic uncontrollably. He was angry, and he did something he couldn’t comprehend. He had never been so reckless and impulsive because of someone before. 

Claire called Gavin, but no one answered, so she tried his office phone. 

After two rings, Gavin picked it up, suppressing his emotions. 

“What’s up!” 

“Are you going home today?” she asked cautiously. 

Gavin hesitated and didn’t answer. 

“Not going home, right?” Claire continued, “Well, I’m going out to dinner with friends today. 

Claire called to inform Gavin of her whereabouts, thinking that this was what she should do as his wife. 

“I’m a going home today. Gavin interrupted bluntly and hung up the phone.