Chapter 158. The Oil Deal 

It's been two days since Claire received the blackmail, a cold and windy Wednesday afternoon. The sun hangs low in the sky, seemingly despondent, and casting pallid rays upon the earth below. The temperature in Claire's office contrasts sharply with the chilly weather outside; it's so hot one could almost envision wisps of steam rising from the floorboards. Her male assistant stood, wishing he could gather all that heat in a bag and toss it out the window because he's practically swimming in his sweat. The space is awfully quiet, and he fights the urge to whistle.

Having worked for Claire for years, her commanding voice echoing in his ears remains a constant reminder of her reaction to slight errors and foolish actions.

“… Do that one more time, and you'll never get to do it again," she intones. "Point that finger at me again, and I'll make it a keychain."

"Smile again, and I'll sell your teeth to Picasso. I�