Chapter 21 Clara Looked So Unfamiliar It Shook Him Bianca's expression stiffened , and she bit her lip . Julian's gaze grew even deeper , locking firmly onto Clara . Clara continued calmly , " Of course I don't want to see my work destroyed so easily . " With that , she walked straight toward the central control console . The tech staff , almost as if pushed back by some invisible force , instinctively made way for her . Clara's slender fingers began flying across the keyboard , streams of complicated code flashing across the screen like flowing water , Her expression was sharp and composed , as if the entire world had shrunk to nothing but her and the machine in front of her . The same technicians who had been panicking only moments ago now held their breath , staring in awe . Bianca's hand dug into her palm as she watched Clara's seamless moves . Julian's eyes didn't move an inch from Clara's figure . His breathing grew a little tight . Across both lifetimes , he had never seen this side of Clara . In his memory , whenever he was present , her gaze always followed him - like a sunflower chasing its sun He had once said he disliked women who were too career - driven , and she had quit her job after their marriage , telling him she wanted to devote herself to family , to bear him a child as remarkable as he was . He had known she loved tinkering with code and systems , but never once had she allowed herself to dive in while he was around So he had never realized that the same pair of hands that used to serve him tea and pick out his ties could also type such lightning fast , complex code . In that moment , Clara felt so unfamiliar that it shook him to his core . Suddenly , a delicate hand slipped into the crook of his arm . He turned his head almost by instinct . Bianca looked up at him , her pretty face shining with surprise , though a trace of sadness lingered in her eyes . " Julian , Clara is incredible . I honestly don't understand why Mr. Smith dismissed her and put me in her position . Maybe I should ... give the job back to her ? " Julian clasped her hand firmly . " You deserve this position . Don't overthink it . Once this is settled , I'll help you set up your office . " Bianca's eyes lit up at once , sparkling with delight . She leaned gently against Julian's chest , her voice sweet and soft . " Julian , you're so good to me . Other than my mom , you're the only one who's ever treated me this well . Meeting you is the luckiest thing that's ever happened in my life . " Julian's body stiffened for a split second at her touch , then relaxed . Still , his eyes reflexively drifted back to Clara . 11:58 C My Husband Loft Man . Chapter 21 Clara Looked So Unfamiliar It Shook Him But Clara hadn't so much as flinched . Her focus was entirely on the screen , her hands never slowing , as if their conversation behind her was nothing more than background noise . That strange , stifling discomfort in Julian's chest swelled again , heavier than before , like cotton stuffed in his lungs - thick , suffocating . Within minutes , the chaotic streams of data on the monitor began to stabilize . " The core database has been unlocked ! The system is back online ! " a technician cried out in relief . A muted cheer rippled across the department . Clara finally stopped , exhaling softly . She turned to the department head . " Mr. Songfield , I'll prepare a full set of maintenance protocols and data backups for you . " Mr. Songfield sighed , regret evident in his tone . " Mr. Smith ... seems to have made a serious mistake this time . " Clara's lips curved in a faint smile . " The willow sways in the spring breeze today , but snow may fall tomorrow . I'll be back again . " Some debts still had to be collected . Some things still needed to be reclaimed . Mr. Songfield blinked , then nodded knowingly . Clara finished speaking , turned , and walked out . She didn't even spare a glance at the two people clinging to each other behind her . Julian watched her back as she left , that cotton lodged in his chest swelling even further , pressing down so hard he could barely breathe . ( 0 ) ( 0 ) 11:58