After hanging up the phone with Brian, guilt consumed Clara. She was the one who had told him about her new job, and now she feared she had hurt him. Brian had called earlier to ask if she would be coming to work that day.
"He must be really angry with me" Clara said to Natasha.
"I understand how he feels, Clara, but this isn't the right time for guilt. The mystery we uncovered yesterday needs further investigation" Natasha replied firmly.
"Natasha, I get it. That's why I haven't changed my mind on working there. But... what if Master Alexandro really killed my parents?" Fear and anger flickered in Clara's eyes.
"If I were you, I would take revenge on everyone responsible for my parents' death", Natasha said with steely determination.
"Slow down, tiger. Let's not get ahead of ourselves" Clara said, trying to ease the tension.
"Fine, no more revenge talk. For now", Natasha said, chuckling.
Though Clara appeared carefree about the whole matter, the fear of uncovering the truth weighed heavily on her.
The drive to the company was a blur. Clara was lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize they had arrived until the driver slightly tapped her arm.
"Ma'am, we are here", the driver said.
"Oh, right", she mumbled, quickly paying him.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the car.
"Whatever happens, Clara, you have to be strong for grandma and yourself" she told herself.
–––
"Phase one accomplished. The next would be taken care of by me" Ashley said smugly.
"Ashley, you just have to be careful. I'm heading out now", Brooke replied before leaving in a hurry.
"Mitchell Alexandro, you think you can take the one my heart yearns for? Watch how I turn your lives into nightmares"
His voice softened as he caressed Clara's picture.
"Clara, for you, I'll even become the devil"
Meanwhile at the office, Clara forgot everything from yesterday and started with her job. She was so engrossed that she forgot to have lunch.
The loud growl from her stomach made her realize it was almost past lunch time. She decided to go get a quick snack, being the type that doesn't eat much.
As she headed out for a quick snack, a familiar voice called out her name.
"Clara! Clara!"
She turned and saw Ashley approaching.
"Hey, Ashley, she greeted causally.
"How's work going" he asked
"So far, so good" she replied.
"Heading for lunch?" he asked
"Yeah".
"Great, my treat" Ashley said with a sly grin.
"Hmm, what are you up to?" Clara asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Come on, can't I treat my best friend without an ulterior motive?" Ashley said with a playful pout.
"Well the Ashley I know is pretty stingy with money" she teased.
"True, but for you, I would go bankrupt"
he said seriously.
"Alright, Mr Rizzer. Let's not get dramatic", Clara joked.
"I wish she could see what I feel for her" Ashley thought to himself.
They laughed as they made their way to the canteen. Initially, Clara planned on getting something light but of course, her best friend influenced her decision.They ended up having African stew and basmati rice instead.
The meal brought back memories of their school days at Ottad, where they would visit the old woman near their school to buy the same dish. It had become a ritual for them.
"Lunch time is over" Clara said rubbing her full stomach.
"Oh yeah, that's right. Let's head back"
Ashley agreed, helping her up.
On their way back, Clara saw a man on suit.
Her heart skipped as she thought it would be Mitchell.
Being the financial manager, she shared the same floor with the CEO so, she was able to see that the man who was putting on the suit entered the CEO's office.
Looking at his hair texture, and build, she realized it wasn't him.
Shaking of the thought, she returned to her desk. Despite feeling heavy from lunch, Clara sat upright and tackled the task of estimating the budget for an upcoming project.
To complete the process, she needed the CEO's signature.
She knocked on his office door, and it automatically opened. On getting in, she saw that same man earlier.
"Good afternoon sir. Good afternoon, Mr. Alexandro", Clara greeted as she entered.
Daniel didn't even spare Clara a glance.
"Uncle, I will be on my way. We'll discuss more when you get back home", Daniel said before leaving.
Clara's irritation was evident, Master Alexandro who noticed, couldn't suppress a smirk.
"How can I help you Miss Clara" he asked curtly.
"Sir, your signature is needed to finalize the budget" she replied, handing him the files.
As he reviewed the documents, memories of the mysterious parcel from yesterday resurfaced in Clara's mind. She clenched her teeth.
"What if he's the one" the voice kept saying in her head
Before she could realized it, she muttered aloud, "Then it will be over for him".
"Over for who?? what's on your mind" Master Alexandro asked, narrowing his eyes.
Clara snapped out of her thoughts.
"Oh, I meant the project will be a hit and it will be over for our competitors", she covered up quickly.
"That depends on the readiness of the jewelry designers and the marketing team", he sa
id, returning to the file.
Clara nodded, trying to hide her uneasiness as she awaited his signature.