Axel, looking at the ground, chimed in, "Yeah, I miss Mom. I hope she's okay."With a shared understanding, the colleagues of the receptionist assured her that they would carry on with their work while she escort the officers to Merrick's office. Nodding appreciatively, she gave them a quick smile before leading Alice, Mia, Axel, and the officers down the hallway, their footsteps echoing softly against the walls. The anticipation in the air was palpable as they made their way toward the Elevator that leads towards the CEO's domain, hopeful that their encounter would shed light on the mysterious disappearance of Nora Gibson and provide solace to her worried children.As the group approached the elevator, a sudden realization swept over the receptionist, prompting her to swiftly turn toward them. With a concerned expression etched across her face, she spoke with a sense of urgency and caution."Wait," she interjected, her voice tinged with apprehension. "It might be better if the adults
Intrigued by the unfolding situation, Merrick leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the officers. "How did this come to your attention?" he inquired, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.One of the officers, Officer Noah stepped forward, the weight of the investigation evident in their tone. "This morning, the woman's children and her best friend came to the police station, deeply concerned about her sudden disappearance, we were also told her line was tried but it was switched off," they explained, casting a glance towards Alice, who stood resolute as Merrick's gaze fell upon her.Merrick directed his piercing stare at Alice, his voice demanding answers. "And who is this woman? What is her name?" he demanded.Alice met Merrick's gaze head-on, her voice steady. "Your new secretary, Her name is Nora Gibson," she replied, her words carrying a hint of familiarity.A chuckle escaped Merrick's lips, though devoid of any warmth. "Nora Gibson? Who would bother to kidnap someone
Alice's thoughts swirled in a whirlwind of apprehension, her heart pounding in her chest. The weight of uncertainty bore down upon her, amplifying her unease. She knew she had to brace herself for whatever awaited her in Merrick's office, knowing that her fate hung in the balance. With a determined yet nervous breath, Alice steeled herself to face the potential repercussions of her previous actions and stepped backward, ready to get confronted by the enigma that was Merrick Wilkinson.In the storeroom, Nora took a moment to gather herself, inhaling deeply to calm her racing heart. She perched on the edge of a chair, feeling a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The weight of the impending meeting with Merrick bore down upon her, urging her to action. With swift determination, she rose from her seat, heading towards the door that would lead her to the CEO's office. Reaching the door, she rapped on it twice, the sound echoing faintly down the corridor. A distant voice beckoned, "Come i
The weight of Merrick's manipulations bore down on Nora, the realization sinking in like a heavy stone. Under her breath, she muttered, "Telling me not to go home until I finish three years' worth of files... it's worse than kidnapping."Merrick's ears perked up at the sound of Nora's hushed words. Curiosity piqued, he leaned in closer, his narrow gaze fixed on her. "What was that?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.Caught off guard, Nora's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself, meeting Merrick's gaze with a forced smile. "Oh, it was nothing sir," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness. She hoped to dismiss the significance of her murmured statement, not wanting to reveal her growing discontent.Merrick's narrowed eyes lingered on Nora, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her muttered words than she let on. It was as if he had caught a glimpse of her true thoughts, a crack in the facade h
Officer Johnson's expression softened, and he nodded, acknowledging Nora's explanation. "I appreciate your dedication, Mrs. Nora, but it's important to find a balance between work and personal life. Your family and friends rely on you, and they deserve your presence and love."Nora's shoulders slumped slightly, a mixture of relief and remorse washing over her. She nodded, her voice now tinged with regret. "You're right, Officer. I've learned my lesson, and I will make sure to prioritize my loved ones in the future."Merrick's eyes darted from one person to another, a mix of confusion and anger etched across his face. He couldn't comprehend the sudden shift in the atmosphere within his office. With a furrowed brow, he spoke up, his voice laced with frustration. "Why on earth is this turning into some sort of romantic, family, sentimental interrogation happening in my office?"Merrick's voice reverberated through the room, brimming with anger and confusion. His hands clenched into fist
Once Merrick was certain that the officers and Alice had likely entered the elevator, he turned his attention back to Nora. His tone remained harsh and uncompromising as he issued his next command. "Mrs. Nora, go back to the storeroom and continue working on those files. No more delays."Nora nodded, her face a mask of resignation as she suppressed the disappointment welling up inside her. With a heavy heart, she retraced her steps towards the storeroom, aware that her hopes of reuniting with her children had been temporarily dashed.As Alice and the officers emerged from The elevator, they made their way down the corridor toward the lobby. The atmosphere lightened slightly, but the weight of the situation still lingered in Alice's heart. She knew she had a difficult task ahead—to explain to Axel and Mia, Nora's twins, why their mother couldn't be with them just yet.As they reached the lobby, Axel and Mia spotted Alice, their eyes wide with anticipation. Rushing towards her, they bom
Their faces lit up with joy as they recognized their mother's arrival, and they eagerly rushed into the living room to greet her."Mom!" Axel exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "You're finally back!"Mia, equally thrilled, chimed in, "We missed you, Mommy!"Nora's heart swelled with love as she embraced her children tightly. "I'm sorry I couldn't come home yesterday," she whispered, her voice tinged with regret.Axel, wise beyond his years, looked up at Nora with a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Mom. What matters is that you're here now and you're okay."Mia nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Yeah, what's important Is that you are here, we love you, Mommy!"Touched by their understanding, Nora felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She gently brushed a strand of hair behind Mia's ear and turned to face Alice, who had stepped out to welcome her.With tears of appreciation welling in her eyes, Nora approached Alice and enveloped her in a heartfelt hug. "T
Axel, who had been listening intently, chimed in. "We thought it would be wise to have the police accompany us," he explained. "Their presence could lend credibility to our claims and ensure that we get a fair chance to speak with the CEO that's why."Nora's eyes widened with comprehension. "Ah, I see. So, you all had to rely on the police to vouch for us and help us gain access," she summarized.Alice nodded. "Exactly. It increases our chances of being taken seriously and receiving the attention we need."After a thorough discussion, fatigue crept over the group, settling in their weary bodies. The weight of their previous actions and the gravity of their decisions wore on their minds. After a collective discussion about all the events that took place reached, they dispersed to their respective rooms, eager to find respite in the embrace of sleep.Nora entered her bedroom, the dim light casting elongated shadows on the walls. She undressed slowly, her thoughts still churning with wor