With a deep breath, I head downstairs, the anticipation bubbling within me. “Good afternoon,” I say, walking into the room and taking a seat on the plush sofa beside Clark. “Good afternoon,” they respond in unison, their voices blending together in a chorus of professionalism. I glance around the room, quickly counting about four lawyers, two of whom I recognize as Elvis and his assistant/wife, Becky. “I only got four of my lawyers to ensure it is kept a secret,” Clark whispers in my ear, his breath warm against my skin. I nod, a chuckle rising from my throat, “Only four? How many lawyers would you have gotten if I wasn’t sceptical about pursuing the case?” I whisper, my eyes glinting with amusement as I lean closer, enjoying this playful banter between us. “A minimum of a team of at least six lawyers,” he replies casually, a smirk playing on his lips as if he’s proud of his strategic approach.I chuckle, shaking my head in disbelief. “Thank you, babe,” I say, gently squeezing his
“Thankfully she was found out. So, please let’s not play blame games but work towards planning the next phase of action,” Clark states, his voice steady and resolute. There’s a sense of urgency in the room, and everyone knows that dwelling on the past won’t help them move forward. Elvis nods in agreement, his brow furrowed as he leans in slightly. “Do we have substantiated and compelling evidence?” he asks, his tone laced with a mixture of hope and scepticism.Clark nods confidently, “Yes, we do. Lara has the evidence, and she’ll share it with you.” His gaze briefly flickers to me, a silent acknowledgment of my role in this unfolding drama, before returning to focus on the lawyers. I take a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination. “I have pictures of the messages between Alice and Evans, and also a recording of when she was confessing after I challenged her for her actions,” I say, a smile spreading on my face. The memory of capturing that moment fills me with gratitude; I wa
“Would you like something to eat?” I ask, rising to my feet and stretching a bit, eager to lighten the mood. The tension in the air feels palpable, and I want to create a more relaxed atmosphere. She shakes her head, a hint of reluctance in her expression. “No, I don’t think it will be very professional,” she replies, her tone suggesting she’s still wrapped up in the formality of our surroundings.“Don’t be silly,” I counter, a playful smile spreading across my face. “You’re currently off the clock, so at the moment, you’re not offering legal services. If it’ll make you feel better, then see me as a friend offering her guest food. I insist!” My voice carries a light-hearted tone, hoping to coax her into relaxing a bit. “Alright,” she states, a hint of a smile breaking through her initial reluctance, “only because you’re so good at influencing people.” I can’t help but chuckle at her playful concession. “Great!” I exclaim, clapping my hands together in excitement. “What would you lik
The rest of the day goes by in a blur, and I find myself caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, still undecided about whether I should pursue legal action against Alice and Evans. I’m stuck in this agonizing limbo, torn between doing what feels right and the pressing need to protect my company’s image. My face cringes at the thought of the potential fallout; I can already envision the headlines splashed across every news outlet. The idea of my company being embroiled in a scandal sends a shiver down my spine. People won’t stop for even a split second to acknowledge the kindness I offered or the good intentions behind my actions. All they will see is the drama, the controversy, and the sensationalism that comes with such a situation. It’s frustrating to think that all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into building my company could be overshadowed by a single incident, leaving my reputation hanging by a thread.“What do I do?” I mutter, burying my face in my hands as I desperately s
Once I’m out of the bathroom and dressed comfortably in my pyjamas, I rush to grab a notebook. I quickly pen down the idea that sparked in my mind, eager to capture every detail before it slips away. I know I need to discuss this with Clark to get his opinion and ensure I’m on the right track before proceeding. The excitement of this new plan fills me with energy, and I can hardly wait to share it with him.At 5:20 pm, the door swings open, and Clark strolls into the room, a small smile adorning his face that instantly warms my heart. He walks toward me with an easy confidence, and as he reaches me, he leans down to place a gentle kiss on my forehead. “Good evening, babe,” he says, his voice smooth and comforting. I can’t help but pout, pretending to give him the cold shoulder, even though my heart is racing at his presence. “Good evening,” I reply, trying to keep my tone slightly aloof. He raises an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of concern. “What’s the matter?” he asks,
“So what was your decision?” Clark asks as we settle into bed, the soft sheets enveloping us in comfort. I smile, turning to face him, the moonlight casting a gentle glow on his features. “I’ve decided that I’m going to sue Alice and Evans,” I say, watching his reaction closely, eager to see how he feels about my choice.“Really? I’m so happy to hear that!” he exclaims, pulling me into a warm embrace that feels like a shield against the worries that have been weighing on me. The sincerity in his voice makes my heart swell, and I can’t help but feel a rush of relief wash over me.As he releases me from his hug, he looks at me with concern. “What about your business?” he asks, his brow furrowing slightly. I take a deep breath, knowing that this has been my biggest worry. “Well, I thought about that, and like you know, that was my only fear in making this decision. But fortunately, I’ve been able to come up with a plan that will protect my company’s reputation,” I state confidently, fe
Clark chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief. “That’s quite embarrassing, isn’t it? Just imagine being demoted from having your own office as the managing director to being restricted to the reception area. In all honesty, it’s even more humiliating to show her face in the office, especially after the news of her actions goes public. She’ll basically be unemployable!” I nod, a twinge of pity creeping into my heart at the thought of Alice’s downfall. “She’s so hardworking; it’s a shame that she allowed herself to go down this path,” I reply, my voice softer now. I can’t deny that there’s a part of me that feels sorry for her, despite everything. Clark smiles at me, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. “You’re so kind, it’s a wonder that you feel pity for someone who felt no remorse for her actions towards you,” he says, beaming at me. I nod, a sad smile creeping onto my face as I reflect on the situation. “It’s just so sad, you know? I had so many expectations and plans for her, bu
Lara’s POV“Good morning,” I say to the security personnel, my voice light and cheerful as I purposely stroll into the office at half past 9 a.m., a stark contrast to my usual routine of arriving at 7 a.m. The air feels different today, charged with a sense of excitement. I take a moment to soak it all in, the familiar sounds of the office buzzing around me, and a smile creeps across my face.As I make my way further inside, my eyes land on Alice, who immediately perks up at the sight of me. “Good morning, Alice! How are you?” I ask, my smile growing wider, almost mischievous. The sudden warmth of my greeting catches her off guard, and I can see her eyes widen in surprise. For a brief moment, she seems taken aback, as if she’s not quite sure how to respond to my unexpected cheerfulness. “Good morning,” she replies, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. “Did you ask the IT team to deactivate my access card?” she asks, cutting straight to the point, her tone sharp and dire
As I step out of the office, my attention is immediately drawn to Rita, who is just settling into her desk. "Good afternoon," I say, offering a tight smile that barely masks my curiosity. I gently knock on the doorframe to catch her attention, the sound echoing slightly in the quiet of the afternoon.Rita looks up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, good afternoon, Lara! You’re here!" she exclaims, her voice filled with shock as she rises to her feet.I nod, a smirk dancing on my lips. “I work here, remember?” I say, letting a subtle hint of sarcasm slip into my tone. She looks up at me, her cheeks flushing slightly as she nods, “Of course, sorry ma’am,” her voice dropping as she glances down.That action instantly transports me back to memories of Alice, who would always adopt that same piteous look whenever she was called out for something. A wave of annoyance washes over me as I watch Rita mimic that behaviour. “Anyway,” I say, shifting my gaze away from her and scanning her clut
“Where are you heading to?” Clark asks, a confused look on his face as he rises to his feet, his brow furrowing slightly. “To the office,” I state, my tone laced with surprise at his question. It’s almost as if he can’t believe I’d choose to dive straight into the investigation on a day like today.“Today?” He asks, his voice tinged with disbelief. “Yeah, the sooner I get started with the investigation and communication approval, the sooner the lies made by Alice can be revealed.” I can feel the urgency in my words, the determination to clear the air and gather sufficient and compelling evidence.He nods, a spark of understanding igniting in his eyes. “Alright, I’ll come with you. Thank you so much for your time and dedication,” he says, his voice steady and sincere as he exchanges handshakes with both Becky and Elvis.“Yeah, thank you. I’ll contact you as soon as I can,” I say, exchanging firm handshakes with Elvis. Then, I turn to Becky, pulling her into a warm goodbye hug, “Take ca
“And what is the conversation with the HR team meant to achieve?” I ask, slightly leaning in as I wait for Becky’s response. Her face scrunches up a bit, which is a very common trait that she shows when she is thinking, and I can’t help but find it endearing. “Speaking with the HR unit helped us understand the hiring process and if there was any bias involved,” she explains, her tone growing more animated as she continues. “This could help us prove to the court that Alice brought Rita into the firm for ill intentions. If we can show that there was favouritism or a lack of proper procedure in Rita’s hiring, it’ll cast doubt on her credibility. We need to establish that her testimony is tainted by her connection to Alice, which means her words can’t be trusted by the court since she’s not independent from any of the parties involved in the case.”I nod, absorbing her words, feeling the gears in my mind turning. “So, if we can uncover any discrepancies in the hiring process, it not onl
“Good afternoon, Mr. Clark,” Elvis says, his voice warm and inviting as he stretches out his hand for a handshake.“Good afternoon, Elvis,” Clark responds, meeting his grip with a firm yet friendly shake, the corners of his mouth lifting into a light smile that hints at a shared camaraderie. “And it’s just Clark,” he adds, his tone casual and approachable.Elvis nods appreciatively, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. “Apologies, afternoon Mrs..” he begins, but before he can finish, I interject with a playful smile, “Afternoon, Elvis!” “It’s just Lara,” I continue, teasingly cutting him off. “What’s up with him today? He never calls me Mrs.” I chuckle, shaking my head in mock disbelief as I turn to face Becky. “Good afternoon!” I exclaim, pulling her into a tight embrace. She shrugs lightly as I finally release her from my embrace. “How are you doing?” I ask, gesturing for us to settle onto the plush sofa. She smiles, her expression brightening the room. “Quite fulfilled,” she
“Didn’t you notice that there were no media personnel in the room?” Clark asks, his smile widening. I shake my head, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. “I didn’t take notice since I came in at the last minute. I know that most court cases are open to the public, so I just sort of assumed that they were there,” I state, my voice trailing off as I glance around the room.He shakes his head, “well, they weren’t. I personally requested the court to make the case a private trial, with only the necessary attendees being allowed to view the proceedings.” “Really? And when did you do this?” I ask, intrigued by the proactiveness of the man before me. There’s something admirable about his initiative, and it makes me curious about his deeper feelings for me. “Two weeks before the court case,” he replies, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that suggests he’s not merely following protocol but doing this for a deeper reason. “It takes a week to apply and process the documents submitted
Clark walks towards me, his presence radiating warmth as he wraps me in his embrace, pulling me close as he slides his arms around my waist. “What’s wrong?” he asks, his voice laced with concern, turning his face just enough to catch a glimpse of mine, searching for the truth behind my silence.I shake my head gently, feeling the weight of my thoughts as I release myself from his comforting hold. I turn to face him fully, wanting him to see the turmoil swirling in my mind. “Nothing, really. I’m just thinking about the court case hearing from last week Monday,” I say, letting out a heavy sigh that seems to carry all the tension I’ve been holding inside. “I’m sorry,” I say, frowning deeply, my face a canvas of worry as I replay the events in my mind. The way Alice and her lawyer, Rick, manipulated the entire situation feels like a bitter pill to swallow. “I can’t believe they would twist the entire story to their advantage like that,” I continue, my voice tinged with frustration. “To m
“Describe your workplace?” Rick asks, leaning forward with false curiosity. “My workplace is a calm yet bustling environment,” Rita replies, pausing as if carefully considering her next words before she continues to speak.“There’s always a whirlwind of tasks to tackle, but what truly sets it apart is Mrs. Lara. She has this incredible knack for balancing the workload for everyone. She ensures that we have designated days off to recharge, organises team bonding activities that really bring us closer together, and even surprises us with generous bonuses that make all the hard work feel worthwhile”.He nods, a glint of curiosity in his eyes, “Last question, what was the request Mrs. Lara made of you concerning Miss Alice?” he asks, his gaze piercing. “Mrs. Lara had asked me to look for a new apartment for Miss Alice,” she replies, her tone deceptively calm, but I can sense the tension beneath her words.“Do you have proof?” he inquires. I frown, listening intently as the lies spill out
Each step toward the stand feels like a journey through quicksand, my heart racing as I approach the place where I must lay bare my truth. The stand looms ahead, a symbol of both vulnerability and strength, and as I finally take my position, I remind myself that this is my moment to speak out, to reclaim my story amidst the swirling chaos of accusations.“Good day, Mrs. Lara Rique,” Rick says, turning to face me. I nod, taking a few seconds to steady my nerves, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me. “Good day, Mr. Rick,” I reply, my voice steady, carefully masking the turmoil of nerves swirling inside me like a storm.“I’d like to ask a few questions. I only require a yes or no response. Do you understand, Mrs. Lara?” he asks, his tone clipped and formal. I nod, but a flicker of annoyance ignites within me at the demeaning way he addresses me. “Yes, I do,” I reply, my voice firm, even as I feel a rush of emotions battling within. He nods, his expression unreadable. “Gr
Rick nods thoughtfully, his brow furrowing slightly as he steps back, steepling his fingers. "And how was your stay in her home?" he asks, his voice smooth yet probing. I lean forward, my heart racing with anticipation, eager to catch the web of lies that I know will spill from her lips this time. I can almost see the gears turning in her mind as she concocts a story that I’m sure will be as elaborate as it is false. The corners of her mouth twitch, betraying the confidence she tries to project.“My stay in her house was wonderful in the beginning, and I was very grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Rique for their generosity towards me,” she says, her voice softening as she hangs her head down, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her demeanour. “But…” she trails off, leaving the air thick with unspoken tension. “But what?” Rick asks, his tone sharp and inquisitive, pressing further.“Mr. Clark kept on making advances towards me,” she continues, her voice trembling slightly as she pretends to