Chapter 7. I always knew I could count on you

“If all my aims have been achieved, Dad, I promise that I will be willing to continue your company, as you have always wanted.”

That was the promise Clarice had made a few days ago to persuade her father to give her what she wanted. Clarice stood in the dimly lit office of her father's company, the weight of her promise heavy on her shoulders. The air was thick with tension as she waited for her father's response, his gaze cold and calculating.

After what felt like an eternity, her father exhaled a long breath with his face slackened, finally spoke, “Just promise me that you won't get hurt.”

After her parents' divorce and after Clarice's big decision not to choose between them, the two of them have been waging a cold war, secretly fighting for Clarice to be on their side. Clarice's choice to also leave Dane after her mother left was, Clarice herself admitted, a selfish and inconsiderate move. Yet, somehow it still felt like the right decision.

After the divorce, Dane's only heir was Clarice. He had prepared a smooth path and a diamond-covered destination for his only daughter, but in a selfish and stubborn move, Clarice chose to leave his side. Dane was upset, for sure, but he couldn't do much about it. His daughter was at the age where, as they say, a person's ego goes through the roof and has many different ways of doing bad things.

Dane ended up letting her be, watching the brat from afar, then trying to approach her again as time went on. Although anyone in the world could see the results of his efforts. Clarice was as hard as a rock, and no one could soften her. 

Until then... something about Jane made the situation look different. Clarice dropped her ego an inch in front of her dad for some information about Jane. Even the dead Jane is more successful than the healthy living Dane.

“Señorita?” A call from Hunter brought her back to the surface of the earth. She found Hunter who was sitting across from her, with his butt on the edge of the sofa, looking at her with concern. “Are you okay?”

She shook her head quickly, pushing away whatever was disturbing her focus. “What have we gotten so far?” Clarice asked instead, putting Hunter's concerns aside.

Hunter pulled out a thick folder filled with documents and laid it out in front of Clarice. "We've managed to gather some information on their recent activities. Clarice flipped through the documents, scanning the contents quickly, absorbing the information as best she could.

"Summer is going to organize a storytelling activity at a kindergarten this weekend?" Clarice frowned, acknowledging Hunter's sweet nod. “What's important?”

"They will host it at Aspire Heights Kindergarten, where Felicia Sullivan's daughter attends," Hunter confirmed, knowing that this detail might be crucial in uncovering the truth they were seeking.

Clarice's mind immediately started connecting the dots. Aspire Heights Kindergarten was infamous for its connections to the wealthy elite of the city. If Felicia Sullivan's daughter was involved in the event organized by Summer, there had to be a deeper motive behind it.

“I have to get into the event somehow,” Clarice stated firmly, her voice full of determination. “I have to find out what Summer is doing. So I need you to find a way for me to get in, Hunter. Something that won't raise any suspicions.”

“You don't have to worry about that. Actually, besides storytelling, it's actually an event to dig the pockets of the parents,” he said, ending with a short laugh that was pretty soft to Clarice's ears.

“Fundraising?” Clarice guessed.

Hunter nodded, impressed by Clarice's quick thinking. “Exactly. Even if you're not a parent, the event is also open to the public. And with your experience and background, you'll fit right in.” Hunter's eyes gleamed with excitement before he continued, “The event was in collaboration with the LS Education Foundation, which it so so happens, according to rumors, is being secretly fought over by Shawn and Felicia.”

Clarice chuckled, her mind already formulating a plan, strategizing how to use this information to her advantage. “I need to get close to Felicia,” Clarice mused. “Do you have any suggestions?” 

“That's easy, Señorita. Felicia may look strong on the outside, but she has a big weakness that we can exploit.” Hunter smiled proudly. He knew Clarice would target Felicia. That was why he had kept this important information in advance and waited for Clarice to ask him.

The woman raised one eyebrow, looking into Hunter's sparkling green eyes. “Tell me.”

“Family pressure. Felicia always felt like she had to prove herself. Shawn was the type who always took the attention, while Felicia struggled to make her voice heard. In the Sullivan family structure, women have always been considered less significant than men.”

Clarice smiled a little. “So she felt unappreciated?” she concluded.

“Exactly. She struggled because she had to keep up with Shawn who was always more conspicuous.” He paused for a moment, waiting for a comment from Clarice that didn't come out of her mouth. “He has ambition, but also insecurity. That's what we can take advantage of. And you can certainly come across as someone who really understands her struggles. You're also a strong woman in a male-dominated business world. That will make her feel more connected to you.”

Clarice tapped her fingers on the edge of the sofa. “Recognition that she may not get from her family, but she can get from me,” she murmured, her eyes darting far away.

She knew that getting involved in the fundraising event would give her the perfect cover to investigate further and uncover any hidden agendas. She leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on Hunter. A determined glint shone in Clarice's eyes as she formulated a plan. "I need to get close to Summer and find out what she's really up to. I can't afford to overlook any detail."

Hunter nodded in agreement, his loyalty to Clarice unwavering. "I'll make sure we have everything we need to blend in seamlessly."

“I always knew I could count on you,” Clarice said then turned to Hunter, noticing the bright smile that was created on his pretty face at her previous remark. Trying not to overlook it, Clarice put a small smirk on her lips. “So, what gift do you think Felicia Sullivan would like?”

***

230924, Anne Joyce