Chapter Eight: Mildred's Man

Claus slammed his fist on his penthouse counter, frustration boiling over.

"Tyla, I told you I'd send the money as soon as I can," he said, his voice firm.

Tyla's eyes flashed, her voice sharp. "You've been saying that for weeks. I need it now."

Claus sighed. "My Ryman and Clearview enterprises are facing financial issues. Be patient."

Tyla crossed her arms. "You have money in your personal account. Don't lie to me."

Claus's jaw clenched. "My money isn't for reckless spending."

Tyla's laughter was icy. "You're shallow-minded to think my spending your money is reckless."

The phrase "shallow-minded" struck a chord. Cassandra had said the same thing.

Claus's anger erupted. He stormed out of the penthouse, leaving Tyla behind. He drove aimlessly, trying to clear his head. The city blurred together until he found himself at a serene pond.

Claus parked, hesitant to leave the comfort of his car. The pond's tranquility drew him in. Benches surrounded the pond, most occupied by couples or families but One bench stood empty.

Torn, Claus debated stepping out or staying hidden. Suddenly, a woman walked toward the empty bench. Familiar, yet he couldn't remember from where.

He strained his eyes to see her face clearly as his curiosity heightened.

He leaned back, eyes fixed on the woman.

Should he approach?

As he deliberated, the woman settled into the bench, her face tilted toward the water.

Claus continued to observe the woman from afar, he was bent on remembering where he had seen her. Suddenly it hit him,her profile stirred memories of Cassandra's wedding. She was the bridesmaid.

Cassandra prepared for her interview, nerves fluttering. She arranged her clothes, reviewed her CV, but restlessness persisted.

An idea struck her. She grabbed her shawl and walked out, heading to the pond where she first met Jim. She took a taxi as she wasn't ready for the long walk.

On her way, her thoughts clarified. The pond's serenity welcomed her.

Cassandra approached the benches, noticing only one vacancy beside a woman. She hesitated, wondering if she should join her.

Then, the woman's side profile sparked recognition. Cassandra's smile faltered. The hairdo, blouse, and features convinced her – it was Mildred.

What was she doing here? This wasn't her usual spot.

Cassandra stood still, confusion and curiosity warring.

Should she approach?

Mildred, lost in thought, didn't notice Cassandra.

Claus, still watching from his car, sensed tension.

Cassandra took a deep breath and approached Mildred, then halted abruptly.

A mysterious figure emerged, and sat by Mildred, dressed in all black. A hood, face cap, and sunglasses concealed his identity.

Cassandra's curiosity piqued, she watched for about minute.

Cassandra retreated, not wanting to intrude. She turned and walked away, questions swirling.

Who was this enigmatic figure?

What was his connection to Mildred?

Mildred never told her about man in her life, because they tell each other everything.

Meanwhile, Claus observed from his car, a sly smile spreading. He recognized the man, despite the disguise.

Jim.

Claus's advantage point allowed him to scrutinize Jim's face. The hood, cap, and sunglasses couldn't hide the familiar features.

Claus's mind whirred.

What was Jim's relationship with Mildred?

And why the secrecy?

Claus's eyes never left the pair.

"What is it ?" Jim asked Mildred as he sat.

His low tone was inaudible, but his body language screamed urgency.

Claus's intrigue deepened.

Finance Secretary, Ryman's Enterprises, John scrubbed his tired eyes, staring at the accounts records. For the second time, discrepancies stared back.

Someone had tampered with the records again. Fear gripped John's heart. He'd remained silent the first time, terrified of losing his job. Now, he couldn't ignore it.

John hastily dialed the finance secretary at Clearview Enterprises, their accounts merged by their boss.

"Tom, it's John from Ryman's. We have a problem," John said, anxiety overshadowing his voice.

Tom's response was laced with frustration. "Our records are compromised too. I've been trying to make sense of it."

John's dread deepened. "This is the second time for us. What's going on?"

Tom's sigh echoed through the line. "No idea. But if Mr Claus finds out..."

Both finance secretaries knew the unspoken consequence: job loss.

"Let's find a way to fix this," John urged. "If Claus has already discovered it, we're done."

Unbeknownst to them, Claus had indeed discovered the tampering. His eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the financial reports on his desk.

How extensive was the manipulation?

Who was behind this?

Claus's mind whirred, strategies forming.

Cassandra adjusted her skirt, nerves fluttering as she sat in the bus.Thoughts of the interview swirled in her mind. She reviewed her CV once more, taking a calming breath.

With determination, she entered Clearview Enterprises.

The sleek, modern building exuded professionalism: floor-to-ceiling windows, polished limestone floors, and a minimalist lobby.

A gleaming silver logo, "Clearview Enterprises," adorned the wall.

Cassandra approached the receptionist, but Emma's warm voice intervened.

"You're here early," Emma said with a smile.

Cassandra turned to Emma, elegant in a navy blue suit.

"The boss and I just arrived from Clade. Please, have a seat."

Emma gestured to the waiting area, adorned with plush leather chairs and a vibrant aquarium.

"The boss will see you shortly. Can I offer you a refreshment?" Emma asked.

Cassandra nodded in negation and settled into the waiting area, her eyes drawn to the calming aquarium. The soft hum of the air conditioning and gentle bubbles soothed her nerves.

Emma disappeared into the interior offices, leaving Cassandra to gather her thoughts.

A few minutes passed, then the receptionist escorted Cassandra to a small conference room. The room's simplicity belied its elegance: a polished long table and elrgonomic chairs. Cassandra took her seat, confidence steady.

Meanwhile, Emma informed Claus in the coffee room, where he inspected the espresso machine.

" okay," Claus replied, his deep voice brief.

He took low commanding strides, his footsteps echoing across the hallway's cream-colored limestone floor, inlaid with dark wood accents. The subtle LED lighting created an atmosphere of focused productivity.

Cassandra's heart quickened as the approaching footsteps grew louder.

Claus opened the door and entered, his mind prepared with probing questions for his potential employee, but as soon as he looked up, he hissed heavily, his eyes widening.

"What in God's name...?" He trailed off.