Page 43 of Bossalicious Bad Boy

"Uh-huh," I nod, forcing a weak smile to curve my lips. "Just...a lot on my mind."

"I can see that," she says gently, reaching out to squeeze my arm reassuringly. "If you need to talk, let me know, alright?"

"Thanks." I appreciate her kindness, but the weight of the situation feels too heavy to unload on her, especially when it involves our enigmatic CEO. Instead, I focus on putting one foot in front of the other, the muted thud of my heels on the carpeted floor grounding me in reality.

In the break room, I pour myself a cup of coffee, the bitter aroma filling my nostrils. My hands tremble slightly, and I clasp the warm ceramic mug tightly, hoping to steady them. I glance around the familiar space, taking in the beige walls and worn countertops, wondering how much longer they'll be a part of my daily routine.

"Hey, Clara!" Mark enters the room, his vibrant energy cutting through the fog of my thoughts. "You look like you could use some caffeine!"

"Is it that obvious?" I attempt a lighthearted tone, but it falls flat.

"Nothing a little java can't fix," he grins, pouring himself a cup. "So, any big plans this weekend?"

"Nothing yet," I reply, trying to focus on the conversation. "You?"

"Maybe some hiking up at Bear Mountain," he says, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "You should join us! It'll be a great way to blow off some steam."

"Thanks for the invite, Mark." I'm touched by his offer, even though my internal struggle screams for solitude. "I'll think about it."

"Sounds good!" His phone buzzes in his pocket, and he flashes me another smile before hurrying out of the room.

As I stand there, sipping my coffee, I can't help but feel torn between the life I've built here and the ugly truth that has come to light. Alexander's words echo in my mind, urging me not to act rashly, to give myself time to process everything. But can I truly compartmentalize my anger and hurt, or will it fester beneath the surface, poisoning our working relationship?

"Clara," I whisper to myself, as if the sound of my own name might provide answers. "What are you going to do?"

The question hangs in the air, unanswered, the tension between Alexander and me stretching taut like a rubber band on the verge of snapping. How much longer until it breaks?

20

ALEXANDER

The door slams shut behind Clara with a force that rattles the picture frames on my office walls. I stand there, stunned, my heart pounding in my chest as her accusations echo through my skull like a sledgehammer.

"Unbelievable," I mutter under my breath, running a hand through my hair. This job was supposed to be a chance for Clara to learn and grow, not dredge up old family drama. I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt - if what she said is true, then my father's actions are affecting her life even now.

I pace around my office, trying to wrap my head around everything. I thought I knew my father, but evidently, I had no idea about his dealings with the Williams family. If only he were still here to answer for his actions.

"James," I say aloud, coming to a sudden realization. My brother might know something. He's always been more involved in our family's affairs than I have. And right now, I need someone to help me make sense of all this.

"Hey Siri," I say into my phone, "Call James Blaese."

"Calling James Blaese," Siri replies and quickly connects the call.

"Alex? What's up?" James answers, his voice casual and relaxed - completely unaware of the storm brewing inside me.

"Hey," I say, struggling to maintain my composure. "I need your help with something. Can you meet me for lunch at that Italian place on Fifth Avenue?"

"Sure," he says, curiosity creeping into his tone. "What's going on?"

"Clara Williams just dropped a bombshell on me, and I think you might know something about it," I tell him, leaving out the details for now. "We'll talk more at lunch."

"Alright, see you there," James agrees before hanging up.

I take a deep breath, finding solace in the fact that I have a plan - even if it's just having lunch with my brother. But at least it's a start. I need to find a way to make things right with Clara, and getting answers is the first step.

"Let's hope you have some answers, James," I whisper as I grab my coat, determined to get to the bottom of this mess and give Clara the closure she deserves.

Leaning against the cold glass of my office window, I watch Clara's figure get swallowed by the bustling New York streets. My heart clenches in my chest. It's time to set things right.

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