Chapter 102
Jeremy was nothing more than a fleeting figure in my life. I was grateful for all the times he had helped me, but the more I thought about it, the clearer it became,
A man like him and I were never meant to be anything more. The ripples in my heart quickly faded, and I drove straight to
the hotel.
When I got to the hotel room, I found Clara safe and sound. She was still heavily intoxicated, deep in sleep.
I was exhausted too. I sent a message to Martha, telling her that work was keeping me busy and I wouldn’t be able to make it home tonight.
I reassured her that Clara was with me and helping out. After sending the message, I collapsed on the bed, closing my eyes for a few minutes.
It must have been the unfamiliar setting, because I woke up after just a short while. Clara was still tossing and turning, clearly uncomfortable. By morning, she’d thrown up twice and had a splitting headache.
There was no way we could go to work today. I had to call in sick for both of us, leaving Clara to rest at the hotel for now.
After a long, exhausting morning, she finally started to come around. When she came out of the bathroom, her lips were pale and her face had a sickly hur
She sat across from me, looking like a child caught doing something wrong. She didn’t seem to have completely forgotten the events of last night.
Shaking, she said, “I only remember… I went to the restroom, and that guy followed me. I tried to break free, to escape, but I couldn’t… I had too much to drink…
Then, tears began to fall. “Sylvia, does this mean I’ve already…”
“No.” I gave her a firm, reassuring answer. “I got there in time. He didn’t succeed. He’s already been arrested, and the case is. officially filed. He’s still a criminal, even if it was an attempt:
Clara covered her face, torn between pain and relief. “If this gets out, how will I ever face anyone again?”
“Would you rather keep quiet and let scum like him keep harming others?” I shot back. “Clara, this should be a wake–up call. You’re young, beautiful… and you were out there drinking late at night. You have some responsibility too.
She pouted, unable to respond.
“I don’t think I ever taught you how to drink, did I?” I tried to stay calm, holding back my frustration. “I didn’t expect I’d have to teach you something like this”
“No.” She shook her head. “But my coworkers… they were just in the mood, and I didn’t want to say no…”
“Exactly. You didn’t want to say no to anything. Do you think by just going along with them you’ll earn their respect? It won’t happen.” 1 told her everything I overheard at the bar.
Once she heard it all, her face went even whiter, as if the color had drained from her entirely.
“If we hadn’t reported it, if we hadn’t made sure that scumbag got what he deserved, people would’ve thought you were just like Wilbur–one of those women who just let themselves go.
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Chapter 102
“Either way, people are going to talk. But wouldn’t it be better to be seen as a victim than to lower yourself to his level?”
My words made her close her eyes, and tears started falling in streams. She cried for a while, then looked up at me. “1 understand.”
“When this is over, you should quit your job,” I said. “Stay home and study. Aim to pass your exams next year.”
“Exams?” Clara blinked, confused.
“CPA.” I answered. “Once you pass, you can apply to work at our company.”
Clara blinked again, still processing.
“Do your best. I’ll try to keep you close, but you’ve got to put in the effort too. If you come work at my company, there will be more opportunities and platforms for you.
“But it all comes down to you–if you’re not capable, I can’t get you in.” I said, each word deliberate.
Clara clenched her teeth and was silent for a moment before responding. “Alright. I’ll go for the CPA.”
When it came to academics, Clara had never been as strong as I was.
AD
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