Chapter 21

Clara's POV

I didn't reply to Derek's SMS last night. I was at a loss for words with him. After thirty minutes of being in the vehicle together, he remained silent.

While I was still coming to terms with this, I was at a loss for words with him.

Ivy rubbed my back and muttered, "You did the right thing," as we entered the lobby.

Ivy persuaded me to see the doctor and obtain a pregnancy test. That's what I did this morning right away. We were now at least two hours late for work since she stayed with me the whole time.

They promised to give me access to the findings later in the day. But I asked them to email the conclusions to me since I had work to do.

"We'll find out the truth in a few hours," I continued.

We strolled forward inside the hotel.

"Ivy, Clara!" There was a loud cry.

When Ivy and I looked around, Marcus was irrationally approaching us.

We were aware of our dire situation. What was the rationale we had come up with for our delay and traffic?

Marcus came to face us, and I could see his cheeks flushed.

Are you two happy with your jobs? Marcus queries.

Ivy and I nodded at the same time.

"You lazy bastards couldn't even go to work on time, so I had to hire someone else to perform your tasks for you!" He shouted.

Recognizing that several of the visitors were staring, Marcus dropped his voice.

"And Clara, are you aware of how dangerously near the boss got to take my head off? I thought your buddy would do this, not you." He went on.

"I apologise, sir," I said.

Marcus interrupted me. "This is the last and third warning for you, Ivy. You two may both forget your work if this ever occurs again."

Thankfully, Ivy and I turned to face Marcus. I know many people fired for much less, so he must have been in a good mood.

Marcus admonished, "Now go to work before I change my mind."

Ivy and I dashed to our respective women's changing rooms.

We hurriedly changed into our outfits.

"Don't worry; this whole enterprise will pass to your kid. Ivy said, "This will all be done shortly.

I laughed, figuring she was picking up on this "Derek's baby" thing more quickly than I was.

I shut my locker and straightened my uniform before heading to Derek's apartment, my next posting.

Ivy turned away, and the two of us went our separate ways.

I headed toward the elevator that took me to Derek's apartment.

I hit the button for the elevator.

"Pardon me, Miss," a voice cried out.

When I looked back, I saw a guy coming at me quickly. He donned a black shirt and tie to go with his black suit. It's a standard driver/bodyguard appearance, I suppose.

Before the elevator doors opened, he caught up.

With a groan, I tapped the elevator buttons again, hoping it would arrive sooner.

"Please, I need you to come with me," the guy said. He continued to pace his breathing.

What for, I questioned. "I have to leave; I'm late already." I pushed.

I had already been late for work for almost two hours. I was not going to be any later.

The lift's doors parted.

The guy grabbed my arm and stopped me as I tried to advance.

I wondered what he was doing as I turned to face him again. He had more plans than merely to harm me in a public setting.

"My employer is a woman not to be disregarded, and I hope she will want to talk with you." He stated.

You may, however, tell your supervisor to set it aside. I've got work to do." I pushed.

She is not the kind of lady who is quickly turned down. She's extended you a kind offer." He went on.

Why was he unable to comprehend it? I refused to accompany him. Besides, really, who was this woman?

"I told them I wasn't coming anyhow." I went on.

I attempted to go forward, but he only made his hold on my arm tighter.

"I don't imagine you want to create a disturbance in front of all these visitors, so either you come with me freely, or I'll have to force you." He stated.

With a sudden shake of his head, he gestured toward the direction he had been travelling.

Observing my surroundings, I realised that my options were limited. What could go wrong, anyway?

Who may this lady be?

I released my arm from his hold and let him take the lead.

He led the way to the bar. There was a bar at the hotel that visitors could reserve for their private events. The expense of having the whole area to oneself for an hour was beyond my comprehension.

He motioned for me to go ahead and opened the bar's entrance. Glancing across at him, I took a step forward.

I thought he might pursue me, but I heard the door close with a tremendous crash. It almost gave me a start.

I kept strolling further into space.

At the long bar counter, a lady was perched on a stool. In her hand, she had a glass. With her back to me, her curly beach blonde hair was the only thing repulsing me.

She turned back and slowly scowled at her face, and my mouth fell open.

"Madison," I mutely said.

She took half of whatever was in the glass at once.

She motioned for me to proceed. With hesitation, I did so.

Why, and why did she ask to see me here?

"You are welcome to have a seat," she gestured to the stool next to her.

I just kept going ahead. I sat down next to her, making sure there was space between us.

Her glass smashed against the counter.

She brought me here, but why? Was it because the previous time, I interrupted her and Derek?

You may probably guess why I brought you here to avoid any chatter from the other maids. I hope that we continue having this discourse together." She said,

With a nod.

"I know you will be spending a lot of time with Derek because you are now the maid entirely responsible for looking after his penthouse while he is here," She said.

I forced a strong swallow as my mouth became abruptly dry. Was this the point at which she threatened to kill me?

"I need you to be aware of Derek's every move because of that. I'm curious about who he hangs out with, who he phones, and everything else. Observe him if you must. All I want is for you to notify me."

Her summoning me here astonished me even more than her words did.

Was she hoping that I would spy on him? That was beyond me. It was wrong on so many levels, but to top it off, I was awful at surveilling people.

I said, "I don't believe I'll be able to accomplish that."

"Please give it some thought. "It will be enough to halt this horrible job you have and start you off beautifully," I'll reward you appropriately. Says she.

It was an intriguing proposition. I would have enough money to quit this job and never have to deal with Derek again if all I had to do was spy on him.

Still, it wasn't correct.

"I apologise, but..."

"Consider it," she jumped in. "Don't you think that a life much greater than this one is what you deserve to live? Consider what you and your family might do with that money. I'll allow you a few days to respond; I don't expect a response right now." She went on.

"You may now proceed," she gestured to me. She was releasing herself off the counter.

I got off the seat, eager to get away from her insanity.

"Oh, and remember that I have the power to make your life unpleasant here before you think of turning down my offer. I could even see to it that you lose your valuable job." She made a threat.

That's when I realised she was crazy. I sympathise with Derek if he were to wind up with her.

"You know what would happen if you told anybody about this talk, so be a doll and keep it to yourself." She went on.

At last, I managed to exit the room. At last, I was emerging from the lair of lions.

What choices did I have? How might I address this? I could not help her in her insanity.

I could inform Derek about her offer, but I'm unsure whether he would accept it. But hold on, he assumed that I was carrying his kid. That had to be worth something, indeed?

I hurried as quickly as I could to the lift. I was standing in front of Derek's door in a matter of minutes.

Derek emerged, and the door flung open before I could grip the handle.

"We should speak," Tristan said.

________________

N/A: Please cast your vote and leave a remark.

How do you feel about Madison's suggestion?