Chapter 23

Clara POV

I looked at Derek's mother and instantly froze.

By "undo all my handy work," what did she mean?

Was this all orchestrated by her?

She was the first to speak, breaking the stillness. She said, "I'm Layla, Derek's mother. You must be Clara. We didn't have a chance to introduce ourselves when we met last time."

I attempted to perfect a grin by nodding. I was starting to feel anxious.

My mind was racing with a million questions. What was her intention, and why was she here? Has she heard about the baby? And in that case, what would she do? So many questions left unsolved.

"I believe it's reasonable to suggest that I have to give you an explanation," she went on.

She waved at me to come sit down.

I was so shocked that it took me a while to react.

We faced each other as we sat down on the living room couch.

Her driver was right outside, so should I order anything to drink for the two of us?

I rejected that with a shake of my head.

Before speaking, she cleared her throat and crossed her legs over one another.

"I must admit, when I heard about your little pregnancy tale, I was fascinated," she said.

My eyes became more extensive.

Was she aware of that? That made sense of my being here.

This was presumably the 'don't mess with my kid' speech from another wealthy woman.

"I did not."

To prevent me from going anymore, she held out her arm.

She remarked in a more laid-back tone, "Well, that ended up being the finest thing that could have happened to me."

She chuckled to herself.

Unsure of how to react, I gazed at my feet.

She wasn't going to slit me to pieces for deceiving her son, then?

"I want to assist you in moving on rather than condemning you for everything you did," she stated.

She leaned over and put her hand on the sofa.

"What?"I started to mumble, "

I'll assist you in doing it. I already had a lot to sort through to ensure everything went well. "Yeah, I may have taken extreme measures, but it was all done for a worthy cause," she said.

"What strategy are you referring to here?"May I ask?"

"Do you believe that person bribed the doctor to declare your pregnancy? She enquired.

It just takes someone highly connected and possibly a crazy genius to pull off a plot like this, so I should have known. Everything was just too suspicious.

"I guess I went a little too far when I requested the chef to put some spice in your drink, but I wanted to make it seem real." Derek wouldn't be suspicious that way. I am aware," she said further.

She did what, wait?

"My drink was tampered with by you?"I cut her short.

She lifted her two hands in submission.

Please bear with me; my intention was just to put you in the hospital. You could go to sleep since it wasn't much. Not at all harmful," she said.

I find it unbelievable that she used this as her defense.

I got off the sofa and started wildly walking around the room.

Another reason I had to be honest with Derek is because I understood how he would feel to have someone step in and take away his freedom of choice.

"For everything to happen flawlessly, it was preferable if no one knew about the plan, and it was all for a good cause," she said.

Was it meant to soothe my feelings?

Now that possible psychopaths surrounded me, what kind of mess had I gotten myself into?

I can see why the doctor was eager to get me out of there.

Since I was the one who initiated this entire situation, I took some time to compose myself.

"To make my son believe you are pregnant, I need you to keep lying to him," she said.

"What?"I mumbled, "

When it comes to something as important as a newborn, what sort of mother would want someone to lie to her son?

You have admitted to adulterating my drink. What gives you the impression I'll ever comply with your requests?"I carried on.

Leaning back, she exhaled.

"because we share a single adversary. Madison is that. You've already seen her insane nature and her range of abilities. My kid has to be kept far away from her," she said.

That's your son's issue, right?"May I ask?"

It had nothing to do with me; it was just probably a conversation starter for the two of them.

"Yes, Derek is my kid, and he's got a lot going for him, but he keeps behaving like a fool, which means someone dumped him when he was a baby. He acts impulsively a lot. What will that witch trick him into doing? Who knows? She inquired.

She gave the impression that Derek was a five-year-old kid incapable of making his judgments.

It was still not clear to me how Madison was my issue.

"I don't want to get involved with this; Madison is not my concern," I said.

Perhaps it was time for me to go on from here and escape this lunacy. I didn't want to be a part of this any longer.

"The other day, you saw their friendliness. Who knows what else may have transpired between them, given how she showed off in his shirt? Her face took on a look of contempt.

I finished her idea, "They didn't sleep together."

Maybe I was naïve and didn't want to see whatever you before me become me; perhaps they couldn't have. Maybe she wanted to sleep over, and he only borrowed his shirt.

"She's a woman like you know, so maybe not yet. We must put an end to Madison because she is a monster. She would love to make you her puppet if she ever got to own his home, I don't doubt it, assuming she hasn't already attempted." She said.

Suddenly, I thought of my previous encounter with Madison and how her demanding nature didn't imply I had to bow to her every whim.

Besides, it would only last a few weeks. "My kid has to be diverted and kept away from Madison while I devise a strategy to remove her permanently," she said.

I hope she wasn't planning a murderous scheme.

"I want you to get as much time as you can with him. You can only be with a baby if he is with you while he isn't working. She said, "I want no part in giving that witch a chance.

This idea was ridiculous, and I sighed—I can't believe I was even considering this.

It's amazing he even thinks it this time around, considering how I was caught the previous time. What gives you such confidence that I won't be discovered again?"I answered back.

"Because I'm with you this time. We can both agree that I can deceive pretty much anybody," she said.

I said in a whisper, "This doesn't seem right."

Why is what I'm doing incorrect? Just a mother trying to save her kid from making the worst possible mistake is all I am. "It's okay if I have to approach it this way," she said.

She stopped to consider my response.

"You've probably seen how Madison tries to dominate everyone, after all. She is just a visitor; however, she already acts as the property's owner. If she owned the property, think of the possibilities. You will be doing the other workers a great service by taking this action. All you'll be doing is wrapping up what you began. Aside from that, would you ever want your employer to be someone like that?"Madam inquired.

She was trying to make me feel bad, but I had a solid moral compass today.

"While your proposal seems admirable, I cannot carry it out. I said, "You've got the wrong girl; I can't help you."

I don't want to repeat that; Derek deserves to know the truth. These last three weeks have been the most dramatic and stressful of my life.

I pivoted, prepared to go.

She stopped me and said, "Just wait. Consider your mother and sister." When she learned she had won a scholarship, she must have been overjoyed. The agreement between your mother and the bakery. She said, "I can help you far more than that."

My eyes widened in recognition that, indeed, she was the one behind it all. I realized it was all too suspicious.

"Don't you think that as a brilliant and attractive girl, you should be able to achieve more with your life than merely tidying up after others? If you do You for me, you and your family will have enough money to start over when this is all over. You won't ever have to do someone else's cleanup again. You may start a new life and attend college," she said.

For an instant, that dream felt fantastic as I saw my life if things were different, if we had more chances if my mom didn't have to suffer and work so hard, and if I didn't have to deal with people here treating me disrespectfully because they are wealthy.

But no, it would break my mother's heart that I ever became involved in this, and it was just too wrong to mess with people's emotions. If my mother ever found out about this, it would kill her. She consistently earned her money ethically and encouraged us to do the same.

I held off.

"Mom instilled in me the value of working hard and morally earning money. She would disapprove of my involvement in this. No amount of money will ever fix it," I said.

With another groan, she got up from the sofa.

"Okay, but tell me that you will at least consider it. Please respond with your response when I'm back from here for the remainder of the day. She implored, "At least think about it and wait to act till then."

As I nodded.

As much as I knew I would never carry out her plan, that was the least I could do for her. Besides, Derek was already so invested in this whole thing that it would break him to learn later that there was no baby and everything was a lie. Better to tell him the truth now than when he was too attached.

I responded, "You should probably go soon; this room is for visitors."

"It seems like you haven't lent at all. The woman said.

That responds to the query.

It seems she was the one who leased the suite room—likely under a different name to avoid raising red flags.

I wanted to walk away from this mayhem, but one last question kept bothering me.

"Why am I?" May I ask?"

Why was she being so adamant? I mean, if she could carry her scheme this far, she could probably find someone else to take my place.

She said, "Because Madison views you as a danger."

With no more inquiries, I turned around and departed from the room.

What made rich men want their wives to marry into wealthy families to increase their wealth—my gorgeous smile and her parents' wealth—while I was just a simple maid here, maybe one who got herself into a lot of trouble. Why would Madison ever see me as a treat?

I headed to the break room since it was my lunch break, and I was hungry. I hoped there would still be sandwiches from the visitors because they were a big hit with the staff.

Ivy was already sitting at a table, sipping from her water bottle.

"Why do you have that appearance? I took out a chair and sat down, asking Ivy.

"Nothing," was my response.

I had no idea where to start when discussing the insane day I'd had, and this wasn't a talk we should be having in a public area where someone might easily overhear us.

"How about we get ourselves a few sandwiches?"I recommended.

Ivy had a dismal response, "Those are already completed."

The first serving was often taken by the kitchen crew, leaving little for the rest of us.

When neither Ivy nor I had packed a lunch, we often ate at a nearby restaurant as we were ready to depart.

There was a knock on my shoulder.

Ivy and I turned to see who it was.

The guy said, "Pardon me, ma'am."

Since he was dressed in the hotel uniform, he was undoubtedly one of us.

"Let me tell you that you are welcome to eat at the restaurant below at any time you'd like. "Courtesy of the boss," he said, adding, "free of charge of cause."

Ivy and I had our mouths hanging open as we stared at him.

This wasn't a ruse. What if Layla had sent someone to contaminate my food? There was no way I was going to take the chance.

"I will not."

Ivy chimed in, "She will be there, of course."

"Go there so you can tell me how the meal tastes," Ivy said into my ear while hugging me.

Besides, he said it was from Derek, so how dangerous could this be? Ivy was ready to battle with me to leave.

"Okay, but I won't attend if my buddy can't come," I vehemently said.

"You may have as many visitors as you wish," the guy said, nodding.

Ivy pulled at my sleeve like a three-year-old, delight lighting up her eyes.

When we got to the restaurant, the guy showed us where to go and led us to a table before heading out.

I could feel the looks of curiosity creeping in, and it seemed so strange to be here in my maid's attire.

Well, I guess I was done dressing like a maid.

A waiter came to our table, and Ivy rubbed her hands together excitedly.

Ivy said, "Please give me your most expensive steak and champagne."

I widened my eyes at her request.

She had an incredible knack for seizing the opportunity.

Ivy pointed at me and said, "She can't have any wine, of course."

She easily blended into the world of high society with her demands.

I got a plain glass of juice and one of their pizzas since I had heard good things about them. Besides, if I attempted to take advantage of this, Derek would alter his mind, and we would never be able to eat here again.

Excited at her order and lightly let down by mine, Ivy rubbed her palms together.

"I hope that test yields favourable findings. I already know what sort of home you will live in if you receive this just because of the baby. Ivy said, "I don't care who the father is as long as he believes he is having a kid for the next nine months.

This was the worst possible moment to tell her the bad news.

"No, I'm not pregnant," I said to Ivy after receiving the negative test results.

Ivy sighed and looked disapprovingly at that, her grin fading.

"If there was a chance in heaven, would you contemplate bearing his child?"Madam inquired.

I was aware of her suggestion.

"No, I won't sell myself to get money," I said.

Another sigh escaped her.

She said, "Okay, then we just have to make the most of the circumstance while it lasts."

Taking another look at the menu, she summoned another server and started placing huge takeaway orders.

"It's something your mother would appreciate," she said.

To get her to stop fighting with me in front of all those significant people, I had to conceal the menu from her.

We had our final meal at the restaurant around this time.

When it did come, Ivy and I were quiet.

This pizza tasted like something I had never eaten before; I was missing its flavour while still on my tongue.

However, I should have seen that my joy would not last long since Marcus entered the restaurant and started to move toward us.

Marcus stood at our table and rolled his eyes at the two of us, saying, "I see you two are enjoying yourselves."

"I have a job for you, Clara," he said.

I ought to have realized that today would be his preferred time to do this.

Ivy chimed in, "But she's on a break."

"An assistant manager works nonstop. Marcus said, "Just because it's your lunch break doesn't imply that work should cease. I still need you to complete your tasks."

With defeat, I sighed.

Did you receive a promotion? Ivy's eyes brightened."It crossed her mind.

Besides, the way things were going, I wouldn't be an assistant manager for very long. I hadn't even had a chance to inform her about it.

For now, I had to disprove Marcus.

Marcus disregarded Ivy's inquiry.

"One of the visitors has caused trouble; please address the matter. He remarked, "I want to know how effectively you can perform under pressure and interact with our visitors."

He was full of "I know you are going to fail" vibes, and I wanted to show him incorrect this time.

I said, "All right."

I pulled back my chair and got up from my desk.

I had to show him I could compete with him if I wanted him to quit trying to undermine me.

According to Marcus, "It's in room 307."

I felt terrible that I hadn't completed my meal as I went to the place Marcus had told me to go to.

I glanced again at the door Marcus had told me to, and this area seemed all too familiar.

This could only imply problems, so why was I at Madison's door?

Was Marcus attempting to manipulate me?

Maybe it was time for me to step in. I knocked on the door, but there was no response, just the monotonous sound of someone shouting on the other side.

Madison and Maggie, one of the hotel maids, were in the living room as I entered.

Maggie was looking down at her feet, her head down, and tears welling up in her dark grey eyes, all evident by Madison's yelling at her.

Madison, what had she done this time?

"Never would have occurred to you to use my perfume!"You are worthless; your whole existence is pointless," shouted Madison. Madison stopped, "You can't even do that well; you were created to serve someone like me."

In a tantrum, Madison arranged the cushions in a line on the sofa.

She then went to her table and picked up the perfume.

"This scent has much more value than you can ever have," she said.

I had to stop her since this was getting out of hand.

"Hadison!As he entered the room, a guy screamed.

He had the same shade of blue eyes as me, seemed to be in his forties with signs of grey hair on his temples, and was dressed in a well-fitted suit, most likely an expensive one.

With a shock, Madison said, "Father, you should have seen this shameless twit; she dared to try and apply my scent."

"It's still hardly a conversation starter," her father thought.

Knowing that delusions and craziness did not run in the family—at least not from what he seemed to have—was comforting.

"You are old, worthless, and broke; I don't need you," Madison cried, "so why should I even listen to you anyway?"

Her father was surprised by her remarks, I could tell.

"I lied to you about being bankrupt for just that reason. There is no regard for anything or anybody, neither you nor your mother. I'm withdrawing my funds from you. It would help if you worked for yourself so you can have a chance," he cried back.

Though we never got this far, my mother and I had moments.

It's not like you were ever around any whys, but now that you've finally seen what I've become. Your only ever adultery was with my mother! This was perhaps Madison's most emotional moment, as she shouted out.

At last, her gaze came to rest on me.

"You have to notify your supervisor to ensure she gets fired, or I'll take action to see that she does." Madison said, "You have to decide on our agreement quickly, or else you will soon follow."

She threw open her bedroom door and rushed out of the room.

"I'll take care of her," her father said as he followed her.

Maggie burst into sobs, covering her lips with her palm as she tried to hold back the emotions.

I put my arms around her and escorted her out of the suite.

Maggie sobbed, "I was simply cleaning around her fragrances when I took one up to clean. Please tell Marcus not to fire me. I didn't intend to." Madison entered and thought I was using it. She then hauled me out of her room. "I swear to you, I didn't use it; my hands and clothing smell," she pleaded.

Asking me to sniff it, she clutched the hem of her garment.

"Maggie, it's OK," I murmured to her.

To stop Maggie from weeping, I gave her a firm embrace.

I needed to stop this since most hotel personnel kept quiet because they were too busy making a lot of money from the visitors, and when they complained, it was frequently their jobs that were at risk.

Madison needed to be stopped; her behaviour would only worsen if she continued to cling to Derek. Derek's mother was correct; I couldn't let someone like her torment us any longer.

Maggie and I moved apart as I used my hands to dry her tears.

"I swear to you that nothing bad will happen," I whispered.

With tears still streaming down her cheeks, she bowed her head and made an effort to grin as best she could.

"I'm going to be back shortly."

I have an issue to take care of right now.

This was probably the worst course of action, but I had to stop Madison before it worsened. Maybe I was going to have to make a bargain with the devil, but I had to fight fire with fire.

I accelerated in the direction of Layla's apartment.

Layla was the only one who could handle Madison, so this was the worst mistake I could have made.

I knocked on Layla's door, and she smiled warmly and promptly answered.

Have you chosen your choice yet?"Madam inquired.

As I nodded.

I said, "I'll do it."

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A/N: Would you kindly vote and leave a review on the chapter?

What are your thoughts on Layla's arrangement?

How would you characterize Madison?

Are any of you friends with someone like Ivy?

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