Chapter 24
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In the following days, Clara stayed in a hotel temporarily. She didn’t contact Walter, and he wouldn’t call her either. He had Marlie and wasn’t afraid Clara would disappear.
Clara sent out numerous resumes in the meantime. Since Walter said she sold herself to support Marlie, she wanted to find a job. However, Clara was rejected very quickly, telling her she didn’t meet the companies‘ requirements.
Clara knew Walter was responsible. Walter had put her on a recruitment blacklist. He was forcing Clara to go back and beg him. Walter was ruthlessly exploiting her vulnerabilities.
Clara missed Marlie terribly. She recalled Marlie’s pale, pitiful face and her heart ached. Clara relented and returned to the Colon Group.
This time was different. The receptionist intercepted Clara. She glanced disdainfully at Clara’s cheap clothes and rolled her eyes. The receptionist asked, “Miss, who are you looking for? Do you have an appointment?”
Clara replied calmly, “I’m looking for Walter Colon.”
The receptionist was taken aback when Clara called out Walter’s name. “Who are you? Do you think Mr. Colon will see anyone? If you cause any trouble, I’ll call security.”
Clara shrugged. “Sure. Go ahead. Call them. If Walter asks me why I didn’t come up, I’ll tell him it’s because of you.” She looked at the receptionist’s nametag.
The receptionist backed down. She didn’t dare to risk it. Staring at Clara suspiciously, she called the secretary’s desk to confirm.
She received a reply shortly. The receptionist told Clara, “Miss, Mr. Colon asked you to go to the lounge on the 87th floor and wait for him.” The receptionist’s tone was more polite. Smiling awkwardly, she led Clara there respectfully.
Clara was indifferent to the change in attitude.
She took the elevator to the 87th floor.
The Colon Group building had 88 floors. The top floor was Walter’s office, and a transparent winding staircase connected the 87th and 88th floors.
The lounge was spacious, with carpets covering it. It was furnished with elegant sofas.
Clara sat on the sofa and waited. She was surprised by the luxury. There was a private kitchen, a dining room, rooms, and a bathroom. The cityscape was visible from the floor–to–ceiling windows. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
Clara waited until evening, but Walter did not show up.
The lounge was comfortable, and the sofa was soft. Gradually, fatigue set in. Clara leaned back to rest, and eventually, she lay down and fell asleep.
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As the last rays of sunset faded away, Walter finally finished his work. Coming down the staircase, Walter saw her delicate figure curled up on the sofa. Her long hair partially covered her face.
It was so quiet he could hear her breathing.
Walter was furious. How dare she fall asleep? Crossing the room to wake her, he suddenly froze.
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Her exquisite profile, her petite and sharp nose, the distinct shape of her lips, the curve of her closed eyes, and her smooth neck made her even more alluring in the shadows.