The revelations from the night before had left Clara sleepless. Her thoughts were a mess. Every attempt to think through it only unraveled more confusion. It was 8:00 a.m., and the meeting with the investors was two hours away. She needed air, space, a moment to reset.
She ordered coffee and, soon enough, it arrived. The first sip felt soothing, calming her nerves just a little. From her suite's balcony, she gazed at the serene surroundings of Savanna Thrills. The lush green environment gave a tranquil vibe, true to its name. Yet, as much as the peace around her promised to quiet her mind, her thoughts were relentless. The truth, the lies, it all felt too much.
Clara sighed deeply. She didn't know who to turn to. Natasha? No. She was probably rushing to prepare for work. Grandma? Not an option. Clara couldn't bear to worry her further. That left only one person. Ashley.
Reaching for her phone, she called him. He picked up almost immediately.
"Good morning, Ashley," she greeted.
"Morning, sleeping beauty," he replied playfully. "How was your night?"
"My night?" she teased. "Oh, you mean the one my uncaring friend didn't even check on me during?"
Ashley let out a mock gasp. "Who, me? How dare you wound my tender heart like this!"
Clara couldn't help but laugh a little. "Ashley, if there's anyone who cares for me more than you, it's probably Grandma."
"And rightly so," he chuckled. "But come on, Clara, don't underestimate me."
Her playful smile faded. "If that's true, then why haven't you helped me with the investigation I asked about?"
The change in her tone caught Ashley off guard. For a brief second, he hesitated. The perfect opportunity, he thought. This could deepen Clara's trust in him and solidify his lies.
"I've been working on it, Clara," he began, his voice quieter.
"And honestly, I wish I hadn't. What I found out isn't something I wanted to bring up. Some things are better left buried. We all make mistakes, and Master Alexandro..."
"Ashley, spare me the sermon!" Clara interrupted sharply. "Just tell me what you found out."
He took a deep breath, as if bracing himself. "Alright, Clara. But you need to prepare yourself. This might be a lot to handle." He paused, gauging her reaction.
"Years ago," he started, "your father was invited by Master Alexandro to discuss a deal, an illegal one. Alexandro wanted him to help smuggle diamonds into underground markets. Being the upright man your dad was, he refused. Alexandro, scared your father might expose him, ordered a hit."
Clara's face went pale as her hand tightened around the phone. Ashley continued.
"It gets worse," he said solemnly. "The hit didn't go as planned. Your mom, an innocent woman was killed too."
Clara's voice trembled. "Ashley…my mom was pregnant. Did you know that?"
The line went silent for a beat. Ashley hadn't known, and for the first time, his lie felt too real.
"Clara," he said softly, "I'm so sorry. I didn't know."
Her tone was calm but devoid of emotion. "Thanks, Ashley."
"Please, Clara," he said, "don't let this break you. Move on. For their sake, for your own."
"I already have," she replied curtly.
Ashley checked the time and noticed they'd need to get ready soon. "Clara, let's prepare. The investors will be arriving shortly."
"Sure," she said flatly, ending the call.
She took a deep breath, trying to suppress the storm building within her. The truth burned in her chest. How could she now face the man responsible for tearing her family apart?
And what about the anonymous sender? Whoever it was clearly wanted her to unravel this, but why?
After a quick shower and a hurried prayer, Clara stepped out of her suite, her emotions tightly leashed.
---
The team had gathered in the conference room by 10:00 a.m. sharp. Clara, along with Mitchell, Ashley, and the marketing manager, looked every bit the power team. Each of them wore polished confidence, exuding professionalism.
Across the room, Master Alexandro entered with his usual commanding presence.
"Good morning," he said, his sharp eyes scanning each of them. "The driver has gone to pick up our guests. I need all of you on your best behavior. Understand?"
"Understood," they chorused.
As Alexandro addressed the room, his gaze lingered on Clara, his focus unmistakable. To others, it may have seemed like a boss inspecting his employee's readiness, but Clara knew better. He was watching her. Suspiciously. He didn't invite her on this trip out of generosity—he wanted to find out what she knew.
For Alexandro, ignorance was bliss. As long as Clara didn't uncover his role in her parents' deaths, his empire would remain untouched.
But Clara? She was seething. Beneath her calm exterior, a tempest was brewing. She clenched her fists at her sides, forcing herself to stay composed. She needed time, time to think, to strategize, and to figure out her next move.
She caught Ashley's eye. He gave her a small nod, the look of someone who had just dropped a bombshell and hoped she wouldn't implode.
Alexandro broke the silence again.
"These investors are important, and this meeting is our chance to expand globally. Do not mess this up." His voice was cold, sharp.
The room echoed with polite murmurs of agreement, but Clara's mind was elsewhere. Questions swirled. If Alexandro had truly orchestrated her parents' deaths, what did that mean for her now? Could she even continue working under him, knowing the truth?
The storm within was growing. And soon, it would make itself known.
---
Moments later, the investors arrived, escorted into the meeting room by Alexandro's driver. Clara greeted them with a practiced smile, but her mind was screaming. Beside her, Mitchell and Ashley worked hard to maintain a positive atmosphere, but Clara could feel her composure unraveling.
Alexandro led the discussions. He was charming, calculated, commanding every ounce of attention in the room. It was clear why he was a force to reckon with in the business world.
Yet Clara couldn't shake the image in her head, the image of this same man pulling strings, hiring assassins, and destroying lives without a shred of remorse.
As the meeting went on, Clara found herself staring at Alexandro, studying his every movement. He was so calm, so sure of himself. Did he not suspect that she knew?
No, he didn't. Not yet.
But the storm was brewing, and Clara knew it wouldn't stay silent much longer.