Maria sat at her desk in the office, her attention riveted to her laptop screen as she sifted through spreadsheets and reports.The soft hum of computers and the distant chatter of colleagues provided a familiar backdrop to her workday.With her glasses perched on her nose and her fingers dancing across the keyboard, she was fully engrossed in her tasks.The soft glow of her computer screen brightened her focused expression.Amidst the concentrated silence, her phone suddenly blinked to life, drawing her gaze away from the laptop.She reached for the device, her fingers tapping against the smooth surface to unlock it.As her eyes scanned the message that had just popped up, her eyebrows knitted in surprise and concern. The message was from her boss, Dave."Maria, I'm not feeling well today, so I can't come to work. Please take care of the task you're supposed to handle today. I will forward the rest of the files through PDF, and it will be sent to the company's email."The weight of t
Confusion clouded her thoughts for a moment before the realization hit her—it wasn't Dave on the line."Hello," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. The traffic jam around her seemed to fade into the background as she focused on the call."Is this Maria from Dave's office?" the woman asked, her tone professional but warm."Yes, that's me," Maria confirmed, her brow furrowing. She wondered why someone from Dave's office was calling her at this moment."This is Alice, Dave's wife," the woman continued, and Maria's surprise deepened. She hadn't met Dave's wife before and was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected call."Oh, hello," Maria responded, her voice tinged with surprise and curiosity."I apologize for reaching out like this, but I couldn't get through to Dave's phone, and I know he's been unwell today," Alice explained. "He needs the file you've worked on at the office; he mentioned that he needed some important files from it. I was wondering if you could he
Alice found herself seated a little closer to Dave on the couch, the warmth of their bodies mingling in the cozy space.Leaning in, she began speaking in a hushed tone: "You know, Dave, I've been impressed with Maria lately. She's incredibly hardworking and respectful. Look at how she managed to tackle all those piled-up documents."Dave nodded in agreement, a smile forming on his lips. "Alice. Maria's dedication to her work is truly remarkable.I'm thinking of doubling her salary. She's not only good at what she does, but she's also more punctual than the other workers."Alice's eyes widened in surprise, with a hint of admiration in her gaze. "That's a great idea, Dave. Recognizing and rewarding her efforts will surely motivate her even more."Their conversation flowed easily, and the atmosphere between them was comfortable and relaxed.However, Alice couldn't ignore the passage of time. She glanced at her watch and sighed. "So, what's next on your agenda, Dave? I need to head home i
Madam Charlotte gazed out of her window, a storm of emotions churning within her.I need to get out and see if I can spot that bastard who sees himself as the president's successor," she muttered under her breath, a fire burning in her hazel eyes.The air was tense, charged with an urgency that mirrored the turmoil in her heart.With a purposeful stride, she crossed the room, her heels echoing against the polished floor.The bedroom door swung open, and she made her way to the living hall.The subtle rustle of her attire was a symphony of determination, a prelude to the confrontation that lay ahead.Madam Charlotte's steps quickened as she moved through to her compound, her gaze sweeping the surroundings with hawk-like precision.The scent of impending rain hung in the air, a metaphor for the storm that raged within her.She was on a mission today—a mission to confront the man who had dared to see himself as the president's successor, a title she believed was rightfully hers."Dave, D
Hey, madam, what are you doing here?" Williams asked, approaching Madam Charlotte."Ermmm… I want…?" Madam Charlotte stammered, her words trailing off as she hesitated.Williams raised an eyebrow, noticing the hesitation in her voice.He had dealt with his fair share of suspicious-looking individuals over the years, and this woman seemed out of place.He studied her a bit longer, trying to gauge her intentions."Is there something I can help you with, please?" he asked, using his most reassuring tone.Madam Charlotte took a deep breath, seemingly trying to calm herself down."I'm not sure," she replied, her tone now steadier. "I'm here to pick up some clothing, but I don't remember which boutique it is."Williams nodded, relieved that this lady was not up to something malicious."Well, do you remember the name of the boutique or brand of clothing you are looking for?" he asked.She shook her head and said, "No, I don't. I was given a list of items to pick up, but it looks like I left i
Despite all the thoughts, Madam Charlotte couldn't quite shake off one question: Why didn't she ask Dave what had made him behave in such a manner?She hit her hands back and forth on the seat, muttering to herself. "Damn, what didn't prompt me to do so?"See how he made the guards sack me out like a thief? she muttered to herself, clenching her fists in anger. "He knew exactly what he was doing. He wanted to humiliate me in front of everyone."But as she walked down the street, she couldn't help but feel angry and bitter. "I'll never let him get the best of me again," she muttered to herself. "Next time, I'll be prepared. And with that, she took a deep breath and continued on her way."That was silly and embarrassing," she muttered to herself, her voice filled with irritation.She couldn't believe what had just transpired inside the company's headquarters.How did Dave, of all people, get to know that she was still in the office and, worse, that she was at the warehouse?The whole si
Amelia glanced at the wall clock, her eyes fixed on the steady tick-tock of its hands.Each second that passed seemed to stretch into an eternity, and the minutes felt like hours.She couldn't help but feel concerned about what was keeping her mom from coming home on time.Her mother had promised to be back by 5:30 PM, and now, as the clock's hands pointed to 6:00 PM, worry etched itself across Amelia's face.She placed her hands on her forehead, a gesture that reflected her growing anxiety.Her mother was never late like this unless something unexpected had happened.Amelia stood up and placed her hands on her waist, her mind racing with thoughts of all the possible reasons for her mother's delay.She began biting her finger nervously, a habit she had when she was anxious.The room felt eerily silent, with only the clock's ticking filling the void, amplifying her unease.Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, she went to the table and took out her phone.Her fingers trembled slig
A lone figure, clad in the distinctive attire of Cromwell's elite guard, approached the grand doors leading to the master's chamber.It was a mission of great importance, one that had taken him far and wide, testing his skills and resolve.As the guard approached, he felt the weight of responsibility pressing upon his shoulders.The mission had been fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he had persevered.His steps echoed in the silence of the corridor, drawing nearer to the room where Cromwell, the enigmatic master of the estate, resided.The guard knew that he could not afford to falter now.The massive oak doors swung open, revealing a lavishly decorated chamber bathed in the soft glow of candlelight.There, seated at a grand desk strewn with parchment and quills, was Cromwell himself.He looked up from his work as the guard entered, his piercing gaze locking onto the weary but resolute figure before him.Cromwell knew that his guard was not one to be easily shaken, and if he ha