Chapter Seventeen: Long-Term Maniac, Gone

Axel's POV

I was in a dilemma.

Out of curiosity, I planned to go visit Eveline after bumping into her in the hallway and when I saw her again in the cafe. Moreover, I was still quite worried about her after I saw how Claire threw a tantrum in front of Eveline. I wanted to interfere however it seemed like Eveline had everything under control. Although I was proud of her, I feared that Claire might plan her revenge. At the same time, I was not sure whether it was the right time to go meet her during her lunch break, especially with all those rumours going around and how Eveline might be shaken and might not want to meet me.

I paced around the corridors, still pondering upon whether I should or should not go meet Eveline. When I finally decided to talk to her, I knocked on her office door before entering the room.

To my dismay, there was no presence of my fiance or the warmth within my heart whenever I was near her. Eveline was not here.

Where could she be? I saw her go down to the cafe just now, was she still there? Subconsciously, I found myself worried about where she could be and what could have happened to her. The security within this building was high, she could not have gotten hurt. Yet despite knowing this fact, I still find myself longing to see her face. To see her smiling face, feel that rush of happiness whenever she was around.

No, this was stupid.

I had already made it clear to her when I offered her the contract. No true feelings, this relationship is purely for business. I even told her to not fall for me no matter what. Furthermore, I told her that I will cut off all contact with her if she dares to bring up the fact that she might have a crush on me. It was I who established this crucial rule.

Yet, why do I feel this sudden urge to defy my orders? This was not good. If this continues, I doubt I will be able to act naturally and think reasonably around her. This was unlike me at all.

This simply won't do. I need to dispose of all feelings and emotions I had towards her. This is the only way to ensure that she never leaves me. This is a must.

Returning to the matter at hand, I could not find her anywhere. I had wondered whether she was at the cafe but I doubt she will still be there after that small 'incident' with Claire. That reminds me, I should later issue a warning to Claire for the dirty acts she had done behind my back.

I wanted to hear the whole story but due to the absence of Eveline, I had no choice but to ask Claire to come to my office and explain herself. This should also serve as a warning that she should not attempt to hurt anyone, especially Eveline.

I gently closed the door to her office, leaving everything in place. I then went back into my office.

"This is Mr Draven, can Claire Hazelwood come to my office now," I spoke through the speaker, my voice booming throughout the company.

I sat back down at my desk and waited for the girl to make her way up to my office. Sure enough, a loud knock emitted from my office doors followed by a shrill voice making itself known.

"Hello, Mr Draven? It's me, Claire. May I come in?" From her tone, I could sense her happiness. I was not sure why she sounded so happy when I was about to chide her for what she had done in the past few years under my company. Depending on her answer, I might let her continue to work here or fire her immediately.

"You may," I acknowledge her.

Claire frantically opened the doors and strolled right in, standing in front of my desk and smiling like an idiot. However, behind that seemingly sweet smile, I knew that she had a hidden motive and I was determined to figure out what exactly that is and whether it will bring me danger.

"Sit down," I said nonchalantly as Claire quickly took her seat, still looking ecstatically elated. Was she not aware of why she was here?

"Why did you call for me, Mr Draven?" She inquired, batting her eyelashes abnormally. If this was considered flirting, I do not get why people find this attractive. Furthermore, such behaviour is shameless.

"Guess," I leaned back against my chair, folding my arms and giving Claire my 'iconic' glare.

Claire, however, did not seem fazed by my cold stare at all and continued chirping on, "I believe it is because Mr Draven had noticed my hard work and accomplishments, therefore Mr Draven wishes to congratulate and reward me!" Was this the girl who harassed my fiancee earlier on? Her answer sounded idiotic which fits her appearance and personality. I was not one to easily dislike others therefore I believe that I should truly 'reward' her for sneaking into my list of people I do not like.

"No, I think you got it wrong," I sighed, ruffling my hair in annoyance. Claire acted confused as I continued. "I called you here to punish you."

After that last sentence escaped my lips and entered Claire's ears, she looked lost for a second before allowing her expression to morph into pure horror and fear. She was afraid that I might have known about her disgraceful acts and that I will take severe measures. Although I was not fully sure of her revolting actions, I can only pretend to know while forcing information out of her.

"I'm sure you're clear as to what you have done that landed you into the current position you're in now," I spoke monotonously, not forgetting to coat my words with venom.

The young employee trembled tremendously. Her eyes travelled my entire office, leaving no nook and corner unseen. Her fingers fidgeting with each other. Her breathing is unstable as I hear her unnatural heartbeat of hers. The uneasiness visible on her face was evident. As I suspected, she was not as innocent as everyone would have thought.

"Admit what you did wrong now and I'll let you go unharmed," I announced, sitting right back up, interlocking my fingers together while supporting my hands with my elbows touching the table. I eyed the terrified woman carefully, mentally taking notes on how she was reacting.

"I-I didn't do anything wrong..." Claire trailed off, her eyes looking everywhere except at me. She did not even bother enhancing her acting, for people to believe a fake like her sounded hilarious but sadly this was the truth.

"Then prepare to go pack up and leave," I sighed, getting up from my seat and making my way to the large window behind me. "What are you waiting for?" I asked, glaring at Claire who was still sitting down, "Leave. You are not needed here anymore."

"I'M SORRY FOR WHAT I HAVE DONE. I CONFESS, THAT I HAD BEEN SABOTAGING MY OTHER COLLEAGUE'S WORK OPPORTUNITIES TO STAND OUT," There was a short pause as I waited patiently for Claire to take her breath before continuing her confession. "This was all done so that I can quickly rise the ranks... So that I can earn more income, more than what I am receiving now." Tears began to form in her eyes.

"Are you implying that I do not pay well?" I challenged. Claire quickly sat up straight and shook her head profusely, her eyes filled with fear.

"NO! I'm sorry I'm sorry... If I knew that something like this would've happened I never would've done that. And anyway, what do you know? You get paid well and barely need to do any work. You will never be able to understand how we, poor people, feel and think. You will never understand the desperation for money." Claire shouted, her voice still trembling however this time, she sounded confident and crazy. Her eyes widened as the horrified expression morphed into a look of victory, success. If I did not know her identity, I definitely would have mistaken her for a patient with mental problems, at least that was how she looked to me now.

'How lunatic...' I thought as I gaze nonchalantly into her hateful eyes filled with an emotion I could not decipher, was it hatred or happiness?

"Someone like you who always feels superior to others and never takes time to consider another's problems... It's no wonder that you earned the reputation for being a cold and heartless person." Claire taunted as her final way to reason what she did was acceptable.

As the insane woman carry on with her aimless explanation and thoughtless insults, I went back to my desk and had already pulled out her file along with an already printed form with the words 'FIRED' written in bold at the top of the document. After taking the time to sign the papers, I picked up all the documents and walked to Claire, giving her the items.

"You're fired. I'm not pleased with your answer nor do I like your mindset," I waved my hand at her like I was getting rid of a pesky bug, signalling that she should quickly leave.

Fumed with anger, Claire left while slamming the door shut. Only after that maniac had left did I finally let down my guard and relax my tense body.

'I just want the day to end already.' I thought.

"Where was Eveline anyways?" I wondered out loud. Being too caught up in trying to get Claire to divulge her plans had taken all my attention.

"Perhaps I should give her a call..." I mumbled, whipping out my phone as I scrolled through my contacts filled with investors and partners in business before finally reaching Eveline's.

'I should favourite her contact so that I can call her more easily.' I tapped on the call button.

"Hello? It's me, Axel Draven."