Alison had barely managed to sleep. The weight of her actions gnawed at her insides, making her feel hollow. The USB drive with the copied files felt like a lead weight in her bag. She had everything her employer needed, but the price of her success was beginning to feel much higher than she had anticipated.
The morning was unusually quiet when she entered the office. The usual chatter and clatter of the staff were muted, as if an invisible cloud had settled over the building. She took a deep breath and walked to her desk, avoiding Henry's office for the moment. She wasn't ready to face him—not after what she had done the previous night.
As she settled in, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, and her heart sank at the sight of the caller ID. It was her employer.
"Hello?" she answered, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Alison," the voice on the other end was cold and demanding, "where are the files? You were supposed to deliver them last night."
"I have them," she whispered, glancing around to ensure no one was within earshot. "I'll send them over as soon as I can. I just need to—"
"You'll deliver them now," the voice interrupted. "No more delays. I'm on my way to meet you. We'll handle this in person."
Alison froze. "What? You're coming here?"
"Yes. I want to make sure everything is in order. Be ready." The line went dead.
Panic gripped Alison. She hadn't expected her employer to come directly to the office. This was a risk she hadn't anticipated. If Henry saw them together, everything could unravel.
She quickly composed herself, glancing around the office again. There was no time to waste. She needed a plan. She stuffed the USB drive deeper into her bag, feeling its weight once again. She could try to deliver the files and finish the mission, but now, the thought of doing so made her stomach churn.
An hour later, Alison received a message from the receptionist, informing her that she had a visitor waiting in the lobby. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, gathering her nerves, and headed downstairs. Her employer, a tall man with a sharp suit and an even sharper gaze, was waiting by the entrance, his expression unreadable.
"Good morning," Alison greeted, forcing a polite smile.
The man did not return the pleasantry. "Let's get this over with," he said curtly. "Somewhere private."
Alison nodded and led him to one of the empty conference rooms. She closed the door behind them and took a deep breath. "I have the files," she said, keeping her voice low.
The man's eyes flicked to her bag. "Good. Hand them over."
Alison hesitated for a fraction of a second before reaching into her bag and retrieving the USB drive. She handed it to him, her heart pounding so hard she feared he could hear it.
He inspected the drive, then looked back at her. "I hope this is everything we need."
"It is," Alison assured him. "I went through the documents myself. You'll find all the strategic plans and financial projections you asked for."
The man nodded but didn't seem completely convinced. "I hope for your sake that you're right," he said. "You've taken long enough."
Before she could respond, the door to the conference room swung open. Alison's heart leapt into her throat as she turned to see Henry standing in the doorway. His eyes moved from Alison to her employer, and his face hardened instantly.
"What's going on here?" Henry demanded, his voice edged with suspicion.
Alison's mind raced. "Henry, this is… Mr. Carter. He's an old acquaintance who stopped by to discuss some… personal matters."
Henry's gaze was icy as it shifted back to her. "Really? And what sort of personal matters require meeting in a private conference room at my company?"
Mr. Carter stepped forward, his expression smooth. "I'm here on behalf of an investor who has a keen interest in some of your ventures, Mr. Reed," he said, extending his hand. "I thought I'd use this opportunity to meet with Ms. Stone, who's been most accommodating in facilitating our introductions."
Henry didn't take the offered hand. "Is that so?" he replied, his tone flat. "And this investor—why haven't I heard about them through the usual channels?"
Mr. Carter smiled thinly. "We like to keep a low profile until we're certain of our interest."
Henry's eyes narrowed. "And you think using my employee, behind my back, is the best way to gauge that interest?"
Alison could feel her pulse quicken. This was spiraling out of control. "Henry, it's not what you think," she interjected, stepping forward. "I didn't mean to—"
But Henry's gaze was locked on Mr. Carter. "I don't know who you are, but I don't appreciate uninvited guests in my building," he said firmly. "I suggest you leave, now."
Mr. Carter's smile faded. "Very well," he said coolly. "But we'll be in touch." He turned to Alison. "Remember what we discussed," he added before walking past Henry and out of the room.
Alison watched him go, then turned back to Henry, who was staring at her with a look she had never seen before. It was a mix of anger, disappointment, and something deeper—something that made her heart ache.
"Henry, I can explain," she began, but he held up a hand.
"No," he said sharply. "No more lies, Alison. I've been patient. I've given you chances to prove yourself, to show me who you really are. But this… this is the last straw."
Alison felt a wave of panic wash over her. "Henry, please, it's not what it looks like. I was just—"
"Enough," he cut her off. "I don't know what game you're playing, but I'm done being a pawn in it. You have until the end of the day to clear out your desk."
Alison felt like the ground had been pulled out from under her. "Henry, don't do this," she pleaded, her voice breaking. "Please, just let me explain."
Henry's expression didn't soften. "I don't want to hear it," he said, his voice cold. "You've made your choices, Alison. Now you have to live with them."
With that, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving Alison standing there, stunned and hollow. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes, but she forced them back. She had made her bed, and now she had to lie in it. But as she looked down at the empty table where the USB drive had been, a sinking realization settled in her stomach.
She was losing everything—her mission, her job, and, most heartbreakingly, the man she had grown to care for far more than she had ever intended.
She had to find a way to fix this, but she knew the road ahead was more uncertain than ever.