Mr Moore started to become obsessed over the footage of Claire. He was analysing her every move and every littlest thing she did. He rewatched it enough of times to be able to tell at what exact time she had her coffee, each and every sip of it, and how many steps she took as she walked around her office.
He recognised that his obsession was unhealthy and he still couldn't work out the cause of it.
Pattison tried to avoid him even more so due to his multiple outbursts a day. But Mr Moore couldn't stop his irritability. It was as if he became a ticking bomb. He always had a short temper but the past few weeks became unbearable to all of his subordinates.
On Friday evening, Claire was on her way to visit her parents. For many, Friday nights were intended for socialising, partying, or binge-watching their favourite shows.
Claire already got some groceries. She hid two boxes of chocolates at the bottom of the bags as a treat to her dad. Her mum struggled with eating nowadays. She followed now a liquid diet as chewing her food was a bit too much. Claire's heart broke every time she went home but she put on a brave face and walked up the stairs to her parents' apartment. They lived on the fourth floor, which for her wasn't as much of an issue, but for elders it was. Her mum hasn't left the apartment in almost a year now. Claire hopes that after her mum's treatments she can find her parents a better home.
"Good evening, dad." Claire smiled as she walked into the small kitchen.
"Good evening, Claire." Her dad answered in a tired voice. Claire looked at him immediately recognising that he sounded different to normal. He was worried about something.
"What happened, dad?" She asked immediately. "Is mum okay?"
"She's sleeping now. She's the same as yesterday."
"So, what is it?"
Her dad walked over to the kitchen cupboard and took a small envelope out. He passed it to Claire to read. She sat down and read it carefully. Her hands started shaking.
"When did you get that?"
"This morning. Your mum doesn't know yet and I don't want to tell her yet."
"We will find something. I'll start looking as soon as I get back to my apartment." Claire promised.
"I'm so sorry, Claire. I didn't mean to burden you."
"It's not your fault that. I'm afraid that we don't have many legal grounds. It is the landlord's right to not renew the contract if they intend to sell the building. Do you think the new owner will still be intending to rent?"
"No, Claire. The building has been listed for demolition." He shook his head.
"We have a month to find you someplace else," Claire said with confidence. "I'll sort it all out."
"I'm only worried that moving your mum is going to worsen her state."
"I'll contact her doctor for advice," Claire said decisively. "I'll see what we can do to accommodate her."
"Thank you, Claire."
Claire ate dinner with her dad and then made her way out.
She sat down in her car, and as soon as she was on her own, she started crying. Her parents getting evicted was the last thing that she needed.
She drove back home and she started looking for apartments that were near enough to the hospital and amenities. The cost of moving was sky-rocketing. Everywhere she looked the rent was higher than what her parents were paying now, she needed to pay the deposit and the first month's rent in advance. In short, all of the savings she put aside for her mum's treatment would be used for the move. Months of the savings will be gone. Claire looked for hours, whilst sobbing and counting and writing all of her ideas down. She lived in an apartment that was even smaller than her parents'. Her mum's medical equipment wouldn't even fit in there.
On Monday morning, Claire made her way to work even earlier than usual, in the hope to get some silence whilst working on one of the biggest projects.
As she walked in, she saw a tall man enter just before her.
She slowed down, recognising his posture from all of the posters she has seen of him. He entered the elevator and turned around, his blue eyes piercing through her. Claire looked away and slowed down, ready to wait for the next elevator.
To her despair, he held the door of the elevator open. As to not offend him she walked in and stood as far as she could.
"Thank you, sir." She said quietly. Her chest was tight, making it difficult to breathe. The last thing she needed was to unintentionally offend the CEO and get fired. Not with how badly she needed the money now. She was good at hiding her stress. On the outside, she still looked composed and elegant. Even with the dark circles under her eyes, she managed to look as if nothing ever could shake her.
Mr Moore looked at Claire's reflection, studying her stoic face. She left on the floor thirty-six and he continued up another six floors.
Mr Moore lit a cigarette as soon as he entered his office. He leaned back in his seat with a deep sigh.
He was going to make Claire to come to him. He will find a way for her to beg him.
He didn't know yet that Claire was too stubborn, strong-headed, and smart to ever fall for his manipulation.
But he was also stubborn and strong-headed and smart.
Anyone reading this probably already knows that this was a recipe for disaster.