"Claire!" Gina ran up to her as soon as Claire walked onto the thirty-sixth floor.
"Hi, Gina," Claire said. Her face was full of determination. Gina hugged her unexpectedly.
"You're alright. We were so worried for you."
"I called Zoe first thing this morning."
"I know. She told me. She told me everything." Gina squeezed her tighter.
"Let's talk somewhere private," Claire advised.
"Your office?"
"It is being monitored. The only place that isn't is the bathroom."
Gina follows Claire into the toilets without question.
"Claire, is what Zoe told me true? Have you been threatened by Mr Moore?"
"Yes, Gina. Not in the direct sense but it was made clear that I wasn't going to be here for long. Besides, I've confirmed that it was him that fired Zoe. I just don't know why, yet."
"What's your plan?"
"I have a few contract negotiations in the next few weeks. I can secure enough contracts to bring our department yearly revenue to two billion."
"That doesn't sound like a revenge plan."
"It is once you realise that revenue relies heavily on me and you and a few others. What will happen if you take one cog out of the system?" Claire smiled. "Zoe is looking for a job and so am I. I plan to resign within four to six weeks. I'll make sure to overload the department that once one cog is out, everything else falls apart. And I will personally take on most of the new contracts."
"I see."
"I can make them lose out on at least two hundred million within the first week. May seem trivial but it'll affect every other department. It will have a huge knock-off effect."
"Claire…" Gina started cautiously.
"Yes, Gina."
"I want to do it too… I'll start searching for a job too. Load me up with the most important projects. I'll put all the effort in and I'll work from dawn to dusk."
"Are you sure, Gina?"
"Of course. I can't let my friends suffer. And besides, your plan isn't really evil. It's genius though. Using your exceptional work to get at someone is truly genius."
"Thank you, Gina."
"Hey, I think more people would be keen to get on board with this," Gina said quietly.
"I don't want to affect that many people…" Claire started worriedly. She already felt like she failed her friends.
"The difference is that people can choose to do it. You're not forcing anyone." Gina smiled.
Soon they went to work, promising each other that they'll work harder than ever.
"What's up, Derek?" Claire looked up as a young man in a striped suit came into her office.
"I spoke with Gina." He said carefully. "I am fully onboard. Give me the date when you think we need to be ready by."
"Ready?"
"I and a few others will go with you."
"Seriously? Has Gina been bothering everyone?"
"No, not at all." Derek laughed.
"If you're sure…"
"Claire, we've worked together for five years. I can't just let you down now."
"You're not going to let me down whatever you do."
"And that's why I'm doing it. You've always been there for me."
"Thank you, Derek."
To her surprise, throughout the day she had more than half of her subordinates coming forward. She didn't want them to risk their careers, but they didn't care. She was keen to support them and stand up for them and now it was their turn.
Claire felt overwhelmed by the amount of support from her colleagues and friends.
When she had a meeting with investors later that day, she walked into the room with a wide smile. She stood proudly and gave the best presentation to date. Mr Moore watched her carefully. He was watching for the slightest sign of distress, for her buckling under the pressure. But Claire didn't do that. She was smiling widely and acting as if she was in the best mood ever. It made him uneasy.
"Pattison." He started as they left the room. "Watch her."
"What?" Pattison looked at his boss in curiosity.
"She's up to something. Watch her every move."
"Is she up to something or is she understanding that she can't win against you?"
"Past few weeks showed me that she is not as easy to break. She is definitely up to something. Her friend was just fired and she's smiling like never before."
"Yes, sir."
"Report to me daily."
"Of course." Pattison nodded. He secretly hoped that Claire wasn't doing anything to revenge Mr Moore in fear that she will be found and punished.
"Mr Moore." Claire smiled warmly at him as she was leaving, entering the same elevator as him without invitation.
"Miss Thompson." He watched her carefully, still suspicious of her behaviour change. "How is your hangover?"
Claire turned around in surprise, forgetting all about that ordeal.
"It's quite alright, sir."
"That's good." Mr Moore stood uncomfortably. For the first time, he felt like he was being scrutinised and threatened.
"Are you attending this weekend's banquet?" Claire struck a conversation. "At Mr Evans?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"That's good. I've heard that it's going to be very good. They rented some aerial dance performers. Or so Mr Evans said after the meeting earlier."
"I see."
"I'll make sure to take my jacket this time."
"I'm glad."
"I'll see you then, Mr Moore." Claire smiled as she left the elevator. Mr Moore stayed momentarily behind, watching Claire's powerful walk.
He was now more than sure that she planned something and that he wasn't going to like it.
Claire borrowed a red off-shoulder dress from Zoe for the banquet, that had a long split on her left side. Zoe made her borrow her faux fur coat, and then she paired it with black stilettos and a gold clutch bag.
"Are you sure?" Claire looked in the mirror barely recognising the reflection.
"You have to dress and act risqué to draw attention and talk to people. This is the perfect opportunity to network and make new contacts."
"I know, but it just doesn't feel like me."
"Right now, you need to push yourself out of the comfort zone to get what you want."
"I know. I'll try my best." Claire turned to face Zoe. "Thank you so much." She hugged her, feeling sorry for her friend who still struggled to come to terms with her sudden dismissal.
"Thank you." Zoe smiled. "Now, your carriage is waiting." She smiled as she pushed Claire towards the door. "If you need anything, call me. I have more than enough time to be your chauffeur."
"Thank you, Zoe."
"Did you ever work out how you've got home the other day?"
"No, not yet. I'm sure I just took a taxi and forgot all about it."
"Probably. Now go!"
"I'm going, I'm going."
Claire left and within forty minutes in a taxi, she arrived at a huge villa gate. As the car entered the courtyard, there was a huge fountain with shimmering lights.
Claire stood by it for a few moments, admiring the artwork on it. The sculpture was finely detailed with golden fish spitting the water out.
She slowly made her way in, highly distracted by everything around her - the sculptures, paintings, architecture.
Someone kindly offered her help with the fur coat, revealing her fine jewellery - also borrowed from Zoe who was definitely into fashion and that was where all of her money was spent.
She made her way to the banquet hall where the waiter quickly gave her champagne and directed her toward one of the tables. Tables were spread through the room, towards the very edges. The centre of the room had beautiful blue lights and aerial dancers who managed to perform flawlessly to the live music from the group on the balcony.
She found her assigned seat, not surprisingly the name card beside was 'Mr Gabriel Moore'. The host arranged for his guest by company. Claire stood watching the performance in awe beside her seat.
"Good evening, Miss Thompson." Mr Moore's voice snapped her back.
"Good evening, Mr Moore." She put on the most charming smile as she moved her gaze from the performers to the man who frankly, was just as breathtaking. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a cream waistcoat and black bow tie. He had stubble on his face that somehow made him look more manly. Claire noticed a slight bruising on his knuckles wondering if he punched yet another wall.
He walked up and pulled her chair out to help her sit down. "Thank you."
He sat down beside her. No one else was at their table yet causing some awkwardness.
"Did you bring your coat?" Mr Moore started a conversation.
"Yes, I did." She radiated. "I learn very quickly from my own mistakes."
Her gaze went back to the performers and as much as she looked at them with pure marvel, Mr Moore looked at her in the same way.
She wore very natural make-up that highlighted her beauty just right. Her hair was pinned back into an intriguing updo with golden vines plaited in.
"Do you enjoy the performance?"
"Indeed." She looked back at him. "I was always in awe of people that can use their physical strength for their career. It takes so much self-discipline and courage. Never mind the beauty of them showing us a glimpse of their world in the most magical way. When they perform they are in their own world full of wonder." She sighed. "Sometimes it's so easy to forget how wonderful the world is."
"It can be challenging to appreciate the true beauty when there are so many frauds."
"I doubt there are that many fraudulent aerial dancers." Claire laughed.
"I referred to the world as a whole."
"I see. I guess it's true, but there is a beauty in the fraud itself. It's an art to be able to act in such a way to give people a false vision."
"Mr Moore, Miss Thompson." They were interrupted by Mr Jones, the senior.
"Good evening, Mr Jones." Claire stood up to shake his hand yet Mr Moore scowled in his direction.
"Good evening. I am sorry to interrupt. I've heard of the occurrence the other day and I'd like to give you both my sincere apology. I do hope that you can forgive me and my family for the wrongdoings." He bowed his head in front of them. Claire looked confused, eventually looking over at Mr Moore who seemed to have a better understanding of the situation.
"Mr Jones, I cannot express how disappointed I am in the behaviour of your son. I do hope that he learnt the lesson."
"Of course, sir. I'll ensure his further punishment is carried out."
"That's good." Mr Moore took a sip of champagne, uninterested in Mr Jones' presence.
"Miss Thompson, I'd like to apologise for Daniel. I'll make sure that he makes this apology himself as well. I do hope that we can go past it and continue our professional collaboration?"
"Of course, Mr Jones." Claire nodded.
"I wish you both a very good evening." He hurried away.
Claire turned around to face Mr Moore
"Did something happen?" She asked openly with clear worry on her face.
"It's nothing for you to worry about, not anymore." Mr Moore said as he covered his beaten-up knuckle with his other hand.
"That was odd." Claire sat down wondering what happened with Daniel. After all, the last time she saw him was during lunch which was interrupted. She wondered if anything happened while she was away from the table but then she wouldn't need any apologies.
"Don't worry about it." Mr Moore said in a weirdly reassuring tone that did not fit his usual character.
Few new guests arrived, finding their seats around the table. Claire was keen to introduce herself to everyone and she chatted politely, giving out several business cards before dinner was served.
Throughout the dinner though she seemed to talk more with Mr Moore.
"What do you think of this starter?" He asked. Claire looked at him in surprise.
"It's quite nice, thank you. How do you like it yourself?"
"It's fine."
"Is it fine as in 'fine dining', or is it fine as in 'it's doable but I don't think I'll bother again'?"
"It's the latter." Mr Moore leaned over to her and said in a loud whisper. Whether it was the champagne or the wondrous atmosphere, Claire giggled. She was in a particularly good mood and she didn't care for Mr Moore's potential outbursts. He couldn't harm her in the banquet hall with over a hundred guests, or so she hoped.
"It's a shame when they have such good scallops and they cook them into rubber." Claire agreed. "I'm wary of what they're going to do for the steak."
"Indeed. The poor cow was already murdered, they don't have to murder it again." Mr Moore nodded.
Claire watched him in amazement as he started to relax and join the chat about nothing. If she didn't feel the hatred for him, the hatred that brewed in her for months now, she could've fallen for him. But even now, with a smile on her face, she hoped that one day he falls and experiences all the pain he caused to everyone.