The dimly lit office exuded an air of mystery, its walls adorned with lavish decor and heavy curtains that blocked out the world. Smoke curled lazily into the air as the masked CEO sat back in his chair, his expression unreadable behind his signature black mask. A man in a brown jacket entered, clutching a crisp white sheet of paper in his hand.
"Sir, I've gathered the information on the girl," the man announced, his voice steady but cautious.
"Read it," the masked CEO commanded, lighting a cigarette with a flick of his lighter. His deep voice echoed in the stillness.
The man began, his tone professional. "Name: Ashley James. Age: seventeen. She works at the restaurant every weekend. Her father is one of our biggest debtors, and she comes from a very poor background."
The masked CEO leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing at the mention of Ashley's father. His interest was piqued. A slow, calculating smile curled his lips beneath the mask. "Her father owes me, you say?"
"Yes, sir. A substantial amount."
The CEO tapped the ash from his cigarette into a crystal ashtray, his mind racing with possibilities. "Interesting. Very interesting. Perhaps her father's debt can be... leveraged." He leaned back, exhaling a cloud of smoke as his thoughts solidified into a plan. "You're dismissed. I'll ensure your payment is sent shortly."
The man bowed and left the room, leaving the CEO alone with his dark thoughts. He crushed the cigarette in the ashtray and murmured to himself, "Soon, Ashley. Very soon."
****
The restaurant was abuzz with activity as Ashley's shift came to an end. The night was winding down, and she made her way to the changing room to switch into her regular clothes. She was about to leave when a fellow employee approached her.
"Miss Ashley, the boss wants to see you," the woman said with a polite but firm tone.
Ashley's heart skipped a beat. "The boss?" she repeated, unsure of what to expect. The owner of the restaurant, a wealthy young woman and mother of two, rarely summoned employees to her office. Ashley had heard whispers about her eldest son, a handsome classmate of Ashley's who was highly sought after by the girls at school.
After a moment of hesitation, Ashley composed herself and made her way to the office. She knocked softly before entering, greeted by the sight of a room that screamed elegance. The furniture was sleek and modern, the scent of expensive perfume lingering in the air.
"Ma'am, you wanted to see me?" Ashley asked, her voice tinged with nervousness.
The boss gestured for her to sit. "Yes, Ashley. I've been hearing a lot about you lately. First, the incident with the masked CEO, and now with Fred Redhaired. You seem to have a unique ability to draw attention."
Ashley's cheeks flushed as she took the seat offered to her, unsure whether this was leading to praise or reprimand.
"I'd like to offer you an opportunity," the boss continued. "If you can use the influence you've gained to attract more high-profile clients to this restaurant, I'm prepared to pay you $500 every weekend."
Ashley's eyes widened. The amount was more than she had ever dreamed of earning. "I... I'm honored, ma'am," she stammered. "I'll do my best to bring more attention to the restaurant."
The boss nodded, a satisfied smile on her lips. "Good. Just make sure you remain professional. You may leave now."
Ashley exited the office, her heart racing. She couldn't believe her luck, but she also couldn't shake the feeling that this new role would come with its own challenges.
****
Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of Emily's bedroom, the trio of girls plotted their next move. Emily, Danielle, and Frances sat huddled around Emily's phone, replaying a viral video of Fred and Ashley on their recent date.
"I can't stand her," Danielle hissed, her face twisted with jealousy. "She's been stealing the spotlight since the start of the school year."
"And now this?" Frances added, pointing at the video. "She thinks she's so special just because Fred likes her. We should teach her a lesson."
Emily's lips curled into a cruel smirk, but her tone was sharp. "Not tonight. My parents would question why I'm sneaking out. But next Saturday... we'll pay her a visit. We'll give her the humiliation she deserves."
The girls exchanged looks of agreement, their plans set. Emily's mind raced with thoughts of vengeance. Ashley won't know what hit her.
****
Fred arrived home that evening, his mind still on Ashley and the date they had shared. He couldn't shake the lingering urge to kiss her, though he had held back, knowing she wasn't ready for that kind of intimacy.
As he entered the bathroom to freshen up, he tried to push the thoughts aside. The day had been long, and he was eager to sit down for dinner with his family.
When he finally made his way to the dining room, his mother was already there, seated at the head of the table in her wheelchair. The sight of her frail frame always tugged at his heart. She had been battling a severe stroke for years, and her health had only deteriorated over time.
"Fred," his mother began softly, her voice weak but filled with warmth. "It's good to see you."
Fred smiled, taking his seat beside her. "How are you feeling, Mom?"
Before she could respond, a sudden gasp escaped her lips. Her hand clutched at her chest as her face contorted in pain.
"Mom!" Fred shouted, rushing to her side. Panic filled the room as the maids scrambled to help, but it was clear that something was horribly wrong.
Within minutes, the paramedics arrived, but their efforts were in vain. Fred watched in stunned silence as they pronounced his mother dead.
****
The next morning, Fred sat alone in his room, staring blankly at the floor. His mother's death had left a gaping hole in his heart. She had been his anchor, the one person who truly understood him. Now she was gone, and the weight of the world seemed to rest solely on his shoulders.
As tears threatened to fall, his phone buzzed with a message. It was from Ashley.
"I heard about your mom. I'm so sorry, Fred. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here."
Fred stared at the screen, her words offering a glimmer of comfort. For a moment, he allowed himself to hope that, despite everything, he wouldn't have to face his grief alone.