Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

The other execs had come in ready to make Clara's life difficult, maybe score themselves an easier time on some projects. But after watching Aliyah take such a dramatic fall, everyone immediately sat up straight, not daring to say another word.

Aliyah's forehead was slick with sweat as she dropped to her knees, the sound echoing in the room.

Everyone knew how serious it was to plant a mole near the CEO. If Dylan found out, Aliyah would be out on her ear in seconds.

Worse, she'd tried to take advantage of the situation for her own gain-making things even worse for herself.

"Mrs. Ferguson, I—I just wasn't thinking. Please, don't tell the CEO. I swear it won't happen again."

Clara just turned to Aiden. "Is there a replacement lined up for her position? And fire the one from Palm Bay too."

It wasn't about being heartless; it was about the rules. Palm Bay had a strict policy: no leaking anything about Dylan, period. If you're making that much, the least you can do is keep your mouth shut. If Aliyah had gotten away with her scheme, using info from that staffer, Dylan could have lost millions. Clara wasn't about to take that risk.

A mistake was a mistake. If you couldn't handle the job, there were plenty of people who'd step up.

Aliyah looked desperate now, completely thrown by Clara's coldness.

"Clara, I've been with Ferguson Corporation for twenty years! Even if you want me gone, don't you think you should at least check with Mr. Dylan?!"

She pushed herself off the floor, chest heaving.

"I only ever called you Mrs. Ferguson out of respect for him. Who knows how you landed that title? What if he gets bored of you one day and tosses you out? Have you ever thought about what happens then? Don't be so ruthless-you'll only bring karma down on yourself!"

Clara couldn't help but laugh, actually amused. "Maybe you're right about karma, but Aliyah, it looks like yours arrived early. Aiden, get security."

Three guards rushed in and whisked Aliyah away.

The whole top floor had seen Clara walk into the office, and less than half an hour later, Aliyah was being dragged out. The gossip exploded.

"Did you hear? Aliyah pissed off Clara and got fired!"

"She actually has the authority for that? No way-didn't Aiden try to stop her?"

"I heard someone was eavesdropping outside. Apparently, Aliyah tried to embezzle millions while the CEO was out and Clara caught her. Palm Bay was involved too. Didn't catch all the details, but Clara's got some serious skills."

"I used to work in her department. Honestly, I always thought she was really impressive, but nobody ever believed me."

The company group chat was blowing up-everybody was talking about Clara.

But inside Clara's office, it was dead silent. After Aliyah got dragged out, the rest of the execs sat

stick-straight, afraid even to breathe too loudly, terrified their reports weren't detailed enough.

Only Conlan looked pleased, grinning like he'd just won the lottery.

He couldn't help the smugness. Watching everyone else so nervous now-after

they'd laughed at him for trying to get on Clara's good side-was pure satisfaction.

Now they knew: Clara wasn't just a figurehead. She had real power. And the CEO was crazy about her.

Clara went over everyone's reports, signing off on each with a calm, steady voice. "While I'm covering for Dylan this month, I expect you to treat me just like you'd treat him. Don't even think about slacking. In some ways, I might be tougher than he is. He needs rest, and¶m not letting my own mistakes cause him trouble."

Everyone nodded like bobbleheads. "Yes, Mrs. Ferguson, whatever you say. We'll do our best."

"Absolutely, the CEO deserves a break after all these years."

"He's a lucky man to have you by his side."

Clara barely reacted to their flattery and waved them off. "Go do your jobs."

As soon as the door closed, the group crowded around Conlan.

"Come on, Conlan, you knew about all this, didn't you? Just sat back and watched us embarrass ourselves."

"Yeah, we've always treated you well. You actually kept something this big to yourself?"

Conlan lifted his chin, grinning, but shrugged. "Hey, it wasn't my place to say. The CEO told me to keep quiet. Now that everyone knows, let's just get back to work. The lady's here now-no more secrets. Sorry, guys."

He said sorry, but his whole face said, "I told you so."

The others muttered, but there wasn't much they could do. At this level, everyone was always watching their own back-sometimes even a single layoff could spark a fight. Real friends were rare.

Clara stayed at Ferguson Corporation until late afternoon. Aiden had to duck out for a while for his own work.

When he finally got back to his desk, he saw the CEO's social media post and almost choked.

He took a deep breath, shot off a quick summary of Clara's performance, and sent

it over.

He swore, he'd never seen Dylan reply so fast.noveldrama