CHAPTER 26

After Clara left Ralph's office, her eyes darted to Ralph’s office door every few minutes as she sat at her office desk.

Her mind was filled with thoughts of him, and she found it increasingly difficult to focus on her work. Ralph’s confidence, intelligence, and quiet strength had captured her attention from the moment he walked into the company. She found him incredibly handsome, and there was something about his demeanor that made her heart race.

Later that day, as the office began to quiet down, Clara seized the opportunity to confide in her closest colleague, Amanda. They sat together in the break room, the hum of the vending machine providing a steady background noise to their conversation.

“Amanda,” Clara began with her voice low and conspiratorial, “I need to tell you something.”

Amanda looked up from her phone, intrigued. “What’s up, Clara?”

Clara glanced around to ensure no one else was within earshot. “I really like Mr. Thompson. I mean, I really, really like him.”

Amanda’s eyes widened in surprise. “Mr Thompson? The new assistant manager?”

Clara nodded with a dreamy expression on her face. “He’s just so handsome and intelligent. I’ve never met anyone like him before.”

Amanda chuckled. “He’s definitely a catch. But what are you going to do about it?”

Clara leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I’m going to do everything within my power to get him to sleep with me.”

Amanda raised an eyebrow. “Are you serious? You’ve only known him for a few days.”

“I know, but I can’t help it. There’s just something about him,” Clara said, her cheeks flushing with excitement. “I’ve been dropping hints, but he’s so focused on work. I need to find a way to get his attention.”

As they continued their conversation, neither of them noticed Zen passing by the break room. He slowed his pace, his ears perking up at the sound of Clara’s voice. Her words hit him like a punch to the gut. Clara, the woman he had been trying to woo for months, was talking about another man—a man she had known for only a few days. And not just any man, but a lower-class man like Ralph!

Zen clenched his fists with a surge of jealousy coursing through him. He had always admired Clara from afar, her beauty and intelligence making her the object of his affection. He had tried everything to win her over, but she had never given him the time of day. And now, here she was, falling for a lowlife like Ralph!

This made Zen hate and resent Ralph even more. "I can't wait to see that bastard leave this company in utter shame and regret!" He muttered under his breath.
*********
Nina could hardly contain her excitement when she returned home from work that evening. She found Ralph in the kitchen, cooking dinner, and practically burst through the door with the news. "Ralph! You'll never guess what happened today!"

Ralph turned to her, a smile already forming on his lips. "What is it?"

Nina took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Julie and I have been picked for the Head of the Publicity Department at Johnson Associates! There’s going to be a nomination tomorrow, and whoever wins will get a mansion, a company car, more holidays, and a huge salary increase!"

Ralph’s eyes widened with delight. "That’s fantastic, Nina! This could really turn things around for us."

"I know!" Nina beamed. "I’m sure I’ll get it. I have a better edge than Julie. Everyone knows how hard I’ve worked and what I’ve achieved."

Ralph hugged her tightly. "I’m so proud of you, Nina. You deserve this."

The evening passed in a blur of celebratory anticipation. Nina felt a surge of confidence and optimism that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. This promotion could be the breakthrough they desperately needed, especially now that Ralph had almost lost everything!

However, as the night wore on and Nina was preparing for bed, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw Julie’s name flashing. Frowning, she answered. "Hello?"

Julie’s voice was cold and direct. "Nina, I need you to step down from the nomination."

Nina’s heart skipped a beat. "What? Why would I do that?"

"Because if you don’t," Julie said, her tone icy, "I’ll reveal your secrets to the world. Every. Single. One."

Nina’s blood ran cold. "What secrets are you talking about?"

"Don’t play dumb," Julie snapped. "I know about everything. The affair with Charlie, the abortions, the hidden child. I have proof, Nina. Think about Ralph and your family. If this comes out, you’ll lose everything."

Nina’s hand shook as she clutched the phone. She tried to keep her voice steady. "You wouldn’t dare."

"Try me," Julie replied. "You have until tomorrow morning to make your decision. Step down quietly, or I’ll make sure everyone knows the real you."

The line went dead, leaving Nina in a state of shock. She sank onto the edge of the bed, her mind racing. If Julie followed through on her threat, everything she had worked for would be destroyed. Ralph, her family, and her career are all gone.

Nina spent a sleepless night, torn between her desire for the promotion and the fear of her secrets being exposed.

How would she step down just like that when she knew she was close to getting what she had worked for for many years?!
MY DEVILISH TWIN
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