CHLOE
I woke up at dawn, the cool light of the morning filtering through the cracks in my blinds. The air was still and quiet, the soft thud of my heartbeat was the only sound breaking the silence. It was a new day, a day where I prove to everyone that I'm not just some spoilt princess. I was ready.
I had already picked my outfit the night before. It was a white button up shirt with the YSL jacket and corporate trousers. I also put out my cute heel loafers for added elegance and a cute Hermes bag.
Slipping into my new suit, I felt a familiar power of the fabric against my skin. I exited my apartment, my loafers clicking against the pavement as I made my way through the city streets.
"Ms. Dumas!" a voice called out, the sound cutting through my thoughts. I turned to see martin, one of my colleagues, his smile too wide for a Monday morning.
"Good morning martin," I said my tone pleasant yet professional. "I trust you had a pleasant weekend?" I could see the smile on martins face falter at my greeting. I had no time for small talk. Not when I had a big task ahead of me.
"I'm sure you're excited to get stuck into the Patterson case, am I right?" I raised my eyebrow, keeping my expression neutral. "I'm here to work Martin, not indulge in idle gossip." I said feeling annoyed.
I'm not one to enjoy social interactions
His smile faltered for a moment before he recovered, "Of course Chloe. You're always so focused on your work, it's admirable" he said in a genuine tone.
I dismissed Martin with a curt nod, and continued to the top floor. Martin was such a golden retriever. Always needy and clingy. No offense but I hate guys who act like golden retrievers.
*Guyssss this is the author. I love golden retriever guys. I just said that so it would fit her character. Pls don't bite me*
As I strode through the glass doors of Hawthorne enterprises, the familiar buzz of the office greeted me. I ignored the whispers and curious glances from my colleagues, my gaze fixed ahead as I made my way towards the CEO's office.
As I stepped into the elevator, two of my very obnoxious and self-absorbed female colleagues joined me, their faces filled with disgust and resentment "Chloe, I hear you are quite the hotshot lawyer," one of my colleagues said as they stepped into the elevator together. "Must be nice to have Daddy's money to fall back on, huh?" Her tone was laced with disdain.
Just the sight of them irritated me. Thinking they are all that.
I took a deep breath trying so hard not to say what was on my mind. I glanced at them coolly and spoke. "My success has nothing to do with my family background," I replied "It's about hard work and dedication, something I'm sure you know nothing about." The elevator doors opened and she stepped out without a backward glance.
I entered the office of Leonardo Moretti, the CEO of Hawthorne enterprises, with a sense of determined calm. I had worked hard to earn this meeting, and I had no intentions of letting it go to waste.
As he stood up to greet me I could see him properly and I have to say he had some good features. He was tall and imposing, with a steely gaze that could cut grass.
No, I had to remain focused. He's my boss for fuck sake
"Mr. Moretti," I said, my voice steady as I extended my hand. "Chloe Dumas. It's finally a pleasure to meet you." His eyes appraised me, his expression impassive. "Chloe Dumas," he repeated. "I've heard a lot about you. Your reputation precedes you." "I'm honored Mr. Moretti," I replied, keeping my cool demeanor.
I exited his office and made my way through what seemed like a labyrinth of corridors and doors to my new office, a spacious, luxurious space that overlooked the city. I sat at my desk feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over me. I was here because I was the best, not because of who my father was. And that made me happy.
"Chloe Dumas," a voice called out from the doorway, and I looked up to see Leonardo standing there.
Leonardo crossed the room, his eyes fixed on me. He looked me up and down before saying "Remember, loyalty and results are what matter here. Not flash or charm. "
I raised an eyebrow. Taken aback by his statement.
He was just like everyone else. Seeing me as just "Daddy's girl".
I retained my composure and spoke "I understand Mr. Moretti. But don't forget my only loyalty is to the truth and law. And as for results, you'll find my work speaks for itself."
Leonardo nodded, the expression cold and calculating "A pleasure to have you aboard, Ms. Dumas."
Chloe nodded curtly. "I appreciate the warm welcome, Mr. Moretti. If there's nothing else, I'll get started on the Patterson case." I turned away from him, my focus returning to the stacks of paperwork that awaited.
Before he left, I couldn't forget his parting words, "The Patterson case," he had said. "Yes, that should keep you busy." His words lingered in my mind for a few seconds but I didn't pay much attention to it.
The case loomed over me, a tangled web of secrets and intrigue waiting to be unravelled. But I was not afraid. I had faced greater challenges before, and I would conquer this one just as easily. With each page I turned, I felt a small spark of satisfaction. One step closer to the truth.
I worked tirelessly, the hours melting away into a blur of facts and figures. The Patterson family feud ran deep, but I was patient. "Ah, there it is," I murmured, my gaze narrowing as I spotted a small variation in the financial records. A loose thread just waiting to be pulled.
I sat back in my chair, a slow smile spreading across my face.
As I pored over the financial records, my door swung open with a suddenness that jarred me from my focus.
"Chloe, I've got some news that might interest you," Martin said, his face flushed with excitement.
I frowned irritated by the interruption. "Martin, if this isn't important, I really don't have time for idle chatter."
Like why the fuck wouldn't he just leave me alone
His smile faltered for a moment, but he continued. "It's about the case. Something about a new witness"
I leaned forward, feeling more intrigued at what my golden retriever of a colleague had said. A new witness could change everything and I wasn't about to let an opportunity like that slip through my fingers.
"What exactly have you heard Martin?" I asked. He cleared his throat, obviously pleased with himself. "Well it's all rumours at this point, but what I heard is that there's someone who knows about the missing money. Apparently, they've been asked to keep quiet for fear of retaliation."
I narrowed my eyes, my mind already racing. If it's true then that could be a huge lead for us.
The rest of the day passed by in a flurry of activity, my mind whirling with possibilities and strategies. By the time I left the office, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the city creating a serene atmosphere.
As I stepped out into the crisp evening air, I felt a small measure of satisfaction.