Chapter Eleven

Philip POV:

I sat in my car, waiting patiently outside a club for a particular person to come out.

I had hired someone to do some background checks on Clinton's fiancée.

After what felt like forever, Elena stepped out of the strip club in obnoxiously high heels and what seemed to look like a bikini.

I stepped out of the car and took a picture of her before setting my phone to recording.

"Hey," I said.

She turned around and didn't seem to recognize me. "Hey, handsome," she replied in a sultry voice and ran her fingers across my tux. The disgust I felt knew no bounds.

Her face looked like she got hit by a make-up truck.

"Don't you recognize me?" I asked.

"You look familiar. Have we…you know?" She wiggled her brows.

"No, never," I replied, and the smile disappeared from her face. "Well, since you don't remember, I'm Philip, Clinton's friend."

Her eyes widened in shock.

"Did you think we wouldn't find out that you're a stripper or you're only after his money?" I smirked.

"He's not going to believe you. Bryan tried to tell him, but I shut him up and I'd do the same thing to you if you don't shut up about it," she smirked.

"Bryan? What has Bryan got to do with this?" I asked, pretending to be clueless about the whole situation.

"He was going to tell Clinton what he knew, so I shut him up," she said with pride.

"Shut him up? How exactly did you shut up?" I asked.

"There's no way I'm telling you that. If you're going to tell Clinton that I'm a stripper and I only want him for his money, he's not going to believe any of you. Bye." She waved and walked away.

We're going to see about that. I went back into my car and saved the recording.

I dialed Bryan's number and he picked at the third ring. "Meet me at Clinton's house. If you get there before me, wait."

"All right."

I ended the call and started the ignition. There was no way Clinton wasn't going to believe us, except he was extremely whipped.

I arrived at Clinton's house and pressed the doorbell. Clinton came to open it.

"Hey, man." I patted his shoulders and went in.

"Is there a party or what?" Clinton asked.

Bryan was already here. "Clinton, sit. We have something to tell you," I said with a serious face.

Clinton frowned and took a seat. "Is there a problem?" he asked.

"It's about your fiancée. First of all, did you know she works at a strip club?"

I took out my phone and showed him the picture.

Clinton stared at it for a long time and didn't say anything.

"Bryan, tell him your side of the story."

Bryan narrated his side of the story and Clinton was shocked.

I played the recording and he listened carefully until it was over.

Clinton brought out his phone and made a call. "Listen up, Elena. You and I are done. The wedding has been called off!" He said and ended the call before she could say anything else. He palmed his face before he looked at us. "Thank you for telling me."

"Anything for you, man," I assured him. "You good?"

"I feel so stupid. This was happening right under my nose, and I had no idea."

"Don't think too much about it. What is done is done. Move on," I said.

We all knew how much he loved Elena even though none of us liked her. I didn't like seeing Clinton like this.

Bryan left later saying he had work to do. I stayed back to spend the night at Clinton's house.

***

Philip POV:

I arrived at the office the next day. Zoe wasn't at her desk. I was going to scold her when she returned.

There was a knock on the door. "Come in."

The door opened and the financial secretary, Mr. Barnes walked in.

"Good morning, sir," he greeted.

"Good morning," I replied. "Have your seat."

"Thank you, sir," he said as he took his seat. "I'm afraid we have a huge problem, sir," Mr. Barnes began.

"What's the problem?" I asked.

"A case of missing funds," he replied.

"What? How much? When did this happen?"

"Fifty million dollars. It happened yesterday, around closing time. We traced the transaction to the General secretary's computer."

"Zoe? She would never do something like that. Our security is top notch. How did this happen?"

"The culprit is among us," Mr. Barnes replied.

"It can't be Zoe. Never! Have you checked CCTV footage?" I asked.

"They told us they'll get back to us once they find something."

"The culprit has to be very good with computers, Zoe is not."

"We can't be too sure. I have to go, sir. Once we find anything, we'll get back to you."

"No problem. Tell Zoe I want to see her."

"Okay, sir."

Mr. Barnes left and a few seconds later, Zoe came in.

"You asked to see me, sir?" She asked.

"Have your seat, Zoe."

She frowned and walked to the seat across mine. "Is there a problem, sir?" Zoe asked.

"Some funds went missing and it was traced to your computers…"

"My computer? Only a tech guy can do something like that and I'm not a tech guy."

"I know you didn't do it but until the investigation is done, and the culprit is found, I have to suspend you."

"I'm fired!"

"I said suspended, Zoe."

"Effective from today?" She asked.

"Effective from this minute. I'll let you know when they want to question you. Don't be scared," I said when I saw the fear on her face. "I know you didn't do this. We're going to find the real culprit and you'll resume work, okay?"

"Okay." She stood up and walked out of my office dejectedly.

A piece of my heart shattered. I'll find thar bastard who did this and make him pay!

***

Zoe POV:

I couldn't believe my ears when Philip informed me, I was suspended. It was comforting to know that he was on my side, because there was no way I could do something like that.

"Where are you heading to?" Will asked as he appeared in front of my table.

"Home," I replied dejectedly.

"I heard about the missing funds. I heard they have a suspect."

"They think it's me."

"No way. There's no way you would do something like that. Wait, were you fired?" Will asked with worry in his eyes.

"No, I was suspended. Mr. MacArthur believes me though."

"Phew! That's a relief. Don't worry, they're going to catch the real thief and you'll return to work. Don't worry too much about it, okay? Come here."

Will pulled me into a comforting hug and patted my back. "Everything will be fine," he assured me as he broke the hug.

"Thank you," I told him.

"I have to get back to work. I'll call you when I get home," he said before he left.

I packed the rest of my stuff and was about to head out when I realized I hadn't seen or heard from Martin. There was no way he didn't hear about this. I shrugged it off and knocked on Philip's door.

"Come in."

"I'm leaving, sir."

"No problem. Take care of yourself," he replied without looking up from his screen. Did Philip just say take care of yourself?

I closed the door and took the elevator downstairs. I walked out of the building and went straight into my car. I didn't have time to stop and chit-chat or explain anything to anyone. I started the ignition and headed home.

"You're home early. Is there a problem?" Aunt Emilia asked as soon as she opened the door.

"It's a long story."

I went in and plopped down on the couch.

"What's the problem?" She asked.

"Something that has to do with missing funds. They think I did but my boss knows I didn't, still I'm suspended until the investigation is over," I said in one breath.

"Don't worry. Everything will get sorted out. Are you hungry?" Aunt Emilia asked.

"No, I'm good," I replied.

I went upstairs, took a shower, and changed into comfortable clothes. I dialed Amy's number and she picked on the fourth ring.

"Hey, girl. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine," I replied.

"Is there a problem?" Amy asked.

"I got suspended." I told her.

"You got suspended? Why?" She asked.

Once again, I explained everything to her.

"That's so sad. Don't worry, they'll catch the real thief. Do you need company?"

"Aren't you at work?" I asked.

"No, I got a one week leave. I'll come over in an hour."

"Bring chips with you. We have a lot of catching up to do."

"No problem. See you later," she ended the call.

Maybe this suspension wasn't so bad after all.

Amy arrived as she promised, Aunt Emilia was so happy to see her. We hadn't had time to hang out because we were so busy with work. She brought some chips with her, and we went straight to catching up.

"So have you met someone?" I asked.

"Did you put a spy camera on my purse or what?"

"Oh, so you met someone! Who is he? Come on, spill."

"Okay, okay. So, I met him at a coffee shop about three weeks ago. We've gone on a few dates, we've kissed twice but he hasn't asked me out yet," Amy said with excitement in her eyes.

"Aww. What's he like?" I asked.

"Larry is so sweet. His hair and his caramel skin are to die for. And his eyes, I could stare at them forever. He's a good listener and he's so calm. What about you? What about your love life?"

"Don't mock me, please."

Amy threw her head back in laughter and almost fell off the bed.

"I wish you fell off."

"But I didn't. Are you still head over heels in love with your boss? What's his name again? McDonalds?" She joked.

"Ha-ha, very funny. His name is Philip MacArthur and I'm not head over heels in love with him. It's just a feeling that doesn't need a name," I defended.

"Whatever you say, girl. Whatever you say. It's good he has your back on this, though," she added.

"See, he can be so sweet too."

"Yeah, sure."

"Dinner is ready, guys!" Aunt Emilia hollered from the living room.

"Dinner?" Amy and I asked simultaneously.

"How long have we been talking?" I asked as we got out of bed.

We helped Aunt Emilia set the table and we sat down to eat. We heard a knock on the door after we blessed the food.

"Are you expecting anyone?" I asked Aunt Emilia.

"No," she replied.

"I'll go get it," Amy offered.

She opened the door. "Good evening," she said to the person.

I heard a familiar voice. "Good evening. I'm looking for Zoe." Philip?

I stood up and appeared at the door in a split second. "Philip? I mean, Mr. MacArthur. What are you doing here? Umm, come in."

"No, don't worry. I'll leave very soon. So, we found the culprit which means you can resume work tomorrow."

"Whoa, that was fast. Who did it?" I asked.

"Martin Conor. That bastard has been planning this for years, but he couldn't do it right."

"Martin?" I couldn't believe my ears. Why would Martin do something like that?

"I'll explain in detail tomorrow. See you tomorrow. Say hi to your aunt for me."

"Good night, sir."

"Good night."

Philip went back into the car. Mark waved from the car, and I waved back, and they zoomed off. Why did he have to come all the way to my house to tell her that?

"Oh my God, he's way cuter in person. I see why you're smitten," Amy wiggled her brows.

"Who was that?" Aunt Emilia asked as we returned to the dining room.

"My boss," I replied. "I can resume work tomorrow."

"That was fast. He drove here to tell you that?" Aunt Emilia asked and I nodded. "What a thoughtful boss."

"And a cute one too," Amy chipped in.

I rolled my eyes, and we began to eat. As I ate, I tried to figure out why Martin would do something like that. Philip said he had been planning this for years. Did he use me to get into the company? Tomorrow, I would get my answers ***

Zoe POV:

I walked into the building smiling from ear to ear. I took the elevator upstairs and arrived at my desk. I sat on my swivel chair and swirled it around.

"Zoe." Philip drew me out of my moment of glee. How did he get to work before me?

"Oh. Good morning, sir," I sprang to my feet.

"Good morning." He replied and took the seat across mine. "Where did you meet Martin?"

"At a grocery store. He said he was new in the area and all that," I replied.

"That was a lie. Martin's father, Murray Conor, used to work here when my dad was still in office. He and some other people made a terrible mistake that caused the company a lot of money, so they were fired. Martin wanted to get revenge. He says we sent his family into the mud after we fired his father. Be careful, you can't trust everyone. You let him too close, and he was able to access your computer. Don't make that kind of mistake again, Zoe."

"Yes, sir."

Philip stood up. "My coffee," he reminded me before he went back into his office.

"Okay, sir."

I made his coffee and took it to his office. I placed it on his table and left.

Everything was back to normal, and I was so grateful.

***

The moment Philip walked out of his private elevator, he had been acting extra cranky. I was used to this side of him but this time, I couldn't stand him.

I plopped down on my chair after returning from his office.

"Hey Zo."

I opened my eyes to see Dani taking the seat across mine.

"Hey, Dani."

"You look like you're about to quit your job," Dani said. "Did Mr. MacArthur do something?"

"He's acting like he's on his period. He's been extra cranky since he walked out of his elevator."

Dani threw her head back in laughter. "I'm glad I don't have to deal with that."

"I'll get through this without poisoning him," I said, and she couldn't hold back her laughter.

"So, have you seen the new guy in the Finance department?" Dani asked as she leaned forward.

"There's a new guy? I don't even know the faces of all the workers and more keep coming."

"He's very friendly, he made quite a few friends in just a few days of his arrival. You know, he was asking about you the other day," Dani wiggled her brows.

"He knows me?" I asked with a frown.

"Yeah, he does," she replied.

"What was he asking about?"

"Your name, he asked if you were friendly, I can't remember the others. But it seems he likes your cute ass," Dani grinned.

"Well, I'm taken," I told her.

"By whom? Girl, you have been single since the day you were born."

"What? That's not true. I've dated in the past," I defended.

"So, what happened now?"

"I'm too busy for that, I have a lot on my table, and I don't have time for a relationship right now."

"Whatever you say, girl. I have to get back to work. Bye," she stood up and adjusted her dress.

"Bye."

Once again, I was left alone. I told myself that I should go downstairs or Dani's or Will's office more often.

"Um, hello." I heard a masculine voice and I looked up to see an unfamiliar face.

"Hello. How can I help you?"

"Dani said I could find Zoe here," he replied. His voice was deep and rich. He was caramel-skinned with curly hair.

"I'm Zoe," I informed him.

"Oh, hey. I'm Kevin, the new guy." He walked over to my desk and stretched out his hand.

I took it. "Nice to meet you, Kevin. You can have a seat," I offered.

"I'll leave very soon. I was wondering if we could, you know, take our lunch break together…with Dani and Will too."

"Sure, no problem," I told him.

"All right, then, see you at lunch." Kevin smiled before he walked away.

I knew Dani was already playing matchmaker. To be honest, I wasn't ready for another relationship. I tried to tell myself it wasn't because I was in love with my boss.

Lunch came in the blink of an eye, and I was at my favorite spot with Dani, Will and Kevin. Kevin was a fun and sweet guy that any woman in her right mind would want. Tall, handsome, caramel skin that shone like the sun, brown eyes, dark curly hair, and above all else, a gentleman. Kevin was a complete package, but I just wasn't there. Friendship was the only thing I could offer any guy right now.

We finished up our meal and returned to work.

"So, what direction is your house? Can I give you a ride home after work?" Kevin asked as we approached the building.

"Don't worry about that. I have a car," I replied.

"Oh, okay. That's cool. I haven't gotten your number yet," he reminded me. He brought out his phone and I put in my phone number. I remember Philip's advice about letting people too close and I shoved it aside.

We took the elevator, and everyone went their separate ways.

I had nothing to do, I wanted to go over to Dani or Will's office, but I remember how cranky Philip had been all morning, and I thought against it. Then again, he wasn't cranky anymore and I don't think he was going to mind. I took out my phone and I had a notification from Instagram—Kevin had followed me. He was shooting shots pretty fast. Was I giving him the green light without knowing? I hadn't made it clear to him that I only wanted to be friends. Then again, it was just a follow, maybe I was reading too much meaning into the entire situation. No doubt he was a nice guy, maybe he was just being nice. Overthinking situations had always been my superpowers.