Chapter 88: Chapter 88

Andrea

“I don't want to speak in front of strangers.” She said, looking at me, “Leave!” She ordered.

“Why should I?”

I think it was time I stood up to her less she thinks I am some pushover.

Her eyes widened in surprise. I have never spoken to her in such a tone before. Yes, I wanted my relationship with Alejandro to be a secret, and I know I shouldn't try to push him to interfere, but I honestly don't want him to interfere.

“What did you say? It seems you don't know your place, and you need to be reminded,” she said, her voice filled with disdain.

“I don't. You met me engrossed in an important discussion with my boss; you can't just butt in and tell me to get out.” I said. Her face reddened with anger, “and I think it is you who needs to be reminded of your place.”

Alejandro had a slight smile on his face in support of my outburst.

Clara's lips trembled in anger as she tried to speak. She couldn't form a coherent word. She turned to Alejandro, her chest heaved up and down.

“Alejandro, fire her. You can't just watch her speak to me in such a manner; it's demeaning.” She whined.

I stared at Alejandro, daring him to interfere. “Clara, Anna is right. You can't just ask her to leave.” He reasoned.

“You can't be serious, Alejandro,” Clara said, looking between Alejandro and me. Sensing that Alejandro was not going to take her side, she stood up rashly and stared at me, “You think you can speak to me in such a manner because you deluded yourself that you are so important to Alejandro and he will not get rid of you?” She let out a low mocking laugh and continued.

“You forget you are but a pauper, a piece that can easily be disposed of and replaced. You are no match for me. So don't even dream of speaking to me in such a tone and not getting punished.”

I felt a rush of adrenaline surge through me, but I refused to be frightened by such baseless threats. I stood forward, meeting her gaze with the same intensity, “I may be poor, but I am not less than you. Do whatever you want, and watch me retaliate,” I said

“I wonder which madman let you in,” I said underneath but loud enough that she heard what I said.

She clenched her black Louis Vuitton bag tightly, “Alejandro, you heard her right?” She turned to Alejandro, her voice dripping with anger.

“Heard what?” Alejandro asked, and I almost laughed; I am sure he heard me. She seemed to know Alejandro was pretending, too.

She crossed her hands over her chest and turned to Alejandro, “is it her or me?” She asked. She tapped one foot impatiently on the floor.

“Her or you on what?” Alejandro asked, his patience with her seemed to be on its brim.

“Who leaves, her or me?” She repeated her question, her voice louder and clearer this time.

Alejandro didn't look between us, not contemplating, before picking up the telephone on the table. “Come up here.” He instructed the security on the other end.

Clara smirked at me and walked towards the chair at the side. She sat and crossed one leg over the other and said, “Just wait. Let's see how you get thrown off this building.” She had a smug look on her face.

I said nothing as I stood waiting for the security personnel to come into the office. I was very sure she would be thrown off. She has overestimated her relationship with Alejandro, not realizing it was as fragile as anything could be.

In less than two minutes, there was a firm knock on the door. “Come in,” Alejandro said.

The door pushed open, and a man in black uniform stepped in. Clara leaned out of her chair, ready to dish out instructions to the security man, but he ignored her completely and bowed to Alejandro in respect.

“It seems you've gotten a job somewhere else,” Alejandro said, and the man's eyes widened, not sure what Alejandro was talking about.

“Have you?” Alejandro asked.

“No, sir.”

“Then why aren't you doing your job properly?” Alejandro asked. The man knew better than to argue with Alejandro.

“I'm sorry, sir.” He apologized, though he was yet to know what he did wrong.

“Escort this young lady out,” his voice was firm as he ordered, and the security man moved close to Clara, whose brows furrowed, “Alejandro, you can't be serious.” She thundered from her seat.

“And the next time you allow her in without permission or a planned meeting with me will be your last day in this company.”

“You can't throw me out,” Clara stood looking at the security man who respected her enough not to hold her by her arm and pull her out.

“Alejandro, I am one of the major shareholders in this company. You can't just throw me out.” She paused in the realization that  Alejandro had picked me over her.

“Get her out.” Alejandro was deaf to whatever she was saying.

The security man moved to hold her but she raised her hand stopping him in his tracks. “I'll go out myself.” She turned to Alejandro, “I hope you don't regret this.”

“Don't let the door hit you behind.”

Clara glared at me, and I sent her a smile of triumph. She gritted her teeth and stepped out. I don't care if she comes back at me; I have never been one to run away from a good fight.

The office went back to how it was before her arrival.

There was no need to mention what had just happened, “the meeting is two hours away.” I told Alejandro, who closed the file he was reading, “The proposal is fine.” He handed me the file, “Email this to the legal director.” He said.

I nodded slightly before stepping out.