A stalker.
Claudia stepped out of the office, not wanting any security personnel to walk in on her and create a huge scene.
With her hands still clenched into fists, she made her way toward the elevator.
Moments later, she arrived at the company lobby and sluggishly walked outside.
Claudia exhaled loudly, lifting her head to stare at the sky. The day was still bright—it was still very early.
How on earth am I going to get home? she asked herself, letting out a frustrated sigh.
Since moving into Mr. Harold’s mansion, Claudia had been too careless to pay attention to its location. Now, she had no money on her, and even if she did, she wouldn’t know where to go.
Is this some kind of setup between Mr. Harold and Sebastian to kick me out? Claudia wondered, scuffing her feet against the ground. Was Mr. Harold disappointed with how I pleased him last night? And why on earth did I leave my phone in my drawer?
Claudia’s mind spun with questions until, after what felt like forever, she felt the warm touch of a hand on her shoulder.
The unexpected action made Claudia jolt in fright as she spun around to see who it was.
Standing behind her was Sebastian’s friend, Ryan.
“Hey,” Claudia breathed, placing a hand over her chest while forcing a small smile.
Ryan returned the smile. “Hey,” he said smoothly. “I’m Sebastian’s best friend or you could say, his only friend.”
Claudia nodded, raising a brow as she tried to figure out where the conversation was heading and the reason why Ryan had destruct her rails of thought.
“I spoke to Sebastian and asked if he really knew you,” Ryan continued, pausing for a moment. “He said he doesn’t and... and I don’t know you either, but I think you owe me an explanation. Why did you come to see him? You don’t look like the type of girl he usually messes around with. So, are you head over heels for him?”
Claudia scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Head over heels for that jerk?” she repeated sarcastically. “Sebastian and I know each other through family.”
“Oh,” Ryan said, lips forming a small ‘O’ as he nodded, trying to recall if Sebastian had ever mentioned someone named Claudia.
After a short pause, his expression twisted into a scowl. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard Sebastian mention you,” he said slowly. “But since you claim you’re family, that’s a relief. I actually thought you were one of those girls that… well, you know.”
“Pfft.” Claudia scoffed. “I’m not attracted to that kind of person, but it was nice of you to check up on me even though we just met today,” Claudia said gratefully, bowing her head slightly before turning away and walking off.
Ryan smiled, watching her leave.
Claudia hadn’t taken more than a few steps when she paused, lost in thought. Should I ask him for money to take the bus? Would he find it suspicious if I asked for Sebastian’s home address?
She licked her lips and turned back around, forcing a small chuckle as she walked toward Ryan, who hadn’t moved and still had his eyes fixed on her.
“Claudia, right?” he asked, tilting his head slightly, hands tucked in his pockets. His gaze was soft—so soft it made Claudia feel oddly nervous.
She nodded, fluttering her lashes briefly before clearing her throat.
“Umm… well, like I said earlier, I’m a relative of Sebastian. So… do you mind telling me his home address?”
Ryan looked genuinely confused, his brows drawing together. “What do you mean by telling you his address? Are you planning to wait for him at home?” he asked, biting his lower lip to keep himself from laughing.
For Ryan, Claudia’s question only confirmed what he had long suspected—she was one of those girls hopelessly obsessed with Sebastian, maybe even willing to stalk him.
Meanwhile, Claudia lowered her gaze, fiddling with the tips of her nails as she tried to come up with a response.
“Umm… I… I don’t want to wait for Sebastian at home,” she stammered, lifting her eyes to meet Ryan’s. “I want to pay a visit to his dad. Mr. Harold,” she lied.
Ryan smirked and slowly wiped his hand across his lips. “Don’t you have his dad’s phone number?”
Claudia shook her head and drew in a deep breath. “I… I don’t,” she mumbled, her voice barely audible.
Without waiting for another word from Ryan, Claudia turned and began to walk away. She couldn’t stand being in front of Ryan any longer because she knew he would keep pressing with questions that she can’t answer.
I can’t even ask him for money to take the bus, Claudia thought bitterly. He’ll probably bombard me with a thousand questions first.
Her eyes narrowed in frustration.
Besides, why would a handsome guy like that ask so many damn questions? she sneered inwardly, storming down the roadside walkway.
Ryan’s smirk grew wider as he stared at Claudia until she was no longer in sight. I wish she wasn’t one of those girls obsessed with Sebastian, he mused inwardly. I would have definitely shot my shot—she seems like a lovely girl.
With a shake of his head, he turned around and walked back inside the company building.
Claudia continued walking aimlessly until her eyes caught sight of a job poster. It stated that a waiter or waitress was needed.
Maybe I could work and earn some money for transport, she thought, stepping into the restaurant.
It wasn’t fancy, but it had a warm, welcoming vibe and only a few customers inside.
Claudia approached the reception with a small smile. “Hey, good day.”
The receptionist returned the smile. “Good day to you too, ma,” she replied in a friendly tone, instantly putting Claudia at ease.
“I noticed the poster outside and was wondering if you’re still hiring?”
“Oh! Hold on, let me get the manager,” the receptionist said before disappearing through a door at the back.
Moments later, a man in his mid-fifties appeared—he looked like the manager.
Claudia greeted him politely and explained that she was interested in the waitress position. She also asked if she could be paid just for that day, assuring him she was willing to work extra hours.
The manager agreed almost immediately.
They shook hands, and he welcomed her aboard but deep down, he had other plans for Claudia.