Clear

Clear: Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Salut

The elevator doors parted on the thirty-third floor, but I didn't immediately exit. I had to fight my slump against the wall that was greater than my desire to leave the metal lift. Yet, I did it because I had to.

Because I have to.

Devoid of energy, I ignored the replica painting on the wall and paced down the hall. Again, Badone wasn't in her office.

So not much has changed...

But maybe she was in his again. I actually hope she is, so that I know I'm not the only one on this floor with him. But alas, I wasn't a lucky girl. Through his sliver of a window, I could see him and only him. Moving past my disappointment of a missing French woman, I was met with the green-eyed stare through the office window. Underneath that biting stare was a malicious grin.

What is so amusing?

My fingers had already wrapped around the handle, but he immediately waved his index finger at me. He held me there for a few seconds before nodding that I come in. Pursing my lips, I exhaled while quietly sliding into a space I didn't feel comfortable in. My head hung low, and I didn't anticipate on lifting it.

After shutting the door quietly, I muttered to the ground, "Yes?"

Not a second could pass before I heard, "Yes... what?"

Hearing the condescension in his tone, I had to go against my own wishes and lift my head. My eyes were wide as I gawked at him in awe. I couldn't believe my ears; he couldn't be serious. Did he really expect me to succumb to this kind of behavior?

"Ms. Young, I can afford to purchase more subsidiary tech companies. So what is my name?" he pushed.

My expression was blank, and my lips were slightly apart as I was still reveling in disbelief. After firing me and then knowing I didn't have too many quick options outside of this job, this is how he chose to treat me. I felt low already, but I didn't think I wouldn't be able to feel like nothing at all in front of him.

Worthless is the word I'm looking for.

I lowered my head, and blinked once to fight the pricking.

My voice was weak and it cracked, "Mr. Leoné, how may I be of assistance to you?"

I clasped my hands behind my back to stop them from shaking.

"Ada," he softly called. His voice didn't sound so amused anymore.

"Yes... Mr. Leoné?" I whimpered.

His silence was forcing me to regard him again. Again, there was that look on his face; it was identical to what I saw the last time we caught sight of if each other. It was clear that he didn't know what to say. There wasn't anything for me to return even if he had something for me. But with all of this anger inside, I was too tired to think on it. It didn't matter what he was thinking. I just wanted this horrible day to come to an end.

He turned his eyes down to his desk and faintly questioned, "How has your first day back been so far?"

"I have a lot of work... to catch up on," I answered with irritation.

Shame-filled eyes took another glance at me. "What are you doing for lunch?"

Narrowing my eyes, I scoffed at his nerve. I took in a breath before angrily sighing, "I've been invited to have lunch with Chris and Renee. I suppose it is a 'Welcome back' lunch."

As an uncontrollable lull took over the room, I returned my attention to my feet.

"Do you want to return back to your desk?" he muttered.