The CEO'S VENDETTA

Claire is a woman in her late 20s, with long brown hair and hazel eyes. She's petite, standing at about 5'3", and she has a delicate, graceful build.

She has a warm smile and a bright, friendly face. Her style is casual but stylish, and she always looks put together, even when she's just running errands.

"Welcome Claire Matthews", the speaker boomed, she was unsure if it was her name that was called. She had been called up to receive an award of excellence as the best graduating student of High view college.

Prior to this, she had received several awards from the contest sponsors when she went out to represent her school.

With all these awards, she was so sure to get a high paying job after school.

But life has a different turn it always take

"Not again!" she screamed. "Those were how beautiful my life was, and I hate remembering them" she continued muttering the same words, tears started trickling down her face

She doesn't want to remember when life was all good to her. This makes her feel the whole world betrayed her.

Ever since she got into the university, she faced different challenges, from the moment her dad was sacked from his workplace, all her mum's goods got burnt by some bandits who burgled her warehouse.

Her mum's health hasn't been stable since that particular incident, they've been frequenting the hospital for the past four years.

Her mom, Mrs Karen Matthews' health condition only grew worse, she was diagnosed with severe ischemic stroke.

"Stroke is a condition that can have a significant financial impact, both in terms of the cost of treatment and the long-term costs of care. In the first year after a stroke, the average cost of care is over $30,000, and the costs can continue for years. There are often expensive medications and treatments involved, as well as the costs of ongoing rehabilitation and care. Additionally, many stroke survivors are unable to return to work, which can have a major financial impact"

Reading that on the internet forced Claire to weep loudly. But she had to be strong for her family, as the money deposited for the family use has been spent on Mom.

In order to see herself through school, Claire had to loan some money which was given to her by pulling few strings, the debt of which she couldn't pay back after graduation.

The debt increases when her younger sister, Sarah Matthews gets admitted into high school, Claire after her experiences decided that her sister will live a stress free life.

With this decision, she declares herself to be responsible for her sister's fees and all other expenses.

Only Grace could tell it all, she was Claire's shoulder to cry on, Grace was Claire's best friend from high school.

Poor Grace, all she could do is to try her best to always comfort and cheer her up.

Grace will give her hope and courage based on how brilliant, beatiful and strong she was before all these happened

Claire was the best of her set, and those years were the best years of her days, She is always at the fore front, and that kept all the guys in the school on the run to be a candidate for Claire's love

Everyday is full of gifts and love confessions. But Claire focused on her education and snubs anyone who approaches her for love or friendships beyond hello, how are you...

"Do you remember Jones" said Grace while pouring out tea for Claire.

"You didn't even allow him to land a sentence before you walked out on him, you know you did that for too many people" Grace said as she noticed Claire is not ready for such conversation

"You did that for Alex too and that when he confessed to you after he won a basketball match, you turned a day of joy into embarrassment for him" Grace said as she placed the tea before Claire

"Maybe all these are nemesis for your bad behaviors" she said while maintaining her distance

"Will you really not stop ?" Claire said as she stomp her feet on the ground.

"Thinking won't solve issues, you should drink the tea, get out of here and get a job" Grace said stomping her feet on the floor too

"I'm trying Grace, I am, it's not just working". Claire said as she took the cup of tea and slurp it down

"Your trial ain't just enough, okay, the world hasn't turn it's back on you, you are just not yet in the right place, so you need to go and find the right place and fit in hmm, I will stay here with your mum for a while before leaving" Grace said as she packed up Claire's file stood her up and tried pushing her out of the room

Claire will always be indebted to Grace as it seems she was her manager in high school, a friend in the university and a mother now, she gave a smile as she looks at Grace, she let out the words from her lips "Thank you".

"Thank me with an employment letter" Grace said as she turned her back

Claire chuckled, "she's behaving like the mature one" she said as she smile and walked towards the elevator, deep in thought, she bumped into a man in his 20s.

They bumped into each other as she was lost in thought facing down and he was speaking with another man behind him without concentrating

With the force, she eventually stepped on his shoes and tripped over almost falling, the man grabbed by her hand and pulled her close but couldn't keep his eyes away from her

Getting back to her senses she begged and tries to free herself, she was in the hands of a very handsome man.

"Am really sorry" she said as she bows and take a quick glance at the face of the man in front of her

"It's not entirely your fault" he said as he helped Claire stand on her feet and watch her go into the elevator.

"Isn't that Claire" he mutters to himself as he watch the elevator close

"Are you okay Mr Alex" says Daniel, the man he was talking to before bumping into Claire

"Can you do a background check on her". says Alex as he gave a mischievous smile, "I hope it's not what I am thinking" he said in his mind

"Okay sir, will do". Daniel responded.