The Devil's Possession

Chapter 9

Dome opened the door. It was the private room. "We're staying here?" she asked while looking straight at his face. She noticed the rage from his eyes.

His raven black hair, which glisten in the moonlight illuminating from the window, combed back and his face was serious. His appearance alone was seductive. Claire! What are you thinking!

Dome stopped walking and looked back at her. "You! Are staying here," he gave emphasis to the YOU word.

In that moment she felt her body flushed warm and her face blushed. What was he thinking? "I was referring at this hotel? We are staying the night here?" I'm not asking if we were staying at this room together!

Dome threw her on the bed from embarrassment. "Help yourself here!" he said then rushed out of the room.

"Outch! What were you thinking!" she shouted while massaging her waist. She didn't expect he would throw her. He was gentle one minute ago. Tsk! Jerk!

She remembered the rage and hatred she saw in his eyes earlier. He was really that angry with Mr. Ruwed? Why you're making me think and feel that you care? Why are you doing all this dome?

Knock! Knock!

"It's open!"

Secretary Mic entered with someone. "Ms. Claire I'm Ley, personal doctor of Mr. Dome. I'm here to check on your bruises."

"Thank you but it's not necessary. I'm okay!" she smiled. She troubled everyone from what happened already.

"It's an order from My Lord," Secretary Mic insisted.

While Ley was attending her bruises, secretary Mic told her that when Dome knew that she was kidnapped, he ordered to close the hotel and stopped the party to look for her. He even stopped the private meeting he was in.

Why would he do that? For her? What for? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? She never expected him to care for her that much. That night, Claire slept with unanswered questions on her mind.

___   ___

"Miss Claire, please, I can't be with you unless Jasmine ordered me so," Cindy took back her hand from Claire's grip.

"I told you already, Dome allowed you to go with me. So, come on!" Claire tried to hold her hand again when...

"Where are you two going?" Jasmine suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Cindy became alarmed from her presence, afraid to be punished again. "I was about to go in the kitchen when I accidentally stumbled with Miss Claire. I'm going!" She bowed her head and turned to leave.

"Wait!" Claire stopped Cindy from walking away. She looked straight at Jasmine. "Dome and I had an agreement last time. From now on, Cindy will be my concern." She said that without even blinking.

"Of course! Who am I to question YOUR AGREEMENT with Dome MISS Claire." Jasmine emphasized every word while smiling brightly. "I was just asking as Cindy's friend!"

Claire smiled back at her. She knew Jasmine was acting weird but she was neither afraid nor cared. "Good to hear that MISS Jasmine. Well, if you'll excuse us?"

Claire immediately grabbed Cindy's hand and walked her out of the mansion.

"Come on! I wasn't joking when I said that earlier. Dome really allowed you to be with me. No reason to be afraid of Jasmine anymore," Claire grabbed Cindy's little hand and squeezed it a little, giving her assurance.

Cindy's face brightened, "really?"

Claire nodded and smiled at her. She once questioned herself why she cared so much for this lady. Now she was certain, Cindy reminded her of her old self. How she was so vulnerable, naïve and helpless back then. She wanted to help and give her hope just like what Dome has done to her.

"So, where are we going now, Ma'am?" Cindy asked her excitedly.

Claire chuckled, "no need for you to be that polite! But, you'll see," she winked at her. It was the first time that she saw her smiled like that, it made her heart smile.

___   ___

"This, this, this, and this, this and... this! Fit them!" Claire gave the dresses she choose to Cindy.

"Pardon? But .."

"Uh ah! No more words, just fit them!" Claire pushed Cindy inside the fitting room leaving her no other choice. She stopped herself from laughing from Cindy's reaction.

They were inside the department store. Claire decided to buy Cindy everything she might need. Of course she wouldn't allow her to roam with her using that maid's uniform. She paid everything using her debit card.

Last time, with attorney Rafael's help, she opened her and Xian's savings account, which her parents took care when they were still alive.

President Carlos didn't even disagree with her request. He doesn't have the right anyway!

"Ow! I saw something! I think that would be perfect on you!" Claire grinned while making an 'okay sign'.

"This is already too much Miss Claire," Cindy stopped her from entering another store.

"Come on young lady! Don't be shy!" Claire excitedly grabbed Cindy's arm and pushed her inside.

___   ___

~MARY MAGIC CORPORATION~

With an envelop in her hand, Claire walked confidently with Cindy.

"Are you sure you want to wait for the President Miss Claire?" Ana, the secretary asked her politely. She opened the President's office and let them sit at the guests coach.

"Of course Ana! I used to be here, we'll be okay," she replied.

Everyone in the office, except the newly employed, knew her well. She used to roam and talked to employees when her parents were still alive. The thought made her a bit sad but she didn't let it to affect her.

"Just call me Miss Claire if you need something," Ana prepared them coffee then left.

"You owned this big company Miss?" Cindy asked her when Ana closed the door. She looked at her with awe and admiration.

"My parents built this company from scratch. They worked night and day with their blood, sweat and tears," she replied. They treasured this company too much that's why I wanted to get this back no matter what happens or whatever it takes.

She roamed her eyes. Nothing changed except the wall picture attached beside the President's table. A proud picture of Lemor Family.  The perfect smile of Carlos and Vivian Lemor, MURDERERS!!!

She clenched her fist from anger when suddenly the door opened.

"What brings you here my niece?" President Carlos asked with a fake excitement in his tone.

From a disgusted look, Claire changed her expression into a fake smile before facing the door. She saw her uncle proudly standing beside Maye.

Maye was about to open her mouth when Claire raised her hand to stopped her, " Uh uh! I'm not here for you!" She smirked when Maye glared at her.

"You didn't inform me that your coming so I can tell your aunt to meet you. She really wanted to see you," President Carlos walked pass her and sat at his table.

"Well, I didn't come here for a family reunion. I want a position in the company, I want to work here," she said every word loud and clear. Four year's silence was enough! I wanna get back what's rightfully mine! 

"Wwwwwhat!!! You..." Hearing her request, Maye stood up from the coach and shouted but Carlos stopped her.

He looked straight at her, "last week you demanded to open your savings account that Justin prepared for you when they were still alive but now requesting me to give you a position here in the company? Isn't that quiet absurd!" Carlos stated calmly.

Claire didn't expected him to be that calm. Looks like he didn't want to offend her. Good that you knew your place!

"Well my niece, listen carefully. Isn't because you own a share here that means you could work here anytime you want. Working in a company isn't like babysitting. Look, your just a high school graduate, I'm not even sure if you know how business works." 

He was talking like he was so sure that he could win in this conversation. Claire expected this to happen. It was clear that he was indirectly insulting her.

"Cindy!"

Cindy walked near her and gave her the envelop.

"Mr. President, these are my credentials." She handed the envelop to President Carlos.

He was quiet taken aback but he opened it.

"As you can clearly see, for the past four years, I studied Business Administration abroad and had my business practice at Le Mona Corporation, ranked #2 at the most outstanding corporation in Asia. Don't worry about me uncle, I  ABSOLUTELY KNOW BUSINESS!" she smirked.

"Unbelievable! Your nothing when you left the villa! Don't fool us! These are just a make-believe certificates and credentials!" Maye was furious but President Carlos was quiet. He knew Le Mona well.

"Well, uncle?" Claire didn't look at Maye. She doesn't want to waste her time listening to her rants.

Claire secretly smiled. Scared uncle? I didn't come here unprepared! I will make you regret every second you breath! You and aunt Viv will pay higher than death! Just wait!