Chapter 17- Sandra's Kindness
205 Words
The next morning, exhaustion clung heavily to Clara.
She barely slept.
The hotel room felt suffocating, and the constant online gossip made everything worse.
At work, she tried focusing on contracts while ignoring the stares around her.
That’s when Sandra approached her.
Sandra Vale worked in the finance department and had always acted strangely sweet toward Clara.
Too sweet.
“You look exhausted,” Sandra said sympathetically.
Clara forced a small smile. “Long night.”
Sandra leaned closer slightly. “I heard about your apartment situation.”
Clara immediately stiffened. “How does everyone know everything?”
Sandra laughed softly. “This company feeds on gossip.”
Unfortunately…
that was true.
Sandra lowered her voice. “My cousin owns luxury apartments downtown. Cheap too. I could help you get one.”
Hope flickered briefly inside Clara.
“Really?”
“Of course. Girls should help each other, right?”
Clara hesitated.
Something about Sandra always felt slightly off.
But she was desperate.
And exhausted.
And running out of options.
So against her better judgment…
she agreed.
Sandra smiled brightly. “I’ll send you the address tonight.”
Across the office, Sophia watched the interaction carefully.
And smiled but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
- Writer
