"You don't understand, Natasha," Clara said, her voice laced with anxiety.
"I have a bad feeling about this whole business trip. Isn't it suspicious that he chose me out of all the workers who've been with the company for years?"
Natasha leaned against the counter, her expression calm but her eyes sharp.
"Clara, I get it. But maybe you're overthinking things. He might just see something in you, maybe he wants you to prove yourself."
Clara shook her head, her gaze focused on the floor.
"That's what I'm worried about. Why would he pick me when I'm the only one who hasn't been here long?"
Natasha paused, considering this. "It could be an opportunity, you know," she added, her voice lowering.
"You could use this time to find out more, get a sense of what's really going on."
Clara's eyes widened slightly, the idea sparking a new energy in her. "You're right. I could investigate further."
Natasha's face grew serious. "Just be careful. He might seem calm, but I'm telling you, he could be dangerous."
Clara took a deep breath, trying to shake off the weight of the warning.
"I will," she promised.
"I'll keep my eyes open."
---
The days seemed to drag until finally, the trip was upon them.
Clara arrived at the company, her luggage packed and her nerves on edge.
She was the only woman in the group, and it made her feel more exposed.
As they gathered around, Mitchell's eyes flicked over her. His gaze lingered a moment too long, but he quickly averted his eyes.
Why her? Mitchell's thoughts were a tangled mess. Why was she chosen out of everyone? He couldn't shake the feeling of unease.
But he pushed it aside. I'll just keep her company, make sure she doesn't feel out of place.
Yet, as soon as he had the thought, he reprimanded himself. Why do I care if she's alone?
The bus ride to the airport was silent, and Clara couldn't help but notice how quiet everyone was.
The anticipation in the air was palpable, but she could feel an odd tension lingering, as if everyone was waiting for something to happen.
They arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare, passing through security without incident.
The flight was smooth. Business class had its perks, spacious seats, gourmet meals, and an atmosphere that made Clara forget her worries, at least for a moment.
The cityscape of Spain came into view as they descended, its architecture unlike anything Clara had ever seen.
The buildings were intricate, creative, each one telling a story of history and culture.
Clara couldn't help but think of her grandmother's stories about the Alhambra Palace. She had always wanted to see it, but the business at hand wouldn't allow for such distractions. There's no time for sightseeing, she reminded herself.
---
At the airport, the group was met by a cold, professional air. Alexandro stood at the front, his presence commanding. He turned to his personal bodyguard, Tigan.
"Is everything in place at the hotel?"
"Yes, sir," Tigan answered, his voice low and clipped.
Clara couldn't help but notice the subtle tension in Alexandro's demeanor. Something didn't feel right. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Stay alert, she thought.
This trip is more than just business. I need to be careful.
The hotel was luxurious, the staff overly eager to accommodate them.
Clara was led to her room, a suite that felt almost too lavish.
She set her things down, her exhaustion creeping up on her. She collapsed onto the bed, the softness swallowing her up. But even in the comfort of the room, her mind raced.
After a quick scan of the surroundings, she decided to take a shower to clear her thoughts.
When she stepped out, her phone buzzed. Seeing Natasha's name on the screen, Clara quickly answered.
"Hello?"
"Clara! Just wanted to check in. Have you guys made it?" Natasha's voice was upbeat, but Clara could tell there was something more beneath the surface.
Clara sighed. "You're up to something. Just tell me what you want."
Natasha chuckled. "Caught me. I just wanted to know, did you talk to Mitchell?"
Clara groaned, rolling her eyes. "No. We didn't speak. He avoided me the whole trip."
"Hmm, looks like someone's feelings are hurt," Natasha teased, her voice light but knowing.
Clara shot back quickly. "I don't care. I'm focused on other things right now."
"Right," Natasha replied, her tone shifting to something more serious.
"But don't forget, you're there for more than just the trip. You need to find out if Alexandro is connected to your parents' deaths."
Clara's face tightened at the mention of her parents.
"I haven't forgotten," she replied, her voice quieter now.
"His phone has been ringing a lot today. But I'm not jumping to conclusions. It could just be business calls."
"Just be careful," Natasha warned. "You never know who you can trust."
"I will. Talk soon."
---
In another hotel room, Ashley stood by the window, his face lit by the dim light of the street below. He spoke into his phone with quiet intensity.
"I don't know how long we'll be here," he said, his voice low.
"But I'll put my plan into motion tonight. I can't stand their closeness anymore."
"Let me know if you need help," Brooke's voice crackled through the phone.
Ashley smirked, the corners of his lips curling with a sense of purpose.
"I don't need help. This is something I'll handle myself."
He reached into his bag and pulled out a small flash drive, the weight of it feeling heavier than it should.
Tonight, it would cause chaos, disrupting alliances, breaking trust, and creating a web of lies that no one would escape. He couldn't wait.
---
Later that evening, as Clara tried to unwind in her room, she kept replaying Natasha's words in her mind. "Stay alert. Find out what you can. Trust no one".
Outside, the city lights twinkled, offering an illusion of peace. But inside Clara's mind, the tension was mounting.
Something isn't right here, she thought, as she glanced nervously toward the door.
She wasn't sure what would happen next, but one thing was clear: this trip was far more dangerous than she had ever anticipated.