Chapter 3

Clara went quiet, puzzled by Zevko’s attitude. What was he really hiding? Shouldn’t he want the project to succeed? Why did he say he didn’t care?

"What about the meeting this afternoon? We can’t cancel it; it’s too late. Everyone is prepared."

"You know what you have to say. Without my signature, the report isn’t valid."

"Alright, if you’ll excuse me."

Clara left Zevko’s office right away, feeling upset. She had put a lot of effort into the report and checked it many times, but he dismissed it as worthless.

Clara sat quietly, disappointment clear on her face. Soon, her friends came over.

"Clara, how did it go?" asked Emma, already standing beside her.

"What’s wrong, Clara? You look terrible. Did Mr. Zevko scold you?" Melly asked, handing her a canned drink.

"Thanks, Mel," Clara said, opening the can and taking a sip. She glanced at her friends, feeling low. "The report was rejected."

"What? And then?"

"Like it or not, we have to do another survey."

"Another survey?!" Melly and Emma said at the same time. They both looked doubtful, since doing another survey meant they would have to join in too.

"So, when’s the resurvey, Cla?"

"Probably the day after tomorrow. But we’ll discuss it more at the meeting later."

"Honestly, I don’t want to go back there. Just standing at the edge of the forest gave me chills," Emma said, slumping in her seat.

"Me too. The place looks nice, but it feels spooky. What if a werewolf or a vampire shows up? It’s creepy."

"Geez, Mel, you watch too many horror movies."

Clara shook her head as her friends argued. She understood why they were scared. She wanted to share her own bad experience in the forest, but she kept quiet. Zevko had warned her not to say anything, as if he was hiding something out there. Clara was determined to find out what it was.

A few minutes later, Clara entered the meeting room. She had to deliver her report and analysis of the survey she’d conducted the day before.

Clara stood up to present. Zevko sat calmly among the other staff.

At first, Clara presented her analysis well, but she fell silent when answering questions directed at her.

"What’s going on, Clara? Your report is incomplete. Especially about the western area."

Clara paused, glancing at Zevko before answering. "Sorry, sir, yesterday a thick fog descended in that area, so I couldn’t observe it closely."

The manager fell silent, then turned to Zevko. "What do you think, Mr. Volkov?"

"Repeat the survey," Zevko replied without hesitation. "I’ll go down myself to make sure."

"Alright. That area will be developed for recreation, since there’s a river and good rapids there. Coordinate the whole team to work optimally."

Clara glanced at Zevko, wanting to ask something, but he ignored her, busy with the notes on his desk.

After the meeting, Clara rushed to the office café and ordered a coffee to help with her tiredness. Her thoughts were a mess, with too many things to sort out.

"Hey, Clara. Alone? Mind if I join you?"

A man greeted Clara. Without waiting for her answer, he sat down in front of her. It was John, an employee from another division at the same company.

Everyone knew John liked Clara. He often helped her and tried to get her attention. Clara stayed friendly but kept some distance.

"You look exhausted. Your face is pale. Are you sick?"

"No, I’m fine."

"Hmm, Clara, how about I drive you home later? You don’t look well. It’s dangerous to drive yourself."

Before Clara could respond to John’s offer, a cold voice startled them both. "That’s not necessary! Clara has to work late tonight."

Clara and John were shocked. They turned toward the source of the voice. Zevko stood before their table, his expression cold and arrogant.

"But Clara doesn’t look well, sir. Look, she’s pale."

Instead of responding to John, Zevko looked sharply at Clara. "Clara, come to my office. Now."

Having said that, Zevko turned and left the table. Clara glanced briefly at John, then got up and followed Zevko.

Zevko was working at his laptop when Clara walked in. Once again, she noticed the smell of pine and damp earth that always seemed to fill his office. Her friends said his room was just like any other, but she could always sense something different.

Zevko picked up a folder and handed it across the desk. "Finish this. Don’t go home until it’s done."

Clara went quiet, swearing to herself. ‘Damn you, Zev. You’re doing this on purpose.’

Clara took the folder and looked through it carefully, not noticing that Zevko had come to stand right next to her. She jumped when she suddenly felt his warm breath on her forehead.

Clara quickly closed the folder and held it to her chest. She tried to step back, but the wall was behind her. Zevko blocked her in with his arms. He stayed silent, just watching her closely.

"You’re pale. Are you scared? If you can’t handle this project, you’d better resign now. I don’t want weak people on my team."

Zevko spoke softly, but Clara heard every word. What he said cut deep.

"Who says I can’t handle it?" Clara replied, raising her chin to look him in the eye. She stared back at the man trying to intimidate her.

They stayed silent for a moment, staring at each other. Their faces were so close that their breaths mixed.

"Good. In that case, get ready. We’re going back there tomorrow for another survey."

"What? Tomorrow?"

"Why? Are you scared?"

"Didn’t you say the day after tomorrow?"

"The sooner the better. I have to report directly to the Board of Directors. So the resurvey has been moved up. I’ve arranged everything."

"But the team isn’t ready for such short notice."

Suddenly, Zevko’s eyes flashed, and Clara shivered. She could tell he was angry.

"Who told you to bring the team?"

"Then?"

"Just the two of us."

"J-just the two of us?"

"Yes, Clara. Just you and me."