All Chapters of Claim It—If You Dare: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

The moment my fingers touched the keyboard, I heard someone sobbing loudly behind me. "Evelyn, I could overlook you stealing my bonuses and clients, but I've finally gotten a chance to secure a full-time position. Why would you steal my reception plan and claim it as your own?"Please, don't take this from me, too. I'll give you all my future sales once I get hired full-time, okay?"When I remained silent, Claire Sutton's waterworks started once more.She wasn't loud, but she was far from quiet. Honestly, she was just loud enough that everyone in the office could hear her.And they all knew one thing—this reception plan was tied to a $300 million contract.When the chair, Eleanor Bennett, had held the meeting, she had made it abundantly clear that whoever secured the major client from Qamaria would not only receive a promotion and a raise, but also a share of the company's stock.My proposal had been selected because management trusted me and because of the years of experience

Oh, how kind of Clare. Due to her generous offer, I decided to let her enjoy her sweet dream a little longer.The food station was on the basement level. There were no desks and no computers, just a row of stainless-steel racks and stacks of white plates.My assigned task was simple—serve food. As it happened, I was one of the servers for today's luncheon.Claire made a special trip downstairs to the food station just to check the menu. She even posed for a photo with the greasy roast suckling pig and posted it on social media.The caption read, "Everything is ready. Now, we're just waiting for our honored guest."Damian commented underneath, "You're the best."I sneered, took a screenshot, and saved it to my photo album.…The client arrived at 11 a.m. sharp. Applause and music drifted down from the banquet hall upstairs.Claire had hired a live band for 80,000.Damian gave a speech onstage. His voice filtered through the floor to the basement, muffled and indistinct.I cro

I sidestepped the rabid Claire, causing her to lunge at empty air and crash to the floor.I crouched down and met her eyes, a faint smile tugging at my lips."Claire, I let it slide when you said I stole your clients and your bonuses. I let it slide when you said I stole your ideas. I also let it slide when you made me apologize in front of everyone and give up my position as director to you."I rose to my feet. My voice was calm and steady as if I were just commenting on the weather, drawling, "But don't you know? You should always back away from someone holding a stick of dynamite because you don't want to get blown up yourself. "So, what was I supposed to do when someone insists on snatching it away and hugging it to their chest?"Claire lay sprawled on the floor, trembling from head to toe. Damian stood beside her, his face ashen. He couldn't say a word.I turned and headed for the door.As I passed Damian, I paused and glanced at him. "Oh, and one more thing. We're through

I was so shocked that my brain blue-screened."That's impossible." I heard my own voice as if it were coming from far, far away. "I grew up in an orphanage. I've checked countless times…"Eleanor swallowed before saying, "The company was in trouble years ago. I was caught unawares and drugged because of it. I went into premature labor… My baby was taken away right after she was born." Her eyes were red, but she fought to keep the tears from falling. "I've been looking for you for 25 years. The paternity test came back last month. Still, I knew who you were the moment you applied for a job here."I remembered the day of my interview like it was yesterday. Eleanor had personally interviewed me, even though I was just there for an ordinary marketing position. Everyone had found it strange.I'd assumed I just got lucky. Now, I knew the truth."Did you arrange it so that I'd be hired here?""No. You got the job fair and square. I just… didn't interfere." Eleanor's voice shook as s