Temptress

Without knocking on the door, Ellie James helped herself into her best friend's office. Like always, her bestie was seated on the chair behind the huge mahogany desk. Her attention was on the work she was doing on her iMac and beside the desktop was a file that contained some important papers.

"You need to get a life, babe, " Ellie said as she walked further into the luxurious office.

"I will, as from tomorrow, " Arianna replied, not taking her eyes away from the computer. There was only one person who was welcomed to Ari's office at any time and that was Ellie. So the moment Ari heard someone walk in without knocking, She knew it was Ellie James, her confidant, her best friend, and the general manager of her company(Ari Mills).

"Don't tell me you are still going on with that plan. I thought we agreed you were going to let it go?" Ellie said, taking a seat on the chair opposite Arianna.

Ari paused the work she was doing and turned her attention to her best friend. "I can't. He has to pay for all the pains, tears, and humiliations he cost me and my family."

Ellie sighed. "Is there anything that I can say or do to make you change your mind?"

Ari shook her head.

"I'm not comfortable with your decision, Arianna. I'm scared for you. I'm afraid everything will backfire on you. I know that asshole ruined you and your family in the past but getting revenge against him is like inviting him to do more harm. You're in a good position now. You have a good life; you run a successful company so let bygones be bygones. You don't have to plot any revenge because he who has done evil will surely reap the fruits of his labor." Ellie said.

"I appreciate your concern, babe. But you should know by now that no one can convince me when I've made my decision about something."

"Then I think I will involve Mom, " Ellie voiced out.

"Even Mom wouldn't be able to stop me. But I don't want her to know because she will get all stressed up. Please, she must not know about it. The last thing she wants is for any of her loved ones to associate themselves with that demon and his family."Ari explained.

"You know that getting revenge against Alexander Clay will be very hard. That dude and his family are always guided. How do you plan on going through this? I don't want you to end up in jail, Ari"

"I won't end up in jail. I have a well thought out plan." She answered.

"Which is?" Ellie asked.

"To seduce him, " Ari answered

"And how will you get to seduce him? By stalking him?"

"I have no problem with stalking him but I won't achieve my goal with that. I need to plant myself in his life. He has to see me and deal with me every day for me to be able to get my revenge. My plan will go well if I can be his secretary."

"Arianna?!!!" Ellie groaned as she ran a hand over her long, dark, and curly hair.

"I know I'm sounding like I'm crazy but I promise you that I'm far from being crazy. Seeing Alexander go down for his torture towards me and my family means so much to me and I'm ready to do all it takes to achieve it."

"What will happen to this company if you run off to be his secretary? Your company is already getting all the accolades it deserves, Ari mills is getting popular and more successful day by day, we are getting more clients and partnership deals. This company is one of the most sought Textile companies in the country. Can't you just focus on it rather than channeling your energy to that Clay asshole?" Ellie asked.

"I know you're looking out for me but please be calm and listen to all that I have to say. I'm no fool to leave my company when it's at the peak of its success and run off to work for Alex who does the same business as me. I'm only going to be his secretary to ruin him, not to work my ass off for him and his company."

"I've been working really hard for weeks now so I can leave everything in place for you to take over in my absence. I'll still be available to do my duties as the owner of this company. All I ask is for you to cover up for me during the day when I'll be with Alex. I know I can pull this through, Ellie. All I need is your blessing." Ari said, looking into Ellie's eyes.

Ellie sighed. "I forgot how stubborn you can be. How will you get the secretary position because I'm sure he has one already or is there a vacancy at CLAY International?" She asked. She wouldn't be surprised if her best friend was stalking Alex's company for this information.

Arianna shook her head. "There's no Vacancy." She took out a brown envelope from her drawer and placed it on the desk before Ellie. "We will make a deal with his present secretary to quit her job."

"Do you think he or she would accept?" Ellie asked, reaching for the envelope to take a look at the content.

"I'm sure she would. I was able to lay my hands on her employment contract and I found a loophole she could use to her defense. I don't even think Alexander will care that much if she tells him she's resigning. His focus will be on her finding someone to take over the secretary duties. According to what the investigator told me, Alex is known for changing secretaries. Due to his temper, he doesn't think twice before he fires them. I was told he had threatened to fire Emma, his present secretary, many times so I'm sure he won't have any problem with her leaving."

Ellie went through the papers in the envelope. It contained Emma's employment contract with the loopholes in it marked out, Emma's contact details, and a cheque with a huge sum.

"I should be surprised that you're giving out this amount but I'm not because this revenge seems precious to you. Now that you've handed me the envelope, I guess I'm the one that has to call Emma, meet her and make the deal with her."

Ari nodded. "I would have done so myself but it's safer that someone does it on my behalf."

"How sure are you that Emma is going to accept?" Ellie asked.

"As far as I know, she's really in need of money to sort out some financial issues. She's still working for that asshole because she always pleads for him not to fire her. All you need to do is convince her with the figures on the cheque. She has to accept the offer for me to carry out my plan."

"What happens after you get the secretary position?" Ellie asked.

"My seduction continues." She answered.

"I know you will seduce him but what if he wants more of you?"

"Then I'll give him all of me!"

Ellie scoffed "You've got to be kidding me!"

"I wasn't joking when I said I was willing to do anything to make my plan a success. It is second to none how much of a womanizer Alexander Clay is. And with my very sexy body, I'm sure it won't be long to have him wrapped around my fingers, receiving orders from me." She explained.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing, Ari? You're indirectly subscribing to be Alex's mistress."

Arianna Greece shrugged. "He has had so many mistresses and I'm sure I won't be the last of them all."

Ellie sighed. "This dude doesn't deserve your energy, babe. He doesn't even deserve to see you naked. The thought of you guys being involved is making me sick. "

"I'm not going to be stuck with him forever and even if I have to do more than seduction, I'm not going to surrender myself to him more than twice. Being his secretary is not just enough, but being his mistress will make him trust me. And once I've gained his trust, it will be easy to get hold of his trade secrets to not only overthrow his company but to also bring his company down."

Ellie slowly massaged her temple. "The media, his wife, his family, how will you deal with them? Are you sure there isn't anything I can do to talk you out of this crazy idea?"

"It's true that the media is always updated about Alex's extramarital affairs but I plan to keep my seduction with him low key. I have no problem with Alex's wife and family. They aren't my target but dealing with them if they come to know about my intention with Alexander isn't a problem. I'll cross the bridge when I get there."

"You don't have to talk me out of anything, Ellie. I'm not the bad guy here. I just want that bastard to have a taste of his medicine. The law wouldn't even be of help to get the justice I want so I have to do it myself. You know everything my family and I went through because of him, you know how much we suffered and how much tears we shed. I can't even seem to move on with my life, knowing he's doing things scot-free after all the lives he has ruined."

"Being his secretary doesn't mean I'm going to neglect my company. I'm going there as a lazy secretary. I'll try to catch up on my company's work at night."

"Don't you think he's going to recognize you?" Ellie asked Arianna.

"I'm very sure he wouldn't. But I'm not going to dwell on that. I'll be having a makeover." She responded.

"How long have you been planning all of these? You only told me about it last week. I honestly thought you were joking but now that you've gone into details, you seem to have put a lot of effort into everything." Ellie said.

Arianna rested her back against her comfy chair. "I've always wanted to get back at him so the thought of what to do never left my mind. Also, I've been waiting for what seemed to be the right time because I've been busy with the company."

Ellie nodded in understanding. "I'll contact Emma before lunch and schedule an appointment with her today. I'll do my best to convince her to accept the offer."

"Thank you. I'm hoping everything will go well so I'll resume at CLAY Internationals on Monday. In other words, we have two days and the weekend to finalize everything"

"Whatever! Just be careful. I want that beast to go down for hurting us all but I don't like the fact that you have to give too much to achieve that." Ellie whined, which earned a small smile from Ari.

"I will be fine. I promise you things will even go better than expected." She said.

Alexander Clay spent his morning in the conference room with his lawyer and some new clients who wanted to partner with Clay International. After what felt like forever, the meeting came to an end when it was almost noon. Once the Clients left, Alex waited behind on his lawyer's instructions. They discussed a few things before they all exited the glass-walled conference room with his Secretary walking behind them.

Just when Alex and Emma were almost approaching their offices, Alexander came to a halt and turned his attention to Emma, his secretary, who had started getting nervous upon her Boss's glare. She unconsciously clutched her iPad tighter.

"What the hell is she doing here?" He said to Emma in a not so loud tone which was filled with venom.

Emma Daniels swallowed painfully. She was about to say something when Alex interrupted her. "Didn't I tell you to make it known to the securities and receptionist not to allow that Bitch set foot into my company anymore?" He gestured towards the reception area which was down the hallway. They were just a couple of steps away from there. The double grey couch was occupied by a blondie who had her mouth busy with what was predicted to be a gum. She was also typing away on her phone.

"B....but Sir... You only gave the order this morning." Emma's voice came out as a whisper.

"And so? Are you indirectly telling me that you're not capable of carrying out your duties?" Alexander raised his voice at her. Emma's eyes started getting watery. She couldn't stand people raising their voices at her, especially when she wasn't even the one at fault. She wanted to yell at her boss that she was his Secretary and not his personal assistant, hence, indirectly ending relationships with his mistress on his behalf was out of the scope of her duty.

"You only told me about it this morning when we were on our way to the conference room for the meeting that just ended. There was no way I could have conveyed the message to the securities." Emma explained, trying to hold back tears.

"Darn it! You should have sent a text or done something the moment I told you about it. I've told you severally to always treat my requests with urgency but you come up with senseless excuses every fucking time. You sure as hell aren't getting your full salary this month because you're useless as fuck." Throwing Emma Daniels a dirty glare, Alex tucked his hands into his pocket and proceeded to his office.

Emma stood still for a while to compose herself. She tried not to break down in the hallway. Even though she was used to Alexander Clay shouting at her and saying all sorts of nasty words to her, she couldn't help but feel bad every time it happened. He sure knew how to make her feel bad and worthless. Emma didn't doubt his words either. This wasn't the first time he had threatened to cut out of her salary. She couldn't even remember the last time she received her full pay. Alexander Clay always had reasons to deduct certain percentages, blaming it on her incompetency.

After getting herself together, Emma Daniels continued her journey to her office space which was right beside Alexander's office.

As soon as the blondie sighted Alex, She rose to her feet and tried to catch up with him, calling him sweet names with her not so sweet voice. Alexander Clay ignored the blondie as he made his way to his office. He was almost shutting the door behind him when she got a hold of it and forced herself in.

Emma did not attempt to stop Claire from going in. The last time she did so upon Alex's instruction because he didn't want to see her, She received a resounding slap from Claire. This time around, She was sure her womanizer Boss would handle it.

Emma Daniels settled behind her desk and before she buried herself with work, She brought out a box of tissue from her drawer and placed it on her desk. She was sure as hell that Claire was going to need them when she stepped out of Alexander's office. That was if she wasn't going to be dragged out by the securities. A scene she wishes to experience so bad.

Alexander Clay's office was every CEO'S dream office. It was big, well furnished with all necessities and finest decorations and paintings. Alex cursed softly the moment Claire forced herself into his office. He proceeded to the other side of the office, to the shelf which held his wine and other strong alcoholic drinks. Alexander reached for a bottle of vodka and poured himself a shot which he gulped down immediately.

"What's wrong baby? You seem to be in a bad mood." Claire's seductive voice came through as she approached Alex. He shrugged off her hand the moment she touched his arm, then threw her a nasty glare.

"Did I do anything to offend you?" She whispered, giving him an innocent face.

"Gosh!!! This is the problem I have with you all. You all are so dumb and so damn clingy. I've been nothing but cold towards you in the past few days, aren't you meant to conclude that I'm done with you?" Alex spoke at the top of his voice.

Tears sprang up in Claire's eyes. She reached for Alexander's hands and clung onto them as if her life depended on them. "You can't do this to me, Alex. You can't discard me as if I mean nothing to you. I love you so much and you know I wouldn't hesitate to do anything for you." Claire swallowed painfully. "It's true that you've been avoiding me since Friday. You don't pick up my calls unless I call with a different number and even at that, you end up ending the call without listening to what I have to say. I thought you were stressed so I decided to give you space. You know I can't do without you, Alex. Please forgive me if I did anything to offend you. I promise, I'll love you more, I'll be more submissive to you even in bed, you can whip my ass till it turns bloody red, I swear I won't complain. I'll do everything you ask me to do. Please love, don't break up with ......."

"Just shut the fuck up!!!!!!" Alex said with gritted teeth as he forcefully freed his hands from Claire's hold. The veins that popped out on his neck and forehead did not go unnoticed by Claire who was in tears. "What the hell is wrong with you? Did you think I would keep you with me forever?"

"What's wrong with you keeping me forever?! What If I don't want any other man?! What if I want to spend forever with you?. We are perfect for each other, Alexander. How can you not see that?" Claire screamed at him as tears continuously rolled down her cheeks.

Alex chuckled and shook his head in disbelief. "You're way more pathetic than I thought. Even my so-called legally wedded wife doesn't nag as much as you do."

"That's because she's stupid. That's because she doesn't value what she has. If she knew how to satisfy you, you wouldn't be elsewhere looking for pleasure." Claire said, gently dabbing away the tears on her face to avoid ruining her makeup.

Alex frowned. "What are you aiming at? Don't tell me you were thinking I was going to give you a ring." He said in disgust.

"When has it been a crime to dream big?" She whispered.

Alexander chuckled, then folded his arms. "You're the dumbest woman I've ever had an affair with." Claire sexily rolled her eyes at him but was heartbroken when her gesture had no effect on him.

"Gone are those days when you will roll your eyes at me and as punishment, I'll bend you over that desk (He pointed to the huge mahogany desk in his office) and fuck you so hard till you can't walk properly. If you study me well, you will know I'm someone who loves varieties. That being said, I can't be dedicated to one woman all my life."

"In fact, you should be grateful to me for being with you for this long. We've been together for seven months which is the longest for any affair I've had. I'm done with you, Claire Jackson. It was nice knowing you!"

"Come on baby, you can't do this to me. We both have a bright future in this relationship; you can't just cut me off." She pleaded.

Alexander chuckled, then looked into Claire Jackson's eyes. "I don't know you to be a greedy person so don't start now. You've had me to yourself for Seven months. I'm no longer attracted to you, I no longer feel anything for you so it's time for another person to take over." Alex said, then poured himself another shot of Vodka which he gulped down instantly. "It's time for you to disappear from my life forever. Do not call, text, or stalk me!! I'll have Emma send you some relief flowers before the end of the day."

Claire stood in shock as Alexander Clay left her sight and proceeded to his workspace. He settled on the chair behind his desk, then got ready to bury himself with work.

"Okay, you got me. You won. Can we put an end to the whole prank thing? My heart cannot bear any more heartbreak." Claire whispered. She knew the whole thing had to be a prank because she had no idea how she would survive in the society if Alexander meant all that he had said. No doubt she was going to be a laughing stock. People swore she wasn't going to last two weeks in the arms of Alexander Clay but Claire even received more praises by the time she and Alex's relationship clocked two months. And by the time they were five months into their relationship, there was a heavy rumor about Claire being Alexander's second wife. The rumor sort of gave Claire extra confidence about her and Alex's affair.

"Are you insane? Do I look like a joker to you???!!!" Alex rose to his feet in anger.

Claire swallowed painfully as heavy tears welled up in her eyes. Yeah, Alexander Clay got no chills. Even the littlest of things could bring out the beast in him.

"M....my...lo..ve." Claire started to say but was cut off by him.

"GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY OFFICE!!!!!" He yelled, making her jump where she stood. Claire had no idea she had tears rolling down her cheeks as she went to pick up her handbag on the couch which was just a few steps away from the door.

She turned around to take a look at Alex. Her heart began to race even more upon his glare. He was on his feet, giving her murderous looks. Claire Jackson had never seen Alexander this angry. In as much as she wanted to stay back and plead with him, She knew it was best she took her leave, and with a very heart, she did just that, slamming the door behind her even when she was fully aware that Alex hated that gesture. Alexander Clay had a lot of things that irritated him and that included someone slamming the door. He was a fan of doing such but he hated it when people did it around him.

"What the fuck????!!!!" Alexander muttered the moment he saw and heard her slam the door. "Motherfucking whore!" He mumbled after a while, taking a seat behind his desk.

Heaving a sigh, Alex dialed Emma via the intercom. She came into his office almost immediately. "Let this be the last time she sets her foot in this company!" He warned.

"Yes, Sir!" Emma nodded. "I've informed the office securities as well as your home securities and bodyguards"

"Good" Alexander mumbled.

"Do you need me to send Ms. Claire some farewell flowers?" Emma regretted saying those words the moment they rolled off her tongue. "Forgive me, Sir! You do request I send flowers to your exes the moment you're done with them. I thought you would want to do the same for Ms. Claire." She responded upon his glare.

"One more nasty word from you and you'll be fired, " He said with venom in his voice.

"I'm very sorry, Sir!" Emma muttered.

"Be back in an hour and we will go over the notes you took from the meeting earlier. Apart from the meeting I have after lunch and the documents I have to go through, what else is on my schedule today?" He asked.

"That's all you have for today, Sir. Emily's birthday is next week." She added.

"And so?" Alex said without a care in the world.

"Uhmmm, you didn't make it to her first birthday. Since she's turning two next week, I thought you would want to make it up to her so I can start helping out with any plans you have." Emma said genuinely.

"Never interfere in my personal life ever again!" Alexander Clay warned. "Get lost!!!!" He commanded. Emma hurried out of his office.

"What a psycho!" She breathed out the moment she got to her desk area which was just right outside Alex's office. "He asks me to get rid of his mistress but freaks out when I talk about his daughter's birthday. Poor Emily!" She sighed, taking a seat behind her desk.

Emma busied herself with work but was distracted soon enough when her phone rang. She was skeptical about the incoming call being an unknown number but she picked it anyway.

"Hi. This is Emma Daniels. How may I help you?" She said to the other side.

"Hi Emma, I'm Ellie. I got your number from a friend. I have something important to discuss with you in person. Please can we meet during your lunch break? You can pick the venue."

"My number from a friend?" Emma asked curiously. She wasn't someone that had too many friends and the few ones she had wouldn't give out her number without her consent.

"Yes, from a friend. It's normal for you to be suspicious about this but please I need you to trust me. I'll explain more to you when we see."

The only thing that calmed Emma a little was the fact that the voice on the other side was feminine. "Okay, but I won't be available. I have things to do during my lunch break" She said.

"What about after work? I won't take up to twenty minutes of your time. I promise." Ellie said almost immediately.

Emma sighed. "I'll be leaving work late. Will 9 pm be fine for you?" She asked.

"Sure!" Ellie answered. "What about the venue?"

"There's a restaurant opposite Clay International. We can meet there." Emma proposed.

"Okay. I will meet you there at 9 pm. Thank you so much, Emma." Ellie said, then ended the call.