Handle

Clara was watching the exchange between Alexander and Evelyn, which made her think.

Alexander's interaction with Evelyn was smooth flowing. She could see them barking at each other like dogs over their territory. But Clara felt that there still was a familiar bubble encircling them.

Alexander's eyes sparked with interest when he talked with Evelyn. It was different from that of Layla.

With Layla, it was a chance to look at a thing from her perspective. She tried to convince the other to accept her viewpoint. But with Evelyn, it was looking at something from all the possible aspects and deciding when one is right.

Layla was not one of them, and it was the truth. Even though she was one of their good friends, there was no denying that her way of thinking was far different than theirs. Clara did not blame her, nor she looked down on her. But it was just like what Evelyn said that day, till when will Layla preserve her innocence.

Even though Layla was competent in her own ways, but according to Clara, Evelyn was more suited to be with Alexander.

Not only was she a part of their society, she knew how to handle any situation. She was successful and has attained this level to success independently. 

Evelyn was an admirable person, while on top of that, Alexander looked happy around her.

'Evelyn would be able to handle Alexander.'

Clara's thoughts were soon meddled by a voice.

"Can I talk with you?"

Clara turned

"Dad," Clara was surprised to see her father here.

Mr. Sheldon sat beside Clara. Clara looked behind him to see if someone was following him.

"I decided about what we talked about this afternoon," Mr. Sheldon broke the silence.

Clara stiffened. Many questions were revolving around her mind. Will her dad agree? What will happen now? Will he reason out and decline?

"I agree with your suggestion," Mr. Sheldon's words brought relief to Clara's mind.

Clara's smile touched her eyes. She was happy while her body moved instinctively. She wrapped her hand around Mr. Sheldon's neck and kissed his cheek.

"But there is a time limit." Mr. Sheldon chucked and added while supporting his daughter's back.

"uh?" Clara's face was distorted. She was confused.

"You need to be back in the company in a year."

Okay, that is a fair deal. Clara could work and then come back to the company and learn from her father. This is what Clara thought until her father's next words crushed her dreams into dust.

"And take up the position of the CEO."

Clara's eyes widened. Did she hear it wrong? How can she? 

"But..." Clara tried to reason out.

"That is the deal. You either accept it, or you forget about it completely" Mr. Sheldon's voice was firm, "I am a businessman too. Your deal is tempting for a father, as it can make my daughter grow,"

"but as a businessman. I need compensation for losing my employee for a year who I have been trying to cultivate." Mr. Sheldon said in his business voice. 

Clara was confused. Been trying to cultivate? What was this now?

"The company has spent a lot of resources on you." Mr. Sheldon explained.

"Oh"

"Think about it carefully." Mr. Sheldon ran his hand through Clara's head.

His daughter has grown up so fast. He would have loved to enjoy the company of his spoiled daughter a little more. 

As a father, he wanted to make Clara happy and even wanted her to settle professionally. He was conflicted with himself.

Was she too young for this? Maybe. But Mr. Sheldon still hoped to help her as much as possible and as long as possible. 

Now that Clara has taken a step towards her career, he wanted to be a stepping stone along her path. Once she has proven herself, she would be able to hold the position of the CEO without much of a hurdle. With his and Evelyn's help, the Board of Directors would not be a huge problem to handle.

Maybe he was greedy? He feared that if more time passed, the Board would start having some other ideas. Thus, it was profitable to seal the deal when there is no hindrance.