The Affair

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Cleo stood near the back of the gallery as she watched her boss mingle with the new authors

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Cleo stood near the back of the gallery as she watched her boss mingle with the new authors. One day she would be a published author instead of Harlan Thrombey's assistant.

Cloe had been working for Mr. Thrombey for 4 years already. She started right after graduating, her dream was to be a published author and working for The Harlan Thrombey would open a lot of doors for her. He had already promised to read her first draft when she finished it so in her spare time Cleo was writing as much as she could.

Harlan started to fidget when he was in the midst of a conversation with an up and coming author so Cleo quickly made him a plate with the hor d'oeuvres and brought it over to him.

"Here you are Mr. Thrombey." Cleo said as she handed him the plate of food.

" Thank you Cleo. You always know when I need food." He chuckled before excusing himself. Following Harlan, Cleo wove in between the guests. Once Harlan was seated at his table he began to devour his food. Cleo stood behind him against the wall as she continued to watch the surroundings. Harlan hated to be interrupted while he was eating so it was Cleo's job to make sure no one bothered him.

"Cleo, dear please sit down." Harlan said over his shoulder.

"I'm okay, Mr. Thrombey." She replied. Then moved to block a couple who were beelining for Harlan. With one shake of her head they retreated back to their original table.

Harlan chuckled at the interaction. He knew hiring Cleo was smart. She was authoritative when needed and always willing to help those around her.

"Cleo, please take a seat. I have some things we need to discuss." Harlan said while patting the empty chair next to him.

Cleo's heart rate spiked as she walked on shaking legs to sit next to Harlan. Wiping her palms down her black dress she sat. A million thoughts swirled in her mind. Was she getting fired? Did she mess up drastically at work? Did someone complain about her?

Harlan noted the look on her face, one of pure terror, before he chuckled. He patted her shoulder in a comforting gesture which helped her relax only a fraction.

"Relax dear, you aren't in trouble."

Relief flooded through Cleo's veins and belew out a deep exhale.

"What did you want to talk about, sir?" Cleo asked while taking out her phone and opening her notes app.

Harlan shook his head and covered her phone with his hand.

"I want to talk about the progress on your book."

Cleo jaw slacked before she sat straighter. This was what she'd be hoping for. But before she could begin a shadow loomed over them. Cleo knew who it was based on the scent of his cologne. As she tipped her head up she locked eyes with the icy cold blue eyes belonging to Harlan's grandson. Next to him stood his supermodel wife, Meredith.

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