THE ART OF REDEMPTION

LE RIV

said the man. "Identify yourself, creep. Who are you?" Clara asked standing up from her seat. "It's not yet time to be restless, Clara", Alex said sternly. Clara looked around to see who could be pranking her but saw no one. "You won't see me because I'm not there. I just wanted to know if you're planning on vacating the studio or if you're still up for saving your little gallery", Alex said mockingly. "Alex!" Clara said hitting the table. It startled the customers around her and they started to stare. "Clara, please sit down. People are looking at us", Emma whispered. "You must have been such a coward sneaking around to get my number instead of asking me directly", Clara replied taking her seat. "It wasn't much of a problem getting your number. I only took it to know if you changed your mind about the mural because I would love to send you an eviction notice. I know a lot of people in high places and I really need that space", Alex replied. He was playing with a pencil in his office. He seemed to be enjoying trolling Clara. "Wow! Eviction notice? You really are the splinter in my finger. No matter how hard I try, you'll still be a pain to get rid of", Clara snapped back. "Let's cut to the chase, shall we? You have twenty-five days left you know. I believe we all went through elementary school and learnt how to count. If you'd like for us to meet concerning the mural, text me the address. You should be lucky I'm considerate enough to call you. Good bye, little girl." And the call ended with a beep. "Little girl? Little?! I should really rip his beard out. That asshole!", Clara said in anger. "What did he say? Is he ready for the mural?" Emma asked keenly. "In a simple answer, 'yes'. He's ready for it", Clara replied biting her lip. "You can do it. Relax okay?" Emma said holding Clara's hand. ******************"What do we do concerning the mural Alex wants to paint with that girl? This would certainly reduce our popularity and La Royale will be the talk of the town for who knows how long?" Sean said to Raymond. He was Raymond's secretary and spy. His work was to monitor the business