Chapter 4 She has returned

“You are back now. What are you going to do?” Said Matthew who walk beside her. Remembering what Claire had forgotten was definitely not in her top list. Everything was so abrupt. And it has only been 3 days since her memory came back. Claire herself needs time to adjust to her old lifestyle. “Here,” Matthew handed Claire her old cellphone. “who knows this will give you a lead.” “Where did you find this?” “I track it.” “Thank you, Matt.” Claire smiled gratefully at him, and they entered the headquarters located on the outskirts of London. Towering trees encircle the compound, their leafy branches providing a natural shield from prying eyes. The perimeter bristles with state-of-the-art technology, seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings. Smart sensors discreetly monitor the surroundings, detecting even the slightest fluctuations in body temperature to alert the security team of potential intruders and their identity will be swiftly identified. Security guards patrol the grounds with unwavering diligence, stationed at every corner to maintain constant vigilance. Claire chose this secluded location for a reason, far removed from the bustling chaos of London’s and away from prying eyes. Surrounded by trees and protected by technology that never sleeps, it is a haven of secrecy and power. Claire approached her office door, ready to start her day, but found it stubbornly resistant. Matt chuckled at her confusion. “Fingerprints and face recognition, Claire. Remember? You invented this.” Rolling her eyes, Claire retorted, “Yeah, yeah, I remember now.” Surveying the spotless office, Claire raised an eyebrow at Matthew. “Who cleaned up in here?” Matt scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Uh, me. Thought you'd appreciate a tidy workspace.” Claire smiled gratefully and turned to her phone, deciding to reach out to her old friend Eric, a top-notch PR agent whom she'd once rescued from professional ruin. Eric answered almost immediately, his disbelief evident in his voice. “Is this really Claire Peterson?” he asked incredulously. “Yes, this is she.” Claire said chuckling lightly. “How are you, dear?” “I'm good. How's life treating you?” “Surprisingly very well.” “How’s Anna?” “She is fine, don’t you worry. In fact, she is now living in Los Angeles and working as an actress.” Claire's face lit up with happiness at the news. “I’m glad to hear that.” As the conversation progressed, Claire's tone grew serious. “Eric, I need a favor.” “Don’t say that, Claire. You know I will help no matter what the job is. You helped me a lot in the past. So, what do you need me to do.” “Thanks Eric, I need you to make a headline about my comeback.” “What headline?” Claire clenched and unclenched her fist. “Um…’Claire Peterson of Metacortex corporation has returned.’” Silence greeted her words, and she wondered if he had hung up. "Eric?" she called out. Eric's voice finally broke through the silence. “What do you mean by that, Claire?” Claire took a deep breath before telling Eric. “Three years ago, there was news about a car crash where four people died because of a drunk driver. That was me and my family. But no one could identify us. Thinking about it, I find It suspicious.” "I... I had no idea, Claire. I thought you went on a vacation or something." Claire's reply dripped with sarcasm. "Yeah, a three-year vacation without any contact with anyone. Really believable." "I'm just glad you're okay now, Claire. I'll immediately proceed with the headline." She sighed heavily as the call ended. “You okay, boss?” “Yeah, I’m fine and please stop calling me boss.” Matthew shoved his hand inside his pocket. “I won’t cause you are my boss.” Claire rolled her eyes but smile. “Now, I need to avenged my parents death.” Claire walked out of her office with Matthew at her side. “What transport should we use? The helicopter or the car?” “Well, if you want to be fast then helicopter it is but if you want to make entrance, car it is.” “Prepare the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.” “Right on it.” The car pulled up at the headquarters' lobby, and they made their way to the Metacortex building. On the other hand, Alex is still in the hospital accompany Lisa. “What if I don’t make it, Alex?” Alex wiped her tears away and caress her pale cheek. “Please don’t say that. You are going to make it. This operation will go perfectly.” “What if it doesn’t go well? Maybe this is karma for stealing you from Claire.” “Baby do not ever say that. Please.” Lisa has been diagnosed with a stomach tumor but like none other patient, she does not have the positivity that the operation will go well. “Incase anything happened to me, you should get back together to Claire. She really loves you.” Alex sighed heavily and feeling a little frustrated since Lisa kept mentioning her name which can only anger Alex. “Lisa please stop mentioning Claire. I am contempt with my decision, and I won’t marry other woman if is not you. I love you Lisa and I will not leave you. Besides our marriage is a dead end anyway. It was a stupid marriage that my grandfather arrange.” Alex hold Lisa’s hand tightly. “Listen, I will marry you once you are healed. I promise that. We will go to Maldives for our honeymoon. The place where you always wanted to go.” Tears welled up in her eyes as they hold hand. “Really? You will do that for me?” “Anything for you, darling.” Claire wasted no time, heading straight inside the building. The receptionist tried to call out to her, but Claire ignored her. They called the security guard who quickly intercepted her. “Ma'am, sorry, but only employees are allowed beyond this point,” the guard said firmly, blocking her path. Matthew, standing nearby, chimed in casually, “I wouldn't mess with her,” nodding towards Claire. Her expression was dead serious and intimidating. Claire met their gaze squarely and uttered a simple phrase, “You will find out who I am soon.” Without wasting a moment, Claire slid her ID card, which surprisingly still worked. She couldn't help but think how foolish Robert was for not erasing her data. Stepping into the lift, she pressed the button for the highest floor. As the lift doors opened, Claire burst into the room to find Robert and a woman engaged in an intimate session. Claire tilted her head to the side, raising an eyebrow at the sight. The realization hit her—Robert, the old man with a wife and child, was having an affair with a woman 25 years younger. Disgust churned in Claire's stomach at the sight. “I wonder how your wife will react if she finds out about this.” The woman, startled, hurried out of the room. “Who are you barging inside my office?!” Robert exclaimed furiously, attempting to compose himself. “You don’t remember me?” Claire pretend a look of shocked as she walk closer to the man she once trusted. Claire's voice was cold as ice. “Let’s start from the beginning, shall we? Hello, Robert Robertson. I am Claire Peterson. Does the name ring a bell?” A creepy smile formed on Claire lips. Robert Robertson eyes widen in disbelief. “N-no. It can’t be. You are dead. H-how-” “Cat got your tongue?”