CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR – THE MYSTERY DEEPENS

With a final wave, Scarlett escaped the office, the weight of Dr. Wilson's expectations pressing down on her. Stepping out into the cool evening air, she pulled out her phone and dialed Clara's number. "Hey, Scarlett! What's up?" Clara's cheerful voice greeted her on the other end. "Hey, Clara. I need to vent," Scarlett sighed, her voice laced with frustration. "Spill it, girl," Clara chuckled. "What did Ava do this time?" Scarlett launched into a detailed account of the day's events, recounting Ava's patronizing speeches, her poorly veiled attempts at undermining Scarlett, and the final, menacing threat before Dr. Wilson arrived. "Ugh, that woman is a walking red flag!" Clara exclaimed when Scarlett finished. "Can't Dr. Wilson see how fake she is?" "Apparently not," Scarlett grumbled. "She wants me to take Ava under my wing and turn her into some super volunteer." "Well, that's just not going to happen," Clara declared firmly. "Listen, why don't you come over to my place? We ca