The Contracted Stripper

Ivy sat on her bed, the sketchbook open on her lap. She couldn’t believe the talent Iris possessed. An idea began to form in her mind, one that made her smile with a devious gleam in her eye.

If she could somehow use these designs, she could gain the recognition she always craved in the fashion world. But first, she needed to find a way to make these designs her own, to claim them without raising suspicion.

She closed the sketchbook, her mind racing with plans. This was her chance to shine, and she wasn’t going to let it slip through her fingers.

Iris, unaware of Ivy’s deceitful plans, was in the kitchen preparing dinner. She was still thinking about Luca’s offer and the possibility of bringing her designs to life. It felt like a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark period of her life.

Ivy woke up early, her mind still buzzing with her plan. She needed to act quickly before anyone noticed the sketchbook was missing.

She had spent the night studying Iris’s sketches, marveling at their brilliance. She knew these designs could propel her into the spotlight she craved, but she needed a plan.

She dressed and left the house, heading to a friend’s place who was well-versed in fashion and design.”I need your help with something,” Ivy said, showing her friend the sketches.

“These are amazing, Ivy. Did you draw these?” her friend asked, eyes wide with admiration.”Yes, I did,” Ivy lied smoothly. “I was hoping you could help me get them into production.”

“Of course! With designs like these, you’ll be the talk of the fashion world,” her friend said, already making plans.

Ivy smiled, feeling a surge of excitement. This was her moment, and she was determined to make the most of it, no matter the cost.

Back at the house, Iris was beginning to notice something was off. She couldn’t find her sketchbook and started to panic.

She searched her room, but it was nowhere to be found. Her heart sank as she realized it was gone, and with it, her dreams seemed to slip further away.

Ryan noticed her distress and came over. “What’s wrong, Iris?”

“My sketchbook… it’s missing. All my designs are in there,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes.”We’ll find it,” Ryan assured her. “I’ll help you look.”As they began searching the house, a sense of determination settled over Iris.

She wasn’t going to give up on her dreams, not now, not ever.

The Kendrick Corporation headquarters buzzed with the usual hum of activity, but today held an unexpected twist.

***************************

Mr. Kendrick, the formidable patriarch and CEO of the company, had returned unannounced. His recent illness had taken a toll, and though everyone assumed he was still recovering at home, he had decided it was time to return to work

Ryan was in his office, exploring a female worker, He had been preparing for the day he would take over the company fully, believing that his father’s recent illness would hasten that transition.

Luca, Ryan’s closest friend and confidant, was making his way to Ryan’s office when he spotted Mr. Kendrick striding down the hallway. Shocked, Luca quickened his pace, hoping to warn Ryan. But Mr. Kendrick was already at the door.

Mr. Kendrick, though in his late 50s, looked as if he had aged two decades due to his illness. He was a formidable figure, tall and imposing, with a sharp mind that had built the Kendrick empire from the ground up.

He pushed open Ryan’s office door, and the sound of moaning reached his ears. Disappointed, he turned and walked away, heading to his own office.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Luca arrived at Ryan’s office just as the door closed behind Mr. Kendrick.

“Ryan, your dad is around. He came in here and left shortly,” Luca said urgently.

Ryan’s eyes widened in panic. “oh Shit, No, no. Why didn’t you inform me earlier?” he demanded.

“No one knew he was coming. We just saw him. Before I could get to you, he was already here,” Luca explained. Ryan’s face paled. “Did he see…?” he asked, gesturing vaguely. Luca nodded grimly.

“Oh shit. Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Ryan cursed, slamming his desk with his hands.

The woman who had been with Ryan emerged from the adjoining room, adjusting her clothes and biting her lip.

She looked at Ryan, confused by the sudden tension.”Get out. Now,” Ryan barked, his anger barely contained.

The woman flinched, then hurried out of the office, clearly shaken.

Ryan ran a hand through his black hair, exasperated. He knew his father had always wanted him to prove himself responsible and mature.

This incident would undoubtedly set back his hopes of taking over the company anytime soon.

“Luca, what do I do now?” Ryan asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

“You need to face this head-on,” Luca said, his tone serious.

Ryan nodded, trying to compose himself. He took a deep breath and left his office, heading to his father’s.

The walk down the hallway felt like a mile, each step heavier than the last. When Ryan entered his father’s office, he found Mr. Kendrick seated at his desk, staring out the window.

The older man turned to look at him, disappointment etched in his features.

“Dad,” Ryan began, but Mr. Kendrick held up a hand, silencing him.

“Ryan, sit down,” Mr. Kendrick said, his voice firm but weary.

Ryan obeyed, taking a seat across from his father.

“Do you know why I came in today?” Mr. Kendrick asked, his gaze piercing.

“No, I didn’t know you were coming,” Ryan admitted, feeling like a child caught misbehaving.

“I came because I wanted to see how things were running in my absence.

I wanted to see if you were ready to take over,” Mr. Kendrick said, his disappointment clear. “What I saw… Ryan, how can I trust you with this company?”Ryan felt a surge of guilt and frustration.

“Dad, I’ve been working hard. I’ve put everything into this company.”

“Well, that’s not what I’m seeing from here, Working hard is one thing, Ryan.

But responsibility, maturity… Those are things you still need to prove. I thought getting married might help you grow, but it seems I was wrong,” Mr. Kendrick said, shaking his head. Ryan’s mind raced.

He knew he needed to say something, anything, to convince his father. “Dad, I know I messed up. But I’m learning. I’m committed to making things right.”Mr. Kendrick sighed, taking off his glasses and rubbing his temples.

“Ryan, I want to believe you. But actions speak louder than words. You need to show me you’re ready, not just say it.”Ryan nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

“I will, Dad. I promise.”Mr. Kendrick leaned back in his chair, looking older and more tired than Ryan had ever seen him. “I hope so, Ryan. For the sake of this company and our family.”

Ryan left his father’s office, his mind racing with thoughts of how to prove himself. He returned to his office, where Luca was waiting.

“How did it go?” Luca asked concern etched on his face.

“Not well,” Ryan admitted. “I need to step up. I need to prove to him that I’m ready.”

“You can do it, Ryan. Just focus and show him what you’re capable of,” Luca said, offering his support as he patted his shoulder softly.

Ryan nodded, determination hardening his features. He knew he had a long road ahead, but he was ready to take it on.

Ryan sat at his desk, going over the company’s financial reports. He knew he needed to focus and prove himself, but his thoughts kept drifting to Iris.

He had been so wrapped up in his issues that he hadn’t given her the attention she deserved. He picked up his phone and dialed her number.

“Iris, can we talk tonight?” he asked when she answered.”Of course,” Iris replied, surprised but hopeful. “I’ll be home.”Great. I’ll see you then,” Ryan said, hanging up.

He knew he needed to make things right with Iris, she wasn’t who he thought she was, not just for the sake of his marriage but for his own growth and maturity. It was time to take responsibility and prove that he was ready to lead.