MILLIONAIRE CRUELLY HUMILIATED THE CLEANER... A MINUTE LATER, HE FELL TO HIS KNEES...

millionaire cruy humiliated the cleaner in front of all the employees one minute later he dropped to his knees with what she said the atmosphere in Ty duboisa office was as cold and detached as the man himself it was early morning and the first rays of sunlight barely filtered through the Sleek modern windows that overlooked the bustling streets of Paris TI seated in his oversized leather chair surveyed the room with an air of superiority his tailored suit and impeccable grooming only enhanced his Aura of arrogance he was a man who believed in control control over his

company his employees and most of all his life in his world people were either useful or irrelevant and CLA the young cleaner who Moved quietly through the office each morning fell squarely in the latter category TI barely noticed her to him she was just another faceless employee who blended into the background like the plants his assistant tended to or the coffee that magically appeared on his desk each day but today was different as Claire made her way around the office wiping down tables and picking up discarded papers tier's eyes followed her every move not because

she interested him in any meaningful way but because she represented everything he despised mediocrity Simplicity a lack of ambition in his mind people like Claire Were Meant to serve they had no place trying to ride above their station CLA he called out his voice cutting through the silence Like a Knife she turned slowly clearly startled and looked at him with wide eyes her hands still clutching the cleaning rag yes Mister Dubois he didn't bother to hide the disdain in his voice do you ever wonder if you'll be anything more than a cleaner CLA blinked her

face flushing with embarrassment she wasn't used to being addressed by the CEO much less in such a direct and humiliating way I I'm happy with my job sir she stammered unsure of how else to respond tiar smirked leaning back in his chair as if her answer confirmed everything he already believed happy you're content being invisible spending your days cleaning up after people like me the room felt even colder than usual as if the temperature had dropped with each word he spoke Claire's face rened but she remained silent gripping the rag tighter in her hand tiar

enjoyed watching her squirm under his gaze feeling a twisted sense of satisfaction in exerting his power over someone so beneath him let me give you some advice tiry continued his voice dripping with condescension people like you you'll never be anything more you'll never Rise Above This you don't have the drive the intelligence or the connections to be anything but a cleaner and that's your fault not mine Claire's lips parted slightly as if she wanted to say something but she quickly closed them again the humiliation weighed heavy on her yet she refused to let the tears

pooling in her eyes fall not here not in front of him tiar oblivious to the emotional impact of his words waved his hand dismissively you can go now I need to see you again until this place is spotless without another word CLA turned on her heel and exited the office her heart pounding in her chest she moved quickly down the corridor her eyes fixed on the floor not wanting to meet the gazes of the other employees who had undoubtedly overheard The Exchange her throat burned with the effort of holding back the sobs that threatened to

escape but she would not cry not here not now tiar watched her leave feeling a brief sense of Triumph in his mind he had done her a favor he had opened her eyes to the reality of her situation and if she couldn't handle it that was her problem people like her didn't deserve sympathy they deserved to be reminded of their place as the day continued TI moved on with his usual routine meetings phone calls and emails filled his hours but every now and then his mind wandered back to CLA not out of concern but out

of curiosity he wondered if his words had any effect if they had pushed her to realize just how insignificant she was in the grand scheme of things by the end of the day TI had almost forgotten about the incident almost he packed up his belongings ready to leave the office and head to a dinner meeting with potential investors as he walked through the now empty office his footsteps echoing in the silence he spotted cla's cleaning cart near the entrance for a moment he paused considering saying something snide if she were still around but the office

was quiet too quiet he Shrugged dismissing the thought and exited the building stepping into the cool Parisian evening the city lights glittered in the distance and as TI made his way to his waiting car he felt a familiar sense of superiority wash over him CLA was nothing just another name another face another invisible person in a world full of people who would never amount to anything the next morning tiar du arrived at his office feeling as Invincible as ever he was dressed in another one of his expensive suits exuding confidence and control his day was

packed with important meetings but none of that weighed on him after all he thrived on High Press situations the world bent to his will and today would be no different by mid morning his team gathered in the main conference room a modern space with floor to ceiling windows that Overlook the skyline of Paris as the group settled in tii took his usual place at the head of the table commanding the room with his mere presence CLA once again went about her duties quietly her face still flushed from yesterday's exchange she tried to move through the

room unnoticed cleaning up stray coffee cups and wiping down surfaces making herself as small as possible but tiry noticed her out of the corner of his eye he saw her moving around the room doing her best to avoid eye contact there was something about her presence today that irritated him more than usual perhaps it was the fact that she had returned at all despite his biting remarks the day before in the middle of an intense discussion about potential new investors TI's attention shifted and he abruptly cut the conversation short the room fell silent as everyone

turned to look at him confused by the sudden change in Focus you tiar said pointing directly at CLA his voice sharp the entire room turned their gaze toward CLA who froze the cleaning rag still in her hand her eyes widened in panic as she realized she was now the center of attention yes you TI continued his tone cold is this what you aspire to in life cleaning up after people who actually contribute something meaningful to the world Claire stood there her face burning with embarrassment she wanted to disappear to melt into the floor and never

have to face this kind of humiliation again but there was nowhere to go nowhere to hide I asked you a question tiar pressed his voice Rising is this really what you want to spend the rest of your life wiping tables and picking up after people who actually matter a few of the Executives around the table exchanged uneasy glances unsure of where this Outburst was coming from or how to respond but none of them dared to intervene this was tiry Dubois the man who held their jobs their Futures in his hands who were they to challenge

him CLA felt the weight of their eyes on her judging her pitying her the tears she had held back the previous day threatened to spill over but she swallowed hard refusing to let them fall in front of all these people she couldn't let tiar see how deeply his words cut I'm just trying to do my job Mr DUIs CLA finally managed to say her voice barely above a whisper your job tiar scoffed a monkey could do your job CLA do you really think there's any value in what you do or are you just too lazy

to Aspire to something better the words hung in the air sharp and venomous cutting deeper than any physical blow could Claire's vision blurred as the tears she had fought so hard to hold back began to well up in her eyes but she stood her ground refusing to break in front of him tiar seeing the tears welling up in her eyes only felt more emboldened he believed he was teaching her a valuable lesson one that would somehow motivate her to rise above her lowly station but in truth his words were doing nothing but pushing her further

into despair you'll never be anything more than what you are now TI continued his voice like ice you'll never have what it takes to be someone important people like you are meant to stay in the background to serve people like me the room was deathly silent the executives around the table remained still their faces tense as they watched the cruel spectacle unfold no one dared to speak no one came to Claire's defense Claire's heart pounded in her chest and her hands trembled as she gripped the cleaning rag her mind raced her breath shallow as she

fought to keep control of her emotions she wanted to scream to shout back at him to tell him that he was wrong but the words stuck in her throat choking her after what felt like an eternity tiar waved his hand dismissively you can go I don't need you lingering here making this place look untidy CLA didn't hesitate she turned and quickly left the room her steps quick and uneven as she fled down the hallway she pushed through the door to the stairwell not bothering to wait for the elevator her body shaking with the force of

the emotions she had kept bottled up for too long by the time she reached the bottom of the stairs and stepped outside into the cool air her composure shattered completely tears streamed down her face and she collapsed onto a bench burying her face in her hands why did he have to be so cruel why did he take pleasure in humiliating her in front of everyone what had she ever done to deserve this she sat there for what felt like hours letting the emotions wash over her but somewhere in the depths of her pain a new

feeling began to emerge a quiet simmering resolve she wasn't sure where it came from but it was there Building inside her growing stronger with each passing moment tiar Dubois didn't know who she really was but he was about to find out the following day tiar sat in his office going over paperwork and preparing for another series of meetings the scene in the conference room the previous day had already slipped from his mind after all people like CLA didn't deserve much space in his thoughts to him her place was clear and his words were nothing more

than an unavoidable truth the world had a hierarchy and she was at the bottom of it but Claire had returned just as she always did quiet methodical and doing her job she moved through the office that morning as if nothing had happened with her cleaning cart by her side she avoided eye contact with everyone especially tiar though there was something different about her today something unspoken but palpable in the air after hours of meetings tiar stepped out of the conference room lost in thought but he noticed CLA standing in the corner wiping down the windows

her presence irritated him how could she just show up again after everything as if nothing had changed CLA he called out his voice laced with impatience come here she hesitated then turned slowly walking toward him her steps were deliberate but her eyes held a determination he hadn't noticed before did you need something Mr Duo she asked her voice calm but firm as if she had come to terms with something far deeper than their last exchange tiar looked at her puzzled by her tone I assume you've had time to think about what I said yesterday yes

I've thought about it she replied quietly but there was something in her voice an edge a truth about to spill over that made him pause and he prompted arms crossed waiting for her to offer an apology or admit defeat instead she took a deep breath her eyes locked onto his and with a calm unwavering voice she said tiar you don't know who I am he blinked his brow furrowing in confusion what are you talking about cla's hands trembled slightly but she steadied herself her voice growing stronger as she spoke you've spent years treating people like

they're beneath you like they're nothing but I'm not just some random cleaner you can push around I'm not here because I have no other option [Music] her words hung in the air thick with tension TI's confusion deepened but there was also a flicker of Interest where was she going with this I'm here because I wanted to meet the man who abandoned me CLA said her voice cracking slightly but her eyes never leaving his for a moment tiar couldn't comprehend what she had just said the words felt foreign out of place in his perfectly constructed world

but as the meaning behind them settled in a cold chill ran through him excuse me tier said his voice low a dangerous edge to it Clare didn't Flinch I'm your daughter silence the entire world seemed to stop as those three words sank in TI's face turned pale his body rigid as if he'd been hit by a wave of shock that left him Frozen in place he blinked trying to make sense of what he had just heard but the the pieces weren't fitting together you tiar began but his voice failed him his mind raced through memories

through the years trying to find some thread of reality that connected to her claim I'm the daughter you never knew Claire continued her voice steady now my mother you remember her don't you she worked for your family she was just a maid someone you barely noticed someone who didn't fit into your perfect life life but she was everything to me tii staggered back his mind spinning his heart pounded in his chest as a wave of memories began to surface he had been young arrogant careless as he was now there had been a woman a maid

in his family's service they had a brief affair he barely remembered her name but he remembered the relationship it had meant nothing to him at the time CLA took a step forward her voice soft but powerful she raised me alone she never told me who you were until she was on her deathbed she didn't want me to know she didn't want you to know but when she died I knew I had to find you tiar shook his head still trying to deny it this is ridiculous you're lying this can't be true CLA reached into her

pocket and pulled out a small weathered photograph she handed it to him without a word he took it reluctantly his hands shaking as he looked down at the image it was of him and cla's mother standing together in a small garden a moment captured from a time he had long forgotten his breath caught in his throat the truth hit him like a freight train obliterating the carefully crafted walls of his arrogance the woman in the photo the one he had discarded so easily had been pregnant with his child CLA watched him closely her own tions

boiling beneath the surface but she remained calm I came here because I wanted you to know I wanted you to see me not as a cleaner or someone beneath you but as your daughter TI's World crumbled around him everything he had believed about control Power and superiority now seemed insignificant he felt the weight of his actions his choices pressing down on him with a force he couldn't escape his voice trembled as he finally spoke Claire I didn't know I know she replied her tone soft but unforgiving but now you do tiar remained Frozen staring at

the photograph CLA had handed him his mind raced trying to piece together fragments of a past he had long since buried the image of the woman in the photo her name barely a whisper in his memory suddenly seemed more Vivid than ever before he could remember remember the affair now the brief careless moments he had shared with her but the idea that she had been carrying his child that CLA was his daughter was incomprehensible this can't be true tiri muttered under his breath his eyes still fixed on the picture CLA stood in front of him

her posture calm but firm waiting for him to process the truth she had just revealed the silence between them felt like a Chasm widening with every second that passed she could see the confus the disbelief on his face but there was something else there too something that she hadn't expected guilt finally tiar raised his eyes to meet hers the weight of the truth beginning to settle why didn't she tell me he asked his voice barely audible as if speaking the words would make the reality more painful cla's expression remained neutral but her voice carried the

emotions she had kept buried for years she knew who you were tiry she knew what kind of man you were even back then she didn't think you'd care and honestly she was right the words stung cutting deeper than anything TI had felt before he opened his mouth to argue to defend himself but no words came what could he say that he hadn't cared that his past actions his arrogance had led to the this moment there was no defense for the choices he had made all those years ago I didn't know tier whispered again as if

repeating it would somehow absolve him of the guilt that was starting to Claw at his insides CLA shook her head her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and frustration no you didn't but you could have you could have cared enough to pay attention to the people around you the people who weren't in your world of wealth and power G flinched at her words the truth of them piercing through the wall of Pride he had built over the years she was right he had spent his life in a bubble believing that his power and money

shielded him from the consequences of his actions but now standing before the daughter he had never known the bubble was bursting how how can I make this right he asked his voice cracking as he spoke cla's gaze softened for a moment but there was no relief in her eyes eyes you can't she said simply this isn't something you can fix with money or an apology my mother is gone she raised me without you without any help you can't go back and change that tiar felt a wave of helplessness wash over him a sensation he wasn't

accustomed to he was a man who solved problems with money with power but this was something different something Beyond his control for the first time in his life he realized that there were things he couldn't fix things he couldn't undo I'm sorry tiary said the words sounding Hollow even to his own ears he had never said those words before not with sincerity but now they felt inadequate empty CLA crossed her arms her expression unreadable I didn't come here for an apology I didn't come here for anything really I just thought you should know the Simplicity

of her statement hit tiar harder than anything else she hadn't come to confront him or demand something from him she had simply wanted him to know the truth and now that he knew the weight of that truth felt unbearable for a moment the room felt suffocating the walls closing in around him tiar had always believed that he was in control that his decisions shaped the world around him but now faced with the reality of his past he realized how control he truly had why now he asked his voice barely a whisper CLA hesitated for a

moment before answering because I spent my whole life not knowing who my father was and when I finally found out I had to see for myself I had to see the man who walked away from us without a second thought her words were like daggers each one cutting deeper into TI's already fragile sense of self he wanted to defend himself to explain that he hadn't known that if he had known things might have been different but deep down he knew that wasn't true he had been too selfish too absorbed in his own world to care

about anyone else I didn't walk away tiar said softly his voice filled with regret I didn't even know CLA shook her head that doesn't change anything my mother gave everything to raise me and you you gave nothing the truth of her words settled over him like a suffocating blanket tiar had built his life on power wealth and control but none of that mattered now he had failed in the most fundamental way as a man as a father I wish I could change it tiar said his voice breaking CLA looked at him for a long moment

her expression unreadable finally she sighed and shook her head it's too late for that my mother's gone and didn't come here for you to try and make up for the past I just thought you should know who I am with that she turned and walked out of the office leaving tiar standing there holding the photograph in his Trembling Hands the weight of her words of her existence pressed down on him like a tidal wave threatening to drown him in regret as the door closed behind her tiar sank into his chair staring blankly at the photo

in his hand he had spent his entire life belie believing that his power and wealth could fix anything but now faced with the truth he realized how powerless he truly was the hours after cla's Revelation passed in a blur for tiar his mind usually so sharp and calculating was now clouded with guilt and regret he couldn't focus on the stack of documents that lay in front of him the numbers and charts blurring together as his thoughts kept circling back to the same place Claire's words her face and the UNM stable truth she had delivered TI

had always believed he could control everything in his life he had built an Empire through sheer willpower and an unrelenting belief in his own superiority but this this was something he couldn't manipulate something he couldn't erase with money or Charm he had lost something precious long before he even knew it existed by the end of the day tiar knew he had to do something he couldn't just let CLA walk out of his life the way her mother had he had to make amends to find a way to reach her but how could he where could

he even begin the following morning tiry arrived at the office earlier than usual his thoughts already consumed with what he needed to do he wasn't used to feeling this way uncertain vulnerable it was unsettling but for the first time he understood that his usual methods wouldn't work here money power none of that mattered what CLA wanted was something far more valuable and it terrified him to realize he wasn't sure if he could give it when CLA arrived at the office she looked the same as she always did quiet composed and professional but there was a

distance now a coldness that tiar could feel from across the room it was as if a wall had gone up between them and he had no idea how to break it down he waited for the right moment watching her as she moved moved around the office going about her usual tasks his mind raced trying to find the right words the right approach but nothing seemed sufficient finally he stood from his desk and crossed the room toward her CLA he said softly his voice hesitant in a way it had never been before she turned to face

him her expression unreadable yes Mr Dubois her use of his formal title cut through him he had always been Mr Dubois to her but now it felt like a wall of separation he had no power to tear down I I want to talk TI stammered feeling the unfamiliar weight of vulnerability settle over him CLA raised an eyebrow but her face remained calm about what ti glanced around suddenly aware that this wasn't the place for the conversation he needed to have not here can we go somewhere more private please she hesitated for a moment clearly weighing

the request in her mind after a brief pause she nodded fine they made their way down the corridor to one of the smaller more intimate meeting rooms once inside TI closed the door behind them and turned to face CLA unsure of where to begin the room felt too small the air thick with unspoken emotions I I don't know how to start tiry admitted running a hand through his hair in frustration he had never been this unprepared in his life and the feeling of helplessness was unsettling Claire crossed her arms her gaze steady you don't have

to say anything Mr Dubois I already said what I needed to say her words stung but TI knew she was right she didn't owe him anything but still he couldn't let it end like this I know I've made mistakes TI began his voice soft but sincere and I know I can't change the path F but I want to I need to try to make this right cla's expression didn't change you can't make it right my mother is gone she raised me without you you weren't there and nothing you say or do can change that TI's

chest tightened he had always prided himself on being a man who could fix anything but now he was faced with the harsh reality that some things were Beyond repair I know he said his voice barely above a whisper but I want to be part of your life now I don't want to lose you too cla's gaze softened slightly but there was still a distance in her eyes I didn't come here for you to fix anything I came because I thought you deserved to know the truth that's it tiar took a step closer his heart pounding

in his chest but now that I know I can't just walk away please Claire let me try let me be a father to you the room fell silent the tension between them almost unbearable Claire didn't speak for what felt like an eternity finally she sighed and shook her head you don't get it do you she said quietly this isn't about you being a father to me you missed that chance a long time ago my mother was both my parents she was everything to me you weren't there and now now it's too late her words were

like a knife to TI's heart he had been too late he had lost something precious before he even realized it was his to lose I'm sorry TI said his voice breaking I'm so so sorry CLA looked at him for a long moment her expression unreadable I know you are she said softly but sorry doesn't change anything it doesn't bring her back and it doesn't undo the years we spent without you tears welled up in tier's eyes and for the first time in his life he let them fall he had spent years building walls of arrogance

but now faced with the reality of what he had lost those walls crumbled he was just a man a flawed broken man who had missed the most important moments of his daughter's life I don't want to lose you tiry whispered his voice trembling please don't walk away cla's gaze softened again but this time there was a flicker of something else something he couldn't quite read you never had me to begin with she said gently but I'm not here for Revenge Mr Dubois I'm not here for anything but the truth with that she turned and walked

out of the room leaving tiar standing alone the weight of his mistakes crashing down on him like a tidal wave the office felt heavier after CLA left the room T stood Frozen replaying every word she had said for a man who had always thrived on having control this loss of power was suffocating Claire had given him the truth but there was nothing more she seemed willing to offer he had been blindsided by the weight of his own past a past he had ignored for years assuming it would never come back to haunt him but now

it was everywhere especially in Claire she was living proof of the the consequences of his careless actions and the more he thought about it the more he realized how little he actually knew about her life her struggles or her mothers TI couldn't let it rest he needed answers more than just the cold hard truth of his absence he needed to understand what cla's mother had gone through how she had managed without him and more importantly how CLA had grown up in a world without the Privileges he had taken for granted later that afternoon after trying

and failing to concentrate on his work tii found CLA again she was in the back of the office wiping down desks and emptying trash bins with the same quiet efficiency that had marked her presence for years this time when he called her name she didn't Flinch or hesitate she simply looked at him with the same calm guarded expression she had been wearing since the Revelation CLA TI started unsure of how to frame his question can we talk again I need to know more she hesitated for a moment clearly weighing whether or not she wanted to

indulge him after a long pause she nodded all right what do you want to know TI glanced around the office suddenly feeling exposed in the large open space not here let's go somewhere quieter they found themselves in the same small meeting room as before the walls once again closing in with the tension between them TI sat across from CLA trying to collect his thoughts I don't know anything about her your mother he finally said I don't know what happened to her after after I left I don't know what kind of life she had and I

want to understand I need to Claire's expression softened just a fraction but there was still a coolness in her eyes you want to know what happened to her she asked quietly as if the answer would be something TI wouldn't want to hear yes TI said his voice steady please I need to know Claire sat back in her chair folding her arms as she considered how to begin my mother Marie worked for your family until she found out she was pregnant with me when she told your father he made it very clear that there was no

place for her in your life or in your family she was dismissed immediately without so much as a second thought TI flinched at her words The Familiar coldness of his father's decisions creeping back into his memory his father had always been a ruthless man one who valued the family's reputation above all else tiar had inherited much of that mindset until now she tried to reach out to you CLA continued her voice calm but laced with emotion she wrote letters she tried to see you but every attempt was shut down your father had the power and

he made sure she was out of your life before you even knew she existed Terry's heart sank he had been unaware of the lengths his father had gone to and the idea that Marie had tried to reach him tried to connect with him was a revelation he wasn't prepared for I didn't know tier murmured his voice barely a whisper I never saw the letters I never knew she tried Claire's gaze was steady but there was a flicker of something pain perhaps or maybe just a deep simmering sadness I know you didn't she said softly but

that doesn't change the fact that she was alone she had me on her own with no support no money nothing but her determination to give me the best life she could tiar felt a lump rise in his throat he could picture Marie now a woman he had barely remembered struggling with a child abandoned by the man who should have stood by her the weight of his absence his negligence pressed down on him harder than before how did she manage tiar asked his voice cracking slightly how did she raise you Claire took a deep breath before

answering she worked multiple jobs whatever she could find she cleaned houses just like she did for your family she took care of other people's children all while raising me we didn't have much but she made sure I never went without she sacrificed everything for me TI sat in stunned silence his mind reeling with the weight of cla's words he had spent his life surrounded by luxury by people who catered to his every need meanwhile the woman he had left behind had worked herself to the Bone to raise his child I'm sorry tiar said again his

voice raw with emotion I didn't know I didn't CLA cut him off off gently it's too late for that my mother died when I was 16 cancer by then we had nothing left she couldn't afford the treatment she needed she worked until she physically couldn't anymore and by the time she s help it was too late tears filled tier's eyes as he listened to Claire's story he had missed everything he hadn't just missed the chance to be a father he had missed the chance to save the woman who had raised his child I should have

been there TI said his voice trembling I should have done something you couldn't have CLA replied her voice quiet but firm you didn't know and even if you had I don't know if you would have cared the words hit him like a blow and tiar knew they were true the man he had been back then the man he was still struggling to shed wouldn't have cared but now faced with the reality of what had happened the regret was overwhelming she didn't deserve any of this tiar whispered his voice breaking neither of you did no CLA

said softly but that's the life we had and now it's over tiar looked at her tears blurring his vision but cla's expression remained calm she had lived through it all survived it all and now she was standing before him stronger than he ever could have imagined that evening after CLA had left the office TI sat alone in the Silence of his office the once bright City Lights of Paris flickered through the large Windows casting Long Shadows across the room his desk typically covered in neat stacks of reports and documents now seemed meaningless dwarfed by the

weight of his thoughts for the first time in years TI dubuis felt completely an utterly powerless not the kind of powerlessness that came from a business deal gone wrong or a competitor outsmarting him but a deep personal failure a failure as a man a father a human being he had been so focused on his success on climbing higher and higher that he had failed to see the people he stepped on along the way Claire's words echoed in his mind louder now that the world had quieted around him my mother gave everything to raise me and

you you gave nothing he had known in a detached way that his arrogance had hurt people but it had never felt real until now Claire's story her life was the living breathing consequence of his neglect and he couldn't escape it he had always prided himself on his ability to control everything in his world but this this was out of his hands he stood up pacing the length of his office trying to think of what he could do money wouldn't fix this power wouldn't fix this Claire didn't want anything from him no apologies no restitution and

yet he couldn't stand the idea of leaving things as they were with CLA walking out of his life just as her mother had tiar moved to the window looking out at the city below his reflection staring back at him from the glass he barely recognized the man he saw there the confidence powerful businessman who had once believed he could do no wrong now seemed small Hollow the truth had shattered the image he had of himself and he was left to pick up the pieces but where did he start how could he begin to repair the

damage when the people who mattered most were already gone the door to his office opened and tiar turned startled to see his assistant jacin standing hesitantly in the doorway Mr Dubois your still here she asked her voice soft she was used to him working late but tonight there was something different about him he looked exhausted not physically but emotionally drained in a way she had never seen tiar nodded trying to compose himself I yes I needed to think jacn glanced around the room her eyes landing on the untouched papers scattered across his desk is everything

all right he hesitated unsure of how to explain the turmoil inside him jacqualine had worked for him for years always efficient and professional but he had never shared anything personal with her in fact he had rarely shared anything personal with anyone but now the isolation he had created for himself felt suffocating do you ever regret decisions you've made in your life Jacqueline TI asked his voice quieter than usual almost fragile jacn blinked taken aback by the question TI DuBois was not the kind of man who asked for advice much less opened up about his feelings

but something had clearly shifted in him tonight something that had cracked the veneer of his usual self assuredness yes she said after a moment I think everyone has regrets Mr Duo it's part of life tiar nodded his gaze drifting back to the window I've met made more mistakes than I realized and now I don't know how to fix them Jacqueline stepped further into the room sensing the vulnerability in her usually stoic boss I don't think we can always fix our mistakes she said gently sometimes all we can do is learn from them and try to

be better moving forward tiar let out a long breath he had always dismissed such Notions as weakness regret self-reflection change but now he understood that weakness wasn't in admitting failure it was in refusing to confront it he had spent years avoiding the truth and it had cost him everything I have a daughter he said quietly surprising even himself as the words left his mouth it was the first time he had spoken it aloud and it felt both painful and liberating jacklin's eyes widened in surprise but she remained composed I didn't know that sir Terry shook

his head neither did I until recently there was a long pause the weight of his admission hanging in the air between them for a moment neither of them spoke but the silence was less oppressive now it felt like the beginning of something an understanding perhaps or a Moment of clarity what are you going to do Jacqueline asked softly TI didn't answer right away he wasn't sure what the answer was CLA had made it clear that she didn't need or want anything from him she had come to give him the truth nothing more but Ty couldn't

let it end there he had spent too long running from the consequences of his actions and now that he knew the full extent of them he couldn't just walk away I don't know TI finally admitted his voice low but I can't leave it like this I need to do something even if it's not enough jacine nodded her expression thoughtful sometimes just trying is all you can do as she left the room tiar remained by the window his thoughts churning CLA had said it was too late that he couldn't fix the past and maybe she was

right but for the first time in his life tiry realized that it wasn't about fixing things it was about facing them he couldn't bring back the years he had missed he couldn't undo the pain Marie had suffered or the hardships CLA had endured without him but he could try to be there now to take responsibility for what he had ignored for so long he wasn't sure if CLA would ever accept him as her father he wasn't sure if there was a way forward at all but one thing was clear the man he had been the

man who had believed his power and wealth made him Invincible was gone and maybe that was the first step toward something better the following days were a blur for tiar every time he walked into his office the weight of his past decisions seemed to press down on him more heavily he found it hard to focus on his work the endless meetings and deals that once commanded his full attention now felt trivial compared to the turmoil inside him he hadn't seen Claire since their last conversation and though she continued working at the office she made sure

to stay out of his path tiry noticed he noticed everything about her now her quiet presence the way she moved about the office without drawing attention to herself things that had been invisible to him for so long but now all he could think about was her Claire wasn't just another employee anymore she was his daughter and he had failed her before even knowing who she was one afternoon after hours of struggling to concentrate on the numbers in front of him tiry knew he couldn't put it off any longer he needed to talk to CLA again

he needed to try even if she didn't want him to he found her in the staff break room sitting alone at a small table she was sipping from a cup of tea staring out of the window lost in thought TI stood in the doorway for a moment Gathering the courage to approach he had never felt this uncertain this vulnerable the thought of rejection of his own daughter turning him away was something he wasn't sure how a handle but he had to try CLA he said Softly As He stepped into the room she looked up her

expression neutral giving nothing away she didn't seem surprised to see him but there was a weariness in her eyes as if she was bracing herself for another difficult conversation Mr Dubois she replied her voice calm but distant tiar flinched at the formality but he didn't let it stop him can we talk please CLA hesitated clearly debating whether or not she wanted to engage after a long pause she nodded all right he sat down across from her the tension between them palpable for a moment neither of them spoke tiar wasn't used to this feeling uncertain feeling

like he was on the edge of something important but having no idea how to navigate it I know I've said this before tiar began his voice soft but I'm sorry I'm sorry for everything what happened with your mother what happened to you I know I can't change the past but I can't stop thinking about it Claire's face remained unreadable she listened quietly but her silence made him feel like he was speaking into a void I want to try to make things right tiar continued I know I've missed so much but I don't want to miss

anymore I don't want you to walk out of of my life the way your mother did Claire's gaze flickered but her expression didn't change Mr dubis I appreciate that you're trying but it's not that simple tiar felt a knot tighten in his chest I know it's not simple I know I can't just undo everything but I want to be a part of your life now I want to get to know you Claire sighed placing her teacup on the table you didn't know I existed for most of my life I grew up without you and I've

been fine my mother did everything for me she raised me protected me made sure I had everything I needed even when we had nothing I don't need anything from you now her words stung but TI could hear the truth in them she had built her life without him and she had survived but still he couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to be there for her now even if it was too late for the past I understand that tiry said his voice thick with emotion I know you don't need me but I need you CLA

I need to know that I haven't lost everything I need to know that I can at least try to be a father even if it's not in the way I should have been before CLA looked at him for a long moment her eyes softening just a little it's not about whether or not you can be be a father to me now it's about the fact that I've already lived my whole life without one I've learned how to take care of myself I don't need to be saved I'm not trying to save you tii said his

voice shaking slightly I'm trying to save myself I don't want to live with the regret of never knowing you of never trying to make things right Claire's expression finally cracked and for the first time TI saw a flicker of emotion a sadness a pain that she had been holding back it's not that I don't care Mr Dubois Claire said quietly but you have to understand I spent my entire life without you I've dealt with the pain of not having a father I've moved on from that I'm Not Angry Anymore I don't hate you but I'm

not sure there's a place for you in my life now TI felt his heart sink he had prepared himself for rejection but hearing her say it still hurt more than he had expected I understand he said softly but can you give me a chance just one chance to get to know you to show you that I'm not the man I was back then CLA hesitated her eyes searching his face for a moment it looked like she was going to say no to walk away for good but then slowly she nodded I don't know what that

looks like she said but I'm willing to see if it's possible a flood of relief washed over TI though he knew this was just the first step thank you he whispered his voice filled with gratitude I promise I won't let you down CLA didn't respond right away but the tension between them eased just slightly it wasn't forgiveness not yet but it was a start and for tiar that was more than he had ever hoped for the days after their ation passed in a strange blur for tiar he was relieved that CLA had agreed to give

him a chance but the road ahead felt uncertain how does a father reconnect with a daughter he's never known how do you make up for a lifetime of absence and missed moments these questions gnawed at him as he went about his daily routines Clare continued working at the office but their interactions remained minimal there was an awkwardness between them a tension that neither seemed able to break tiar could sense that CLA was holding back she was cautious guarded he couldn't blame her after all what right did he have to expect anything else he had spent

years living his life without a single thought for her now he had to earn her trust and he wasn't sure where to begin one morning tiar decided to make the first move he had never been good at opening up at showing vulnerability but if he wanted any chance of building a relationship with CLA he knew he had to try it was a quiet St at the office and tiar found CLA working alone in one of the conference rooms tidying up after a meeting CLA he said gently stepping into the room she looked up surprised to

see him there Mr Dubois please you can call me TI he said trying to keep his tone light he knew the formality was another wall between them one that he was eager to tear down CLA hesitated for a moment before nodding okay tiar he smiled faintly though the awkwardness in the air remained I was thinking maybe we could get lunch together I'd really like to spend some time with you outside of work her eyes flickered with uncertainty but she didn't immediately say no I don't know if that's a good idea TI felt the familiar sting

of rejection but pushed through it I understand if you're not comfortable with that yet but I'd really like the chance to to know you even if it's just lunch there was a long pause as CLA considered his request finally she let out a small sigh all right lunch but I don't want this to be weird Okay TI's heart lifted slightly of course I'll keep it casual I promise they decided on a small Cafe not far from the office a quiet spot where they wouldn't be interrupted as they sat across from each other tiar felt an

odd mix of excitement and nervousness he had spent years mastering boardrooms in business deals but this this was something else entirely the waitress came by took their orders and for a moment there was silence between them tiar searched for the right words something to bridge the gap between them so tiar began awkwardly trying to start the conversation what do you like to do outside of work CLA glanced up at him surprised by the question outside of work she repeated yeah TI said with a small self-deprecating smile I realized I don't really know anything about you

I'd like to Clare Shrugged slightly I don't do much I like to read go for walks I spend time with friends when I can TI nodded listening intently what do you like to read mostly novels CLA replied fiction stories that take me somewhere else any favorite authors tiar asked trying to keep the conversation flowing not really I just read whatever catches my eye tiar smiled feeling a small sense of connection I've always wanted to read more I'm ashamed to admit I haven't picked up a novel in years I guess I've been too wrapped up in

work CLA gave a small almost imperceptible smile I can understand that you you've got an Empire to run tiar winced internally at the comment knowing that his Empire had kept him from the things that truly mattered I'd like to think there's more to life than just work he said softly looking down at the table I've been thinking about that a lot lately Claire's expression softened slightly but she didn't say anything tiar could feel the distance between them not just physical but emotional an invisible barrier that seemed almost impossible to cross they were trying but something

was still holding them back or maybe it was him his guilt his regrets the weight of the past I'm trying Claire tiar said quietly looking up at her I know I've missed so much but I want to make it right I want to be part of your life even if it's just starting small CLA sat down her fork and looked at him with a seriousness that caught him off guard I don't know if you can make it right Terry I've spent my whole life without you and I've been fine I don't need you to come

in now and try to fix everything tiar nodded feeling the truth of her words settle over him like a heavy weight I know but I need this Claire I need to try she sighed her expression softening but there was still a distance in her eyes I'm not trying to to push you away but you have to understand I've moved on I don't need a father I've never had one and I've learned to live without it her words hurt but tiry knew they were honest Claire wasn't rejecting him out of anger or resentment she was just

being practical she had survived without him and now his sudden presence in her life wasn't something she needed I get it tiar said softly his voice tinged with sadness but can we at least try even if it's not his father and daughter maybe we can just be two people getting to know each other CLA looked at him for a long moment her expression unreadable finally she gave a small nod maybe but it's going to take time TI I can't just pretend everything is fine overnight TI smiled a flicker of Hope igniting in his chest I

understand I'll take whatever time you need they finished their lunch in relative silence but it wasn't as tense as before it wasn't perfect there was still a long way to go but tiar could feel the connection even if it was faint for the first time in years he felt like there was a possibility however fragile of building something new as they stood to leave TI looked at CLA his heart full of gratitude for the small chance she had given him thank thank you he said softly for giving me this chance Clare didn't respond right away

but there was a small genuine smile on her lips as they left the cafe the days following their lunch were quieter but the awkwardness between tiar and CLA lingered they exchanged pleasantries at the office but their conversations rarely went beyond surface level tiar could feel the thin thread of connection they'd started to build but it still felt fragile as if any wrong move could break it tiar wanted more needed more his guilt had been consuming him since the day CLA revealed the truth he had missed so much of her life and it noded him daily

every time he saw her moving quietly through the office it reminded him of the years he had lost years he could never get back but the fact that CLA had given him a chance a chance to know her to be part of her life in some way kept him going yet despite her willingness to try tiar knew she was still holding back it wasn't enough for her to agree to lunches and polite conversation he wanted to break through the wall that still stood between them the wall that his past mistakes had built he needed to

feel closer to her to be more than just two people sharing an awkward meal one afternoon when the tension of the day had already worn him down TI decided to make another attempt at closing the Gap he knew it was risky he didn't want to push her too hard didn't want to ruin the delicate prog press they had made but he couldn't sit back any longer watching her drift further from him tiar caught CLA in the hallway as she was finishing up her day she seemed surprised to see him waiting for her outside the staff

area but she didn't hesitate when he asked to speak with her I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner tonight tiar suggested trying to keep his tone light though his heart raced with the weight of his own desperation I know we've been taking things slow but I'd really like to spend more time with you Claire hesitated her brows knitting together dinner I don't know Terry I've got some things I need to do tonight tiar felt the disappointment Rising but he fought to keep his voice steady I understand I just thought maybe we

could try something a bit more relaxed outside of work I'm not trying to pressure you but I don't want to miss any more time we've already lost so much Claire's expression softened but there was still that distance in her eyes she let out a small sigh it's not that I don't want to spend time with you it's just I'm not sure what you're expecting from this tiar I told you before I've moved on I don't need you to try to fix things that can't be fixed her words felt like a punch to the gut tiar

had heard them before but hearing them again felt like a confirmation of something he wasn't ready to accept he had tried so hard to make up for the Lost Years but the more he pushed the more he realized that CLA didn't need him in the way he needed her I'm not trying to fix the past tiar said his voice quieter now almost pleading I know I can't but I'm trying to be here now I don't want to keep missing out on your life Claire looked at him her eyes filled with a kind of sadness he

hadn't seen before tiar I don't know what you're hoping for I'm willing to get to know you but you have to understand our relationship isn't going to be what you want it to be you're not going to be my father in the way you imagine TI felt his chest tighten the reality of her words cutting deep I just want to be in your life he said softly his voice cracking slightly whatever that looks like I need to feel like I'm doing something that I'm trying to make up for everything I've missed Claire's eyes softened and

for a moment she looked like she was going to say something but then she stopped shaking her head slightly I understand that you feel guilty I get that but you can't make up for the past by trying to force something now I don't need a father tiar I've been okay without one her words hung in the air thick with finality tiar felt a lump rising in his throat the helplessness he had tried so hard to avoid now flooding him Claire didn't need him she had never needed him and now after everything it seemed that no

matter what he did he couldn't change that I'm sorry Claire said softly her voice tinged with regret I'm not trying to hurt you I know you're trying and I appreciate it but I think you need to come to terms with the fact that we can't have the relationship you're hoping for TI blinked struggling to keep his emotions in check so what now he asked his voice barely above a whisper what am I supposed to do CLA looked at him for a long moment her expression unreadable I don't know Terry I think that's something you have

to figure out for yourself there was a heavy silence between them the weight of everything left unsaid pressing down like a cloud TI's mind raced searching for something anything to say that would make this moment less painful but there was nothing nothing he could say that would change the truth CLA gave him a small almost sad smile before stepping past him her footsteps quiet as she walked away TI didn't move didn't turn to watch her leave he stood there alone in the hallway the reality of her words crashing down on him like a tidal wave

for the first time in his life TI realized that there were some things he simply couldn't control no amount of power no no amount of money could fix the broken connection between him and his daughter he had waited too long missed too many moments and now no matter how much he wanted it CLA would never need him the way he needed her as he stood there The Emptiness he had tried so hard to fill with work and success felt more crushing than ever before he had spent his life chasing wealth and power but none of

that mattered now he had lost the one thing that could have truly made him feel whole and there was nothing he could do to bring it back the days that followed TI's conversation with CLA were some of the longest of his life he found himself haunted by their words playing the conversation over and over in his mind trying to figure out where he had gone wrong but deep down he knew the truth he hadn't gone wrong in that moment the mistakes had been made long before and now he was simply facing the consequences CLA continued

to work in the office but their interactions had grown even more distant the thread of connection that had once seemed fragile now felt entirely severed tiar could sense her pulling further away and with each passing day the hope he had clung to began to slip from his grasp one morning just as tiar was about to begin another day of meetings jacoline his assistant knocked on his office door Mr Dubois she said hesitantly as as she stepped inside holding an envelope in her hands I thought you should see this tiar glanced up from his desk his

brow furrowing in confusion what is it it's from Claire jacine said softly placing the envelope on his desk she gave it to me this morning TI's heart sank as he reached for the envelope he already knew what it was before he even opened it there was a finality in the way Jacqueline had spoken a heaviness that told him this wasn't just a simple note with Trembling Hands tiar opened the envelope and unfolded the letter inside Claire's handwriting was neat and precise and as he began to read the weight of her words pressed down on him

like a lead blanket tiar I've thought a lot about everything you've said and I know you're trying I appreciate the effort you've made to be part of my life but after everything I think it's best if we go our separate ways this isn't about anger or resentment I don't hate you and I don't blame you for the choices you made in the past but I've lived my whole life without you and I've come to terms with that trying to force a relationship now feels wrong it feels like we're both trying to make up for something

that can't be fixed I don't want to hurt you and I know this probably isn't what you want to hear but I need to move forward with my life I need to let go of the past and live my life on my own terms without the weight of what could have been hanging over me so I've decided to leave the company I found another job something that will give me the space I need to grow and heal I want you to know that I don't have any hard feelings I'm not leaving because I'm angry I

just think it's time for both of us to move on I hope you can understand and I wish you all the best in the future Claire TI's hand trembled as he finished reading the letter the words blurred slightly as tears welled up in his eyes but he blinked them away refusing to let them fall this was it Claire was leaving and she wasn't coming back she wasn't angry she had made that clear but her departure still felt like the most painful rejection he had ever experienced he set the letter down on his desk his mind

reeling he had known deep down that this day might come CLA had always been clear about her boundaries about the fact that she didn't need him in the way he had hoped she would but knowing it didn't make it hurt any less tiar stood up and walked to the window staring out at the Paris Skyline the city seemed so alive so full of movement and opportunity yet here he was standing in the middle of his Empire feeling more alone than he had ever felt in his life for years he had built his life around success

power power and wealth he had believed that those things would make him Invincible that they would Shield him from the pain of human connection but now faced with the truth of his own failures he realized how hollow that belief had been CLA wasn't leaving because she hated him she was leaving because she had no place for him in her life she had moved on built a life for herself without him and now it was clear that he couldn't Force his way into that life just because he was ready to face the truth as TI stood

there his mind replayed the moments of his life the decisions he had made the people he had hurt along the way he had always thought that he was in control that he could shape his own destiny through sheer willpower but now looking back he realized that the most important things had slipped through his fingers without him even noticing he thought of Marie Claire's mother and the life she had led without him he thought of CLA growing up without knowing her father without ever having the chance to experience the love and support that he could have

given her and now after all this time the chance was gone tiar felt a wave of regret wash over him heavier than any business failure or financial loss he had ever experienced he had spent his life chasing success but in doing so he had lost the one thing that could have truly mattered the chance to be there for the people who needed him but CLA was right he couldn't fix the past he couldn't force her to let him into her life now she had made her choice and he had to respect that tiar closed his

eyes feeling the weight of his Solitude pressing down on him he didn't know what the future held but one thing was clear he couldn't go back to the man he had been before the man who had believed that power and money were the only things that mattered as he stood there staring out at the city tiar knew that he had to let CLA go he had to accept that this was the end of their story at least for now he had lost her once before and now he had lost her again but this time he

wouldn't try to hold on he wouldn't try to fix what couldn't be fixed Claire had her life and now tiar had to figure out how to live his [Music]