Erica Sinclair - Permanent Scars (M/F)

[Caesar73]

Dear @Caesar73, I guess that Nathan learned a valuable lesson: he should have stopped when he had the chance to. This isn't the Erica he remembered.

Erica dealing with Nathan? Wonderfully scripted. And he deserves that. All of it. Deep down he is a coward. Now he knows what Erica has become. That she really will take him apart. Piece by Piece. Has he learned his Lesson? Future will tell.

[LunaDog]

Some people just will not accept 'NO' for an answer, they literally have be taught it. Nathan strikes me as one of those. Has he learnt now? This particular horse has already bolted, mate!

[Jenny_S]

Dear @Caesar73, dear @LunaDog, thank you soo much for your valuable comments. Now we know why Erica protects her privacy and her feelings so fiercely. People like Nathan who destroy others to lift themselves up are like vampires sucking your blood untill only a dead shell of yourself remains. Erica has been there and clawed her way back to daylight only recently. She'd rather die before letting this happen to her again. By reading my stories you will have noticed this.

Tonight we will see how the C4 issue develops further and we'll also see how Holly is doing.

[Jenny_S]

The elevator doors slide open with a soft chime, and Erica steps into the sleek, polished lobby of Sinclair & Associates.
The rhythmic hum of the building’s quiet energy contrasts sharply with the storm of thoughts in her mind.
As she adjusts her coat, her eyes flick to the reception desk, and she catches sight of Holly - her young employee – who upon seeing her boss, is diving beneath the desk, frantically rummaging through a drawer like a guilty child caught in the act.

Erica pauses, her gaze lingering for a moment. The tension is palpable. Holly knows she’s been caught, and Erica knows that since she reprimanded her earlier this week, the receptionist is trying to avoid another confrontation. They have been playing this game for a few days now, the only thing left to do is call it out.

“For crying out loud, Holly,” Erica’s voice rings out, firm but carrying a thread of warmth beneath the surface, “will you please stop hiding every time I show up?”

There’s a brief rustling sound as Holly freezes, her head popping up slowly from the drawer. She looks up, her face flushed, eyes wide with discomfort. Her body stiffens for a split second, as if bracing herself for an outburst. She knows this isn’t about a messy desk or a misplaced file; this is about something deeper.

“Yes, Miss Sinclair. I’m sorry.”

Erica watches her for a moment, feeling both the absurdity and the tension of the situation. A small, amused smile tugs at the corner of her lips, but she keeps it controlled. The mask of authority is still firmly in place, even if she’s secretly intrigued by the layers of hesitation she’s seeing in Holly. She leans forward slightly, tilting her head as she poses the question she’s been wanting to ask for some time.

“How scared are you of me, Holly?”

The words hang in the air. Holly squints, her eyes darting to the floor as if looking for a way out. She hesitates before speaking, unsure of how to respond. Her voice is quiet, almost unsure. “I’m…I don’t know.”

Erica can’t help but smile a little, the tension in the room softening just enough to allow for a brief connection. She straightens, though, her expression firming as she gestures toward the door to her office. “Come with me, please.”

Without waiting to see if Holly follows, Erica strides down the hallway, her heels clicking confidently against the polished floor. She passes Claire’s desk without so much as a glance - Claire will understand. She knows this is something that needs to be handled, and there’s no time to waste.

As she enters her office, the familiar scent of leather and wood settles over her, and the view of the impressive mahogany bookshelves, lined with legal volumes, brings a momentary sense of calm.
Erica shrugs off her coat and hangs it on the hook by the bookcase, taking a moment to compose herself. She allows herself a deep, almost imperceptible breath, a moment of clarity amidst the cloud of lingering tension.
She knows the stakes of this conversation. It’s not about power or control. It’s about respect. About boundaries. And about leadership.

She moves toward her desk, settling into her chair with an air of quiet authority. She gestures to the chair across from her. “Take a seat, please.”

Holly hesitates for a moment longer than necessary, as if reluctant to close the distance between them. Her hands twitch, the knuckles white with the tension of holding them together. She looks at Erica with a mix of apprehension and uncertainty, but eventually, she sinks into the chair, her shoulders slumping just slightly as she gives in to the weight of the moment.
The silence between them is thick, heavy with unspoken words. Erica can feel Holly’s discomfort, her unease hanging in the air like a tangible thing. This is not going to be another reprimand; it’s a reminder of where they both stand, and where they need to go from here.

Erica speaks first, her tone measured but resolute.
“Listen, I don’t think you’re a bad person.” she says, locking eyes with Holly. “If I did, you wouldn’t be working here anymore.”

Her voice softens just a fraction, though it carries the weight of an unspoken truth. “You fell for somebody’s manipulations, and I know best how much of an expert he is in that field. In fact, years ago I fell for his scheme and it took me too long to realize it.”

She leans back in her chair, her fingers drumming lightly on the edge of the desk. Holly looks at her, the tension in her posture slowly melting as Erica’s words seem to sink in. Holly’s eyes flicker, a brief moment of recognition.
She knows the young woman’s been struggling under the pressure of her role at the office and the influence of someone dangerous. Erica wants to make it clear that she’s not here to judge; she’s here to offer guidance.

“But,” Erica continues, her eyes narrowing slightly, “without going into further detail, this situation was resolved today during my lunch break.”
She doesn’t need nor does she want to elaborate how she literally kicked Nathan out of her life and reclaimed her inner peace. To a certain degree she feels she has opened up to Holly more than enough already.

Holly shifts slightly in her chair, her fingers twisting anxiously in her lap, her body tense but unwilling to argue. She’s accepting the words, albeit reluctantly. Erica knows this, and she presses forward with the quiet authority she’s perfected over the years.

“The only thing I require,” Erica says, her voice quieter now but still commanding, “is that you respect my wish to keep my private affairs private.”

Holly swallows hard, nodding almost imperceptibly. “Yes, ma’am.”

Erica watches her closely, then nods, her expression unreadable.

“Do your job and think before you act.” she adds, her tone lightening but still firm. “And please - stop trying to hide from me. It makes me think that I’m a really terrible person, and I’d rather be a good one.”

Holly glances up at her, uncertainty in her eyes. The vulnerability in her gaze is fleeting but telling. She’s been avoiding Erica’s gaze, avoiding confrontation, because deep down, she feels caught between a rock and a hard place. She’s not afraid of Erica - she’s afraid of herself, afraid of what it means to face the consequences of her actions.

“Having established that,” Erica continues, her voice steady and unwavering. “if you’re uncertain about how to handle a situation, talk to Claire. She’s the best mentor you can ask for.”

Holly nods quickly, her posture shifting as if she’s been given permission to breathe again. She’s a little less tense now, a little less lost in the swirl of guilt and confusion.

“Are we good?”

Holly’s voice is softer now, more certain. “Yes, Miss Sinclair.”

Erica glances down at her Rolex, the silent tick of the watch marking the passage of time.

“Alright. Miss Neely should be here shortly. Just so you know. Anything else?”

Holly hesitates, standing, but then pauses for a brief moment, turning back toward Erica. “Thank you.” she says quietly, the words soft but genuine.

Erica meets her gaze, the warmth returning to her smile. It’s not the smile of a boss who’s just finished dressing an employee down, but the smile of someone who understands the struggle beneath the surface.

“You’re welcome.” she says, her voice almost motherly in its reassurance.

As Holly exits the office, Erica leans back in her chair, letting the quiet settle over her. This wasn’t just a moment of correction. It was a reminder that respect is earned, not given. And with that, Erica feels the weight of the day lifting a little more.





The soft chime of the elevator announces Selina Neely's arrival at Sinclair & Associates. She steps out into the gleaming hallway, her breath catching slightly as nerves bubble to the surface. Excitement and anxiety dance in equal measure in her chest, but she walks with purpose toward the reception desk.

Holly greets her with a warm smile. “Good afternoon, Miss Neely. Miss Sinclair is expecting you. Come this way.”

Selina follows Holly down the polished corridor, her heart thudding lightly against her ribcage. She has an idea why Erica asked her to come in, but the weight of what it might mean hasn’t fully settled.

Claire opens the door to Erica’s office with practiced ease and steps aside, letting Selina enter. Erica looks up from her desk, her sharp yet inviting gaze meeting Selina’s with a small, encouraging smile.

“Selina, good to see you.” Erica says. Her voice is calm and measured, as always, but there’s warmth in it that puts Selina slightly more at ease.

“Good afternoon, Miss Sinclair.” Selina replies, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of nervousness.

Without waiting for instructions, Claire moves to the coffee table in the corner. She places a cup of coffee on a small tray, adds a jug of cream and a bowl of sugar, and sets it gently before Selina.

“Thank you, Claire.” Erica says, her acknowledgment carrying an unspoken camaraderie.

Claire gives Selina a quick, reassuring nod before retreating from the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Selina sits on the edge of the chair across from Erica’s desk, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Erica observes her for a moment, noting the mixture of anticipation and nerves in her posture.

Clasping her hands together, Erica leans forward slightly, signaling that this conversation matters but will be handled with care.

“As I mentioned on the phone,” Erica begins, her tone calm but direct, “C4 has no interest in disputing our claim.” She pauses, letting the words sink in.

Selina furrows her brow slightly as she processes the statement.

“This means,” Erica continues, “they recognize that the story their movie is based or was, in fact, lifted directly from the Writer’s Corner forum. More specifically, from your work.”

Selina’s lips part slightly, her eyes widening as Erica’s words hit home. Erica, ever the seasoned lawyer, keeps her expression neutral, though she feels a flicker of satisfaction at the visible relief washing over Selina’s face.

Reaching for the folder on her desk, Erica flips it open and pages through the neatly tabbed sections. She turns one page toward Selina, pointing to a specific clause in the agreement.

“This is the one-time compensation they’re offering you. With that, they are practically begging your pardon for having used your story.” Erica says, her finger resting on the line that details the lump sum.
She flips to the next page, pointing to another clause.
“And here is the license per view - essentially, the royalties you’ll earn every time the movie is streamed or broadcast.”

Selina leans forward, her eyes scanning the numbers. Her breath hitches audibly as the figures begin to register.

“If you care about my opinion,” Erica says, her tone softening slightly, “they are offering you a square deal. It’s a recognition not only of the wrongdoing but also of the value of your work.”

Selina looks up at Erica, her lips trembling as she tries to form words. “Wow.” she whispers, her voice almost inaudible. She blinks rapidly, clearly overwhelmed. “This is… this is a lot of money, Miss Sinclair. I’m… I don’t even know what to say.”

“It’s alright.” Erica says, her voice gentle but steady, grounding Selina’s swirling emotions. “They stole from you, Selina, and justice had to be served. This is what happens when people don’t get scared of a big name like C4 Entertainment and stand up for what’s right.”

Selina swallows hard, her throat tight with emotion. She looks back down at the agreement, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of the paper as if trying to ground herself in the reality of the moment.

“If you sign the agreement,” Erica adds, her tone practical but kind, “there’s no reason the first check shouldn’t be here by the end of next week.”

Selina’s hands tremble slightly as she reaches for the pen Erica slides across the desk. She looks up, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. “Thank you,” she says, her voice cracking slightly. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Erica leans back in her chair, her expression softening into a smile. “You did this, Selina.” she says firmly. “Your work, your courage to fight back. I just made sure the system did what it was supposed to do.”

Selina nods, a small, tentative smile breaking across her face as she begins to sign the agreement.

In that moment, Erica allows herself a rare moment of satisfaction. This is the kind of justice she has built her career on - the kind that makes the late nights and endless battles worthwhile. And as Selina finishes signing, Erica feels that this is as much a victory for her own sense of purpose as it is for the young woman sitting across from her.

“Welcome to the next chapter.” Erica says as Selina sets the pen down.
Selina laughs softly, wiping at her eyes. “Thank you.” she says again, her voice steadier now, filled with newfound confidence.

“You’re welcome.” Erica replies, her smile warm and genuine.





The late afternoon sun streams through the tall windows of Erica’s office, casting warm, golden hues across the polished wood surfaces. The city hums faintly outside, a reminder of the world moving forward, as if in step with the changes in Erica’s life. She sits back in her chair, the soft leather molding to her as she takes a moment to reflect.

For the first time in years there’s a stillness within her, a quiet but resolute sense of balance.

The folder containing Selina Neely’s signed agreement sits closed on her desk, a neat symbol of a battle fought and won. Erica’s fingers tap lightly on the edge of the folder, a small, subconscious rhythm of satisfaction. This case wasn’t just another legal victory; it was a moral one.
Seeing Selina walk out of her office earlier, head high and happy, reminded Erica why she chose this path.

The soft knock at her door pulls her from her thoughts. It’s Claire, stepping in with her usual air of efficiency.

“Anything else you need before I head out, Miss Sinclair?” Claire asks, holding a neat stack of files in one arm.

Erica glances at her watch. It’s past five, but she barely noticed. “No, Claire. You’ve done enough for one day. Go home, enjoy your evening.”

Claire nods but hesitates for a moment. “It’s good to see you like this.” she says with a small smile.

“Like what?” Erica raises an eyebrow, though her tone is more curious than defensive.

“Like you.” Claire replies simply, her words carrying a warmth that lingers even after she steps out and closes the door.

Erica leans back in her chair, letting Claire’s words sink in. Like herself. It’s been a long time since she’s felt like that.

As the office grows quieter, Erica decides it’s time to leave. She gathers her coat from the hook by the bookshelf, her hand brushing the spines of the legal volumes as she passes.
These books have been her tools, her armor, and her refuge for years. Once again, she remembers herself standing in her father’s study. It was the day she graduated from Harvard Law School and he told her that knowing the law was one thing, but that it takes a strong moral compass to use it. Then he gave her the Rolex dive watch with the words “Stand for something or fall for anything” engraved on its back. He wanted her to embody this motto and it became her creed, her way of living her life.

She steps out into the hallway, nodding briefly to Holly at the reception desk. Holly straightens in her chair, her face brightening with a nervous but genuine smile.
“Good night, Miss Sinclair.” Holly says, her voice stronger than it’s been in days.

“Goodnight, Holly. Don’t stay too late.” Erica replies, the corner of her mouth lifting in a hint of a smile.

As Erica steps into the elevator, she feels a sense of clarity. The tangled mess of fear, betrayal, and doubt that has haunted her for so long has unraveled.
Nathan is gone, Selina has justice, and Holly is finding her footing. But more importantly, Erica has found hers, too.

Her steps are steady as she walks toward her black Volvo in the underground parking garage, her heels clicking rhythmically against the concrete. For once, the sound doesn’t remind her of the grind - it feels like music.

Erica opens the door and slides into the driver’s seat, the leather cool against her back. She grips the steering wheel and takes a deep breath. This is her life, her choices, her victories. And from here, it’s entirely hers to shape.
As the engine hums to life and she pulls out into the steady stream of traffic, a faint smile lingers on her lips. Erica Sinclair is moving forward, not just as a lawyer or a boss, but as herself. Strong. Capable. Unyielding.
And for the first time in a long time, the road ahead doesn’t feel daunting - it feels wide open.



The End
…but Erica Sinclair will return in the gripping thriller “Erica Sinclair – The Haven”

[LunaDog]

Good place to end. Selina has received just is hers by right, and has Nathan finally learnt that his meddling won't win? Erica has well and truly moved on from him. And Holly's naivety has been fully recognised, yes she had to reminded of the rules of life, but the fact that she was 'used' by another, with NO malice intended on her part is completely registered.

[Jenny_S]

Dear @LunaDog, there's closure for all the issues raised in this story, a rare hing in real life. I wanted Holly to become more than a NPC who is just seen working the reception desk and Claire is becoming more and more important, both for Erica and in the stories. Nathan...he got taught a lesson - hopefully. We will see, though.

Tomorow, I will start Erica's next adventure, "Erica Sinclair - The Haven":
When a late-night robbery turns violent, Erica Sinclair follows the trail to a struggling youth shelter with secrets of its own. Together with her intern, Megan Herold, she launches an initiative to help the kids - only to uncover a dangerous web of crime and corruption. As threats mount and violence escalates, Erica must take a stand. Can she expose the truth before it's too late?

The full story can be read (for free) over on Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/1525197113-eric ... -the-haven
or here on TUG.
I hope it is another story you will enjoy.

[LunaDog]

I hope it is another story you will enjoy.

If it's as brilliantly wriiten as the previous ones, and i have NO doubt that it will be, then i'm sure that i WILL!

[Caesar73]

Tomorow, I will start Erica's next adventure, "Erica Sinclair - The Haven":
When a late-night robbery turns violent, Erica Sinclair follows the trail to a struggling youth shelter with secrets of its own. Together with her intern, Megan Herold, she launches an initiative to help the kids - only to uncover a dangerous web of crime and corruption. As threats mount and violence escalates, Erica must take a stand. Can she expose the truth before it's too late?

That sounds very intriguing and I have no doubt - it will another Pageturner so to speak! Keept it coming!

[Jenny_S]

Dear @LunaDog, dear @Caesar73, Erica will follow her creed: Stand for something or fall for anything.

[Jenny_S]

As promised, I've started Erica's next adventure, "Erica Sinclair - The Haven"
Read on here: viewtopic.php?t=23286