Chapter Seven: Rumors
721 Words
Rachel arrived at Williams Global earlier than usual the next morning.
She wanted to put yesterday behind her.
Vanessa Carter's words still echoed in her mind.
"Stay away from him."
Rachel had no intention of getting involved in her boss's personal life. She was here to work, support her family, and prove she deserved the opportunity Alexander had given her.
Nothing more.
As she stepped out of the elevator, conversations suddenly stopped.
Employees who had been chatting moments earlier quickly returned to their desks.
Rachel frowned.
Something wasn't right.
She walked to her desk and found Sophia sorting through a pile of documents.
"Good morning," Rachel greeted.
Sophia forced a smile.
"Morning."
Rachel noticed the hesitation in her voice.
"Is everything okay?"
Before Sophia could answer, two female employees walked past.
One whispered just loudly enough to be heard.
"She's the one."
"The CEO's favorite."
The other giggled.
"No wonder she got hired."
Rachel's smile disappeared.
Sophia shot the women a warning look, but they simply walked away laughing.
Rachel looked at Sophia.
"What are they talking about?"
Sophia sighed heavily.
"Rumors."
"What kind of rumors?"
She hesitated.
"After Miss Carter visited yesterday, people started talking."
Rachel felt her stomach tighten.
"They think..."
Sophia nodded.
"They think you and Mr. Williams are more than boss and employee."
Rachel couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"But that's ridiculous."
"I know."
Rachel looked around the office.
Several employees quickly looked away when they noticed her watching.
She lowered her eyes.
She had worked so hard to earn everyone's respect.
Now...
They believed she had gotten the job because of Alexander.
Inside his office, Alexander reviewed a financial report, but he couldn't concentrate.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
Sophia entered.
"Sir..."
"What is it?"
She looked uncomfortable.
"There are rumors spreading through the company."
Alexander frowned.
"What kind of rumors?"
"They're about you and Miss Langston."
His expression darkened immediately.
"Who started them?"
"No one knows."
Alexander stood abruptly.
"Call everyone to the conference room."
"Everyone?"
"Now."
Fifteen minutes later, every employee stood nervously inside the large conference hall.
Rachel stood near the back, confused.
Alexander walked in.
The room fell silent.
He looked at every face before speaking.
"I've heard there are rumors circulating about Miss Langston."
No one dared answer.
Alexander's voice grew colder.
"Let me make something very clear."
He glanced toward Rachel.
"Rachel Langston was hired because she earned this position."
His eyes swept across the room.
"Not because of favoritism."
"Not because of personal relationships."
"And certainly not because of gossip."
The room remained silent.
"If I ever hear another employee disrespecting Miss Langston or spreading false rumors about her..."
He paused.
"...you will no longer work for this company."
A chill swept through the room.
Alexander had never defended an employee so publicly before.
Rachel stared at him in surprise.
She hadn't expected him to do that.
He looked at the staff one last time.
"Dismissed."
Everyone quietly filed out of the room.
As Rachel turned to leave, Alexander called her name.
"Miss Langston."
She stopped.
"Please stay."
When they were alone, Rachel looked at him.
"You didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I do."
"But now they'll talk even more."
Alexander sighed.
"I know."
Rachel smiled sadly.
"I can handle gossip."
He looked directly into her eyes.
"You shouldn't have to."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The silence wasn't awkward.
It was... comfortable.
Then Rachel smiled softly.
"Thank you."
Alexander nodded.
"You don't ever have to thank me for doing what's right."
Across town, Vanessa sat in a luxurious restaurant, stirring her coffee.
A man in an expensive suit slid into the seat across from her.
Richard Williams.
Alexander's uncle.
"You wanted to see me?" he asked.
Vanessa smiled.
"I think we have the same problem."
Richard raised an eyebrow.
"Rachel Langston."
He smirked.
"The new assistant."
Vanessa leaned forward.
"Alexander is beginning to trust her."
Richard's smile faded.
"That's dangerous."
"So..."
Vanessa asked calmly.
" we should work together?"
Richard picked up his coffee cup.
A slow, calculating smile spread across his face.
"I was hoping you'd ask."
The two exchanged a knowing look.
Neither of them cared about love.
Neither of them cared about Rachel.
They cared about one thing.
Destroying Alexander Williams.
And Rachel had just become the easiest target.
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