Chapter 14: Rumors Begin
563 Words
Wednesday morning...
Emma stepped out of the elevator with her usual calm expression.
Something felt...
Different.
Employees who normally greeted her warmly suddenly fell silent as she walked by.
A few whispered to each other.
Others quickly looked away.
Emma frowned.
What's going on?
She reached for her desk.
Lily rushed over, looking unusually nervous.
"...Emma."
Emma looked up.
"What happened?"
Lily hesitated before placing her phone on the desk.
"Someone posted this on the company forum."
Emma looked at the screen.
A blurry photo.
Taken from behind.
She and Adrian...
Walking out of the company together the night before.
The caption read:
Has the CEO finally found someone special?
Below it...
Hundreds of comments.
"I knew there was something between them."
"She's only been here a few months."
"No wonder she was chosen for Project Phoenix."
"Must be nice to have the CEO's attention."
Emma's face turned pale.
"This isn't true."
"I know."
Lily quickly nodded.
"But people love gossip more than facts."
Emma closed the page.
She took a slow breath.
Then she opened her laptop.
"I have work to do."
Lily stared at her.
"That's it?"
"What else should I do?"
"...Cry?"
Emma smiled faintly.
"I don't have time."
Top Floor...
Daniel entered Adrian's office carrying a tablet.
"Sir..."
Adrian looked up.
"What is it?"
Daniel placed the tablet on the desk.
"The company forum."
Adrian read the headline.
His expression hardened.
"Who uploaded this?"
"We're still tracking the account."
Adrian scrolled through the comments.
Each one became more insulting.
More personal.
Then he stopped.
One comment caught his attention.
"She's clearly using the CEO to climb the corporate ladder."
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"Remove every post."
Daniel blinked.
"Sir?"
"Every single one."
"And identify whoever started this."
"... Immediately."
"Yes, Mr. Blackwood."
Meanwhile...
Emma was organizing financial reports when an assistant approached her desk.
"Ms. Carter?"
"The CEO would like to see you."
Dozens of eyes followed her as she stood.
The whispers began again.
Emma ignored them.
One step at a time.
Just like always.
Inside the CEO's office...
Emma remained standing.
"You wanted to see me?"
Adrian noticed the exhaustion in her eyes.
"You've seen the rumors."
It wasn't a question.
"...Yes."
"I'm sorry."
Emma looked surprised.
"...Excuse me?"
"They targeted you because of me."
She shook her head.
"People will always talk."
"I've learned to ignore it."
Adrian was silent for a moment.
Then he spoke.
"It won't happen again."
Emma looked at him.
There was no arrogance in his voice.
Only certainty.
For reasons, she couldn't explain...
She believed him.
That afternoon...
A company-wide email arrived.
Every employee received it.
From: CEO's Office
"Professional conduct is expected from every employee.
The spread of rumors, harassment, or defamatory content regarding colleagues will not be tolerated.
Any employee found responsible will face immediate disciplinary action.
Focus on your work.
Nothing else."
The office fell silent.
No one dared mention the photo again.
Late afternoon...
Emma walked toward the parking area.
She thought the day was finally over.
Until...
A woman's voice stopped her.
"So..."
Emma turned around.
Standing a few meters away...
Was an elegant woman in a white suit.
Beautiful.
Confident.
Her smile looked warm.
But her eyes...
Didn't.
She slowly stepped closer.
"So you're Emma Carter."
Emma nodded politely.
"...Yes."
The woman extended her hand.
"I'm Victoria Sinclair."
She smiled gracefully.
"...Adrian's fiancée."
Emma's heartbeat stopped.
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