The morning started with a storm of notifications. My phone vibrated constantly, the screen lighting up with headlines and notifications I couldn't ignore.
"Rising Star or Risk? Iris Vale's Rapid Rise at Thorne Industries Raises Questions"
"From Janitor to Executive: The Mystery Behind Iris Vale"
"Corporate Drama: Thorne's Young Liaison Draws Industry Attention"
I swallowed, my pulse racing, as I scrolled through the articles. Each one dissected my every movement, my recent promotion, my presence at the gala, and my professional competence. But one pattern emerged: someone was pushing an angle, making it feel like a calculated challenge.
Julian's office door closed behind me. He didn't glance at the headlines. He never needed to. He already knew.
"Adrian," I said, disbelief in my voi
