Chapter 82


    ra’s fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She stood in the middle of the


    office. The weight of the world pressed down on her shoulders.


    She knew Heidi would never let this go. That damning recording was the perfect weapon to rile her


    up. It was no secret now. The wholepany was abuzz with whispers of her ndestine affair


    withn.


    Amy sidled up to her, tugging gently at her sleeve. “Ms. ra, we all believe in you. There’s got to


    be some kind of mistake here.”


    ra’sugh was tinged with bitterness. “No mistake. What she said is true.”


    It wasn’s own voice on the tape. It couldn’t be a lie. Even if she wanted to hide it, there was no


    way she could.


    Before she even walked into work that day, she’d braced herself for the worst. But when the


    moment of confrontation actually arrived, her heart still ached with the pain of it.


    Seven years of love forn, three years of intimatepanionship, and it had toe out


    like this.


    She had once dreamed of the dayn would proudly introduce her as his girlfriend in front of


    everyone, the day he would propose and promise her a future as his wife. The harsh reality,


    however, was a nightmarepared to her bold dreams.


    With a dismissive chuckle, ra whispered, “Let’s get back to work. Thepany’s anniversary


    bash is this Saturday, and it looks like we’re in for some long nights ahead.”


    Dawson lingered by the door, having captured the entire scene on his phone. The uncertainty was


    etched on his face as he showed it ton. “Mr. Hayes, the whole office is buzzing about this. The


    things they’re saying they’re way worse than Nicole’s usual gossip. Aren’t you going to do


    anything?”


    A storm of unspoken emotions churned inn’s dark eyes as he replied with an icy tone, “Make it


    clear that if anyone speaks another word about this, they’re out. No second chances.”


    Dawson gave him a thumbs–up, impressed. “You’re the man, Mr. Hayes! I’ll spread the word. Let’s


    see who dares to gossip now.”


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    “Send ra in.”


    11:51


    Right away.”


    Minutester, ra knocked and entered. Her face was devoid of any trace of self–pity, all


    business–like professionalism. “Mr. Hayes, did you need something?”


    “Everything’s smooth sailing. We should be all set by Friday afternoon,” she reported crisply. Her


    eyes were steady and clear, as if their shared history had never happened.


    After her report, she asked respectfully, “Anything else you’d like to add, Mr. Hayes?”


    ra replied calmly, “Aren’t you taking Ms. Heidi with you? Just a moment ago, Leonora called to


    say that Ms. Heidi’s and your outfits are ready. You might want to take her for a fitting when you find


    the time.”


    That was thest straw forn. He stood up, closed the distance between them, and pulled ra


    into his embrace. His lips found her graceful neck, nting warm kisses along her skin. “Why isn’t it


    you?” he murmured in a deep, soothing voice.