My hands go cold. “Chatter about what?”
“Nothing specific. Just—” She waves her hand vaguely. “People notice things. Late nights. Closed doors.”
The yogurt threatens to come back up.
I knew this would happen.
This is Kendrick all over again—
“There’s nothing to notice,” I say. “We’re working. That’s it.”
“Hey, I believe you.” She raises both hands in surrender. “I’m just saying, office gossip is like wildfire. And some people—” She glances toward reception, where I know Piper is probably watching. “Some people have stronger opinions than others.”
Translation: They think I’m sleeping my way to the top.
“Thanks for the heads up,” I manage. My face feels like it’s on fire.
“I’m not trying to freak you out.” Cressida’s expression softens. “You’re good at your job. Like, really good. Whatever Paloma’s getting paid, you should be getting paid more.” She picks up her folder. “Just... be careful, okay? Not everyone here is rooting for you.”
She walks away, and I sit there staring at mycomputer screen, yogurt forgotten, heart hammering against my ribs.
They’re talking about you. All of them. Just like before.
The thought makes my stomach turn.
Afternoon. Major donor meeting in the main conference room.
I’m there to take notes, which has become my permanent state of existence at these things.
The client is a hedge fund manager named Robert Brown who’s considering a substantial contribution to the foundation restructuring proposal.
Paloma is presenting the governance structure, the one I put together three weeks ago and left on Nico’s desk with a sticky note. Elspeth is providing operational context. Nico is doing his controlled intensity thing that makes clients feel like they’re the most important person in the room.
And I’m in the corner, laptop open, typing notes.
After the meeting, I’m gathering my things when I hear it.
Piper’s voice, carrying from the reception area with the kind of volume that’s definitely intentional.
“I’m just saying, she wasn’t qualified for the position. Everyone knowsIshould have gotten that job. And now suddenly she’s in every important meeting?”
A pause. Someone else’s murmur, too quiet to hear.
Then Piper again: “Have you noticed how late they both stay? Like, every night?”
My face burns. Like someone’s holding a match to my cheeks.
Don’t react.
Don’t let her see you react.
I walk past reception toward the executive area with my head high. Piper’s eyes meet minefor half a second. Her smile is poison wrapped in politeness. “Have a good afternoon, Bree.”
I don’t respond.
Five thirty. The floor is emptying out. Normal people going home to normal lives where they don’t have to wonder if their coworkers think they’re sleeping their way to the top.
Except you are sleeping with him.
