Chapter 29: Huh? Who?

**Valerie**

I got into the conference room and took a seat at the back. Mr. Denver walked over to the front, where most of the department heads sat.

Within 10 minutes, the conference room began to fill with curious and concerned employees.

Pockets of hushed conversations sprouted around the room, like wildfires fueled by curiosity.

"I heard it was someone from accounting," a coworker whispered to another, her voice barely audible over the growing murmur.

“No, I heard the person is from the finance department,” the other person countered.

I let out a small chuckle, as if...

Nearby, another group of colleagues huddled around the watercooler behind me, their voices barely audible.

"Do you think it's true? Did someone really steal from Mr. Smith?"

"Yes, it is; I heard it from one of the guards.” Then she looked around and covered her mouth to whisper into the other lady's ear. “I heard it was someone close to him."

But it was still loud enough for those around, me included, to hear.

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