Chapter 16

Elarie already arrived at the office. She gave her customary greeting to Therese, her senior secretary, offering a polite, “Good morning,” only to be met with the same reaction as always—Therese rolling her eyes with a hint of annoyance. Elarie sighed quietly and moved on.

As she sat on her desk, Elarie noticed the soft murmurs and whispered conversations growing around the office floor. She couldn’t mistake what their topic was. Her co-workers were talking about Danreb.

“Did you hear the news? Danreb Scott was rejected by a potential investor. Of all people, him?”

“I’ve never seen him lose a deal before. This is a first.”

“It was a big proposal too. He never fails.”

Elarie’s heart sank as she pieced together what they were talking about. It was about Mr. Castor, the investor who had crossed the line in their last meeting last week. The one who made an inappropriate demand involving her. Danreb had shut him down, refusing to sacrifice his integrity for the deal. But now, the rumors w