Chapter 17

Back in her cubicle, Elarie was going through the day’s tasks when the phone on her desk rang. She glanced at it, momentarily distracted from her thoughts about the murmurs that had circulated around the office earlier. She picked up the receiver.

“Hello, this is Ms. Newton from Danreb Scott’s office.”

The voice on the other end belonged to the front desk officer. “Ms. Newton, there’s someone here in the lobby looking for you.”

Elarie frowned. “Someone looking for me? Who is it?”

“She says her name is Stephanie. Stephanie Newton.”

Elarie’s forehead knotted in confusion and frustration.

‘Stephanie? What is she doing here?’

“I’ll be right down,” Elarie replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the irritation washing over her. After ending the call, she looked over at Therese, who was seated nearby.

"I need to go downstairs for a minute," Elarie said, standing up.

Therese barely glanced at her, rolling her eyes with the usual dismissiveness. “I don’t care what you do.”

Elarie sim