Mrs. Gary's POV
Larissa Estelle shifted uncomfortably in her chair, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment.
"It's nothing serious. Just the typical workplace chatter, you know how it goes."
My chest tightened with dread. "What exactly are people saying?"
The three women shared meaningful looks across my desk.
"Nothing too specific," Juliette replied, choosing her words with obvious care. "Just the standard office rumors that circulate when someone receives a major promotion shortly after marrying the company's chief executive."
"I've been busting my tail for years," I shot back, barely containing the fury burning beneath my composed exterior. "Late nights, weekend shifts, consistently exceeding every target they've set for me."
"We're well aware of that," Libby jumped in quickly. "Anyone who's actually collaborated with you knows your worth. Ignore those bitter individuals who can't handle success."
