"Grandpa mentioned it," Nicholas replied casually, giving a small knowing smile.
"Oh," Anastasia let out softly, lowering her gaze.
"Not in a bad way, though," Nicholas quickly added. "I was curious about Mason's sudden marriage, and Grandpa explained the circumstances to me. That's all."
Anastasia nodded slowly, processing his words. "I see. Well, thank you for your concern."
"It's no problem." Nicholas's expression softened. "I just wanted to help, and my offer still stands if you ever reconsider."
But Anastasia shook her head firmly.
"I appreciate your generosity, but I have to turn it down."
Nicholas frowned slightly, puzzled.
"Why? I can take care of it without any strings attached."
"I know but If I accept your help, it's no different from my current situation with Mason. I'd just be trading one form of debt for another, and I don't want that. I want to stand on my own two feet."
Immediately after her response, Nicholas regarded her with quiet admiration.
"I understand," he said finally, nodding. "It was just a suggestion. I respect your decision."
"Thank you," Anastasia said sincerely, gathering her belongings.
She slung her bag over her shoulder and made her way out of the conference room, Nicholas following a step behind.
Finally, as Anastasia returned to her department, she immediately noticed the change in atmosphere.
Heads turned toward her, eyes scrutinizing her every move.
Conversations hushed as she walked past, only to resume in murmurs once she walked to her space. A sinking feeling settled in her stomach.
She had barely taken her seat when Sandra appeared at her desk, her expression wary.
Leaning in close, she whispered, "Anastasia, do you know what's going on?"
"What is it?" Anastasia asked, her brow furrowing.
Sandra glanced around before lowering her voice further.
"Everyone knows what just happened at the board meeting. Words have already spread like wildfire... They're saying you teamed up with the COO and made him stand up for you against the president."
"ugh!" Anastasia scoffed in disbelief. "That's ridiculous. Nothing like that happened."
"I know," Sandra said quickly, "but people are twisting things. Some are even calling you…" she hesitated, her voice suddenly low, "a loose woman."
"What?" Anastasia's eyes widened with shock and Sandra nodded grimly.
"They're saying you just got here and already managed to seduce the COO while being a married woman. It's all nonsense, of course, but you know how people love to gossip."
For a moment, Anastasia was too stunned to respond. Her hands clenched into fists as anger and humiliation warred within her.
"This is absurd," she said finally. "None of it is true!"
"I know, Anastasia. But right now, you're the center of attention. People are watching your every move. So, just… be careful, okay?"
Anastasia took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm.
"Thanks for letting me know," she said quietly.
Sandra gave her a polite smile before returning to her desk, leaving Anastasia to sit alone, her mind swirling with frustration and disbelief.
The rumors were baseless, yet they felt like a storm threatening to uproot her already fragile position in the company.
Straightening in her chair, Anastasia resolved to focus on her work. She couldn't let petty gossip distract her from her goal.
'Let them talk,' she thought bitterly. 'I would prove my worth through my actions, and not their idle speculations!'
Some hours later...
The day came to an end, and Anastasia gathered her belongings as she slung her bag over her shoulder.
With a soft smile, she waved at Sandra, the only person who seemed to genuinely care about her in the office right now.
"Goodnight, Sandra. See you tomorrow," she said warmly.
"Goodnight, Ana. Stay safe," Sandra replied with a small wave.
Anastasia stepped out of the elevator, her heels clicking against the polished floor, and she exited through the main doors into the parking lot.
She was walking toward her car when she caught snippets of a conversation behind her.
"Look at her, acting all innocent," one lady sneered loudly.
"Does she think she can fool everyone? It's only a matter of time before the president fires her," another added, her voice dripping with disdain.
"Exactly! She needs to learn that being a flirt won't get her anywhere, especially not as a married woman," a third voice chimed in.
Anastasia's heart dropped as the hurtful comments got to her. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.
Her instinct was to walk away, but her feet had other plans. Before she realized it, she was striding toward the group of four women, her anger barely contained.
The women stopped talking abruptly, their eyes widening as Anastasia halted in front of them.
"I dare you to repeat what you just said," she confronted them.
The group exchanged uneasy glances, but one lady, evidently their leader, stepped forward. She smirked and folded her arms.
"Did we lie?" she asked mockingly. "First, you tried to seduce the president, and when that didn't work, you set your sights on his brother. You're a disgrace to women, especially as a married one!"
Another lady snickered and added, "I honestly pity your husband. Poor man must be miserable knowing his wife is a shameless flirt."
Anastasia's chest tightened, her temper flaring, but before she could respond, a sharp sound echoed through the parking lot.
Smack!
The leader of the group staggered slightly, holding her cheek in shock. Everyone turned to see Sandra standing there, her hand still raised from the slap.
"How dare you speak like that without a shred of evidence?" Sandra said coldly, her voice filled with anger.
The slapped lady glared at Sandra, her face contorted in fury. "What the hell did you just do to me? Do you know who I am?"
Following her question, Sandra took a step closer, her gaze unwavering.
"Oh, I know exactly who you are. Go ahead, try to retaliate. I'd love to see you explain your baseless accusations to the management!"
"You'll regret this. I'll take this to HR." The lady's eyes narrowed.
Sandra calmly pulled out her phone, waving it slightly.
"Perfect! I recorded every word you just said. Let's go to HR, shall we? Or maybe we should take this to the COO and the president? I'm sure they'd love to hear your brilliant theories."
The other ladies gasped, and the leader hesitated, clearly caught off guard. After a tense moment, she turned to her group and muttered, "Let's go."
The others reluctantly followed, but not before one of them turned to Anastasia, "This isn't over... You'll be out of here soon enough!"
As they walked away, Sandra sighed and turned to Anastasia. "Are you okay?"
Anastasia exhaled deeply, forcing a smile.
"I'm fine. Thank you, Sandra. I don't know what I'd do without you here."
Then Sandra waved her hand dismissively.
"Don't mention it... Those girls are just jealous. Especially her, Clara." She nodded toward the leader's retreating figure.
"Jealous? Why?" Anastasia asked, frowning.
"Oh, she had a thing for the COO before he left five years ago. She's the daughter of one of the top executives, so she thinks she's entitled to everything. Seeing him back and noticing you around him must've hit a nerve."
Anastasia shook her head in disbelief. "That explains a lot."
Sandra chuckled. "I've been here for seven years. So I know all the drama in this company."
"Cool," Anastasia smiled faintly. "Thanks for standing up for me."
"Anytime." Sandra shrugged. "Honestly, I should've slapped her twice."
Anastasia laughed softly and gestured toward her car. "Come on. Let me give you a ride to the bus station."
"Really? Thanks," Sandra said, her face lighting up.
As they climbed into the car, Sandra continued muttering about how she should've done more to put Clara in her place.
Anastasia couldn't help but smile at her fiery companion as she started the engine and drove away.
***
Later in the day, Anastasia pulled into the driveway of their mansion, the tires crunching softly against the gravel.
As she turned off the engine, she leaned back in her seat, exhaling a deep sigh.
The long day at work had drained her, and the thought of dealing with Mason's cold demeanor was the last thing she needed.
She glanced around the parking lot and noticed his car wasn't there. A flicker of relief washed over her.
"He's not home yet," she mumbled.
At least she could have a moment of peace before he comes back.
Gathering her bag and stepping out of the car, she let the cool evening air brush against her skin.
Her heels clicked lightly as she made her way toward the grand entrance of the house. But as she approached the front door, she abruptly stopped.
Her breath slowed down, her heart skipping a beat.
A familiar figure stood at the entrance, illuminated by the soft glow of the porch light. The person was still, as if waiting for her.
"What…?" Anastasia whispered under her breath, unable to finish the sentence seeing It was her mother.
Then her mother's gaze locked onto hers...