Chapter 2

The anger I had been suppressing finally exploded. I snapped back without hesitation.

"You can't even control your own wife! She came into this office and spread lies about me. How is that my fault?!"

Henry slammed his hand down again.

"Watch your tone when speaking to your boss!"

Henry’s face flushed red, then pale. He lowered his voice, sounding desperate.

"Alice, this is not a big deal. You and I are clean. Why are you so worried about what they say?"

"Not a big deal?" I let out a mocking laugh.

"Mr. Bennett, you got caught cheating by your wife, and now you want me to take the fall? Seriously?"

Henry choked on his words, his face turning uglier by the second.

He took a deep breath, stepped closer, and lowered his voice in a threatening tone.

"Alice, be smart. I still hold the key projects for next quarter."

"You’ve always been my top choice for them. Don't let a little drama ruin your career."

Seeing that I remained silent, his tone softened a bit.

"Don't worry. I'll clear things up with the team. I'll prove your innocence."

He pulled out his phone, tapped the screen a few times, and a second later, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

I opened our team's WhatsApp group. Henry had just posted an announcement:

[To all staff: There was an unfortunate misunderstanding in the office today regarding some personal matters. It was purely a rumor.]

[Please do not spread gossip during work hours. Focus on your tasks and maintain team harmony. I will handle the details privately.]

"I'll give you the projects you deserve. Just stop causing me trouble."

With that, Henry rushed to open the door, practically throwing me out.

I figured since he had technically cleared my name, I should just focus on my work. Let them gossip; they couldn't touch me anyway.

But I quickly realized I was being way too naive.

For the next few days, the whispering behind my back was annoying, but manageable.

Until today, right after work, when Bella blocked me at the office entrance.

"Alice, you really are a stubborn little bitch, aren't you? How dare you talk back to me!"

"Bella, I made myself clear last time. I have nothing to do with your husband. Henry even posted a clarification in the WhatsApp group..."

"That was just a show he put on to protect you! Do you think I'm stupid?" Bella sneered.

"I already showed mercy last time. What makes you think you can replace me?"

A crowd was starting to gather. Bella raised her voice. "Look at this shameless whore working at your company!"

She paused, looking at the onlookers.

"Henry has zero interest in you, stop throwing yourself at him!"

Listening to her, I actually found it hilarious.

She found out her husband was cheating, yet she was still desperately trying to save his face?

"Since you’re so sure I'm Henry's mistress, why don't you tell everyone exactly what I did?"