Chapter 21: Secret Revealed

Briana noticed the conflicting emotions in her mentor's eyes. "It's fine, Ma'am, if you don't feel comfortable telling me about your secret. You are under no obligation to tell me anything. Don't be concerned, I will pretend that I heard nothing from you, and your secret is safe with me."

"It's all right, I'll tell you anyway," Miranda explained. "I obtained my current status after a year-long romance with the late owner of this company. For a long time, we were able to keep our affair hidden from his family and wife. That's why, after a few years of working for him, he promoted me to this position. He taught me how to run his business well and eventually promoted me to CEO of his company before he died of cancer three years ago," she said, her voice breaking with emotion.

Briana was taken aback when she learned her boss's darkest secret. "But, ma'am, why do you have to do it? I don't get it..."

Miranda let out a deep sigh. "I know you must think I'm a gold digger, but I was living