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Chapter 8: Poisoned Whispers

Author: Delia Alex
last update Last Updated: 2025-09-11 16:20:00

The next morning, breakfast was quiet – forks clinking, no words spoken. Lisa pushed back her chair, ready to leave for work. Just as she passed him, Joseph's hand shot out, firm around her wrist.

"It's too short, go change", he said in that commanding tone that left no room for debate. His gaze swept over her dress like a verdict.

Her breath hitched, her body betraying her with a rush of heat she despised. She hated how authoritative he was – hated even more how it made her pulse quicken.

She tore her hand free and walked out without a word.

****

The car barely pulled up to the company gates when her phone buzzed. A new message from the same unknown number

"Enjoy the headlines. It's only the beginning".

Her chest tightened.

Stepping inside the building, she left it instantly – eyes on her, whispers trailing in her wake.

Employees didn't even try to hide their smirks.

Some clutched folded tabloids; others scrolled their phones, shaking their heads as though the proof of her shame was
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