Chapter 224: Gossip in the Office

“Warren,” Everett’s voice carried the weight of years, “the Mitchell family has fought tooth and nail to rise from the ashes. The Chambers family’s fate should serve as our warning. You know what needs to be done.”

He understood Warren’s fierce pride, his grandson’s unwavering arrogance. Yet, what were those compared to the Mitchell family’s survival? If Vivienne indeed had connections to the Sinclair family, no sacrifice would be too great to ensure their protection.

Warren absorbed his grandfather’s unspoken message. “I understand, Grandpa,” he said, offering a slight bow. “Please don’t burden yourself with worry.”

Without another glance, he strode toward the door.

As he stepped into the hallway, he encountered Melissa, who had been hovering by the entrance. Meeting Warren’s piercing gaze, she showed no shame at being caught eavesdropping, only raw anxiety. “Warren, tell me truthfully. Has Diana crossed a line this time?”

A bitter laugh escaped Warren’s lips. “Isn’t it rather late for that realization, Mom?”

Melissa stood paralyzed, her pupils contracting as if struck by lightning. Despite his simmering anger, Warren softened slightly before his mother. He drew a measured breath, his face remaining impassive. “I’ll handle this situation. If you truly care, keep Diana in check.”

Melissa watched his retreating form, her eyes swimming with confusion and dread.

Meanwhile, the online scandal had set tongues wagging throughout the company. In the restroom, several employees huddled together, trading whispers.

“Could those photos really be of Miss Hayes?”

“Didn’t the chairman claim she’d been studying abroad all this time? Was that just a cover story?”

“Well, what parent would broadcast their child’s mistakes? Of course, they’d try to hide it.”

“Who would have guessed? She acts so untouchable, like some distant star, but behind closed doors… who knows how many men she’s been with?”

The last comment dissolved into malicious laughter, cut short by a thunderous bang as a stall door flew open. Scarlett emerged, her face carved from ice, her razor-sharp gaze cutting through the three women gathered at the sink. “Care to repeat that?”

The gossips exchanged nervous glances, wondering how they’d missed another presence. Everyone knew Scarlett’s reputation—Vivienne’s devoted shadow, following her every command without question.

“Miss Dixon…” The woman in pink forced a smile. “What brings you here?”

Scarlett had only come down because of maintenance on the top floor’s facilities. To her surprise, she’d stumbled upon this nest of vipers. She knew the whispers that followed her through the halls—how they called her Vivienne’s faithful dog, blindly devoted. And they weren’t wrong. In Scarlett’s heart, Vivienne commanded the same reverence as Rosalie. She would never tolerate a single word against either of them.

Her gaze settled on the woman in the revealing skirt. “Dressed like that?” Scarlett’s words dripped with venom. “Those who know you understand you work here. Others might mistake you for something else entirely… like a prostitute.”

“Who are you calling a prostitute?” The woman in the tight skirt forgot the broken lipstick in her hand, ready to launch herself at Scarlett with fury in her eyes.