Alison couldn't shake the heavy conversation with Henry from her mind as she returned to her desk. His words still echoed in her ears: *"Strictly business."* It was supposed to be a relief, but instead, it only added to the mounting pressure on her heart. How had everything spiraled out of control so quickly?
For the rest of the afternoon, she worked in a fog of concentration, trying to drown out the thoughts that kept creeping in. She knew the rumors were still circulating, even as the office settled into the usual rhythm of the workday.
Then came the email.
The subject line was vague—just a meeting request from one of the senior managers, Mark, scheduled for the end of the day. Alison felt a flicker of unease but brushed it aside. Meetings were part of the job, and she had been involved in more and more of them lately. Henry trusted her with important projects, and despite their awkward conversation earlier, she knew her work was essential.
