Ella's POV:
The next day at work felt like stepping into a lion's den. The moment I walked through the doors of Denco Group, I could sense the shift in the air.
Conversations died down when I passed by, replaced by hushed whispers, muffled snickers, and curious glances. It was as if I had stepped into the office as someone entirely different, a walking scandal instead of just Ella.
By the time I reached the elevator, the murmurs were loud enough to break through my fragile armor. I forced myself to stand tall, pretending not to notice the people behind me exchanging sly looks, but their words seeped through like poison.
"Do you really think she's innocent?" one woman whispered just a few steps behind me.
Another voice, softer but sharper, replied, "She knew exactly what she was doing. She's probably been after Arec's money from the start."
