No Escape from Love novel Chapter 153

"I can't stand these scheming, petty people." A male voice scoffed. "I joined this company to build something great, not to associate with people like her. Just sharing an office with her is annoying."

"Oh, that's Samson Reed, the new hire from yesterday." Patricia forced an awkward smile. "He's young and impulsive. He's probably just influenced by the things he heard from others."

With Mia gone and Scarlett taking over, there were bound to be people who accepted the change and others who didn't. Since I was involved in the transition—and given my particular background—it was no surprise that some people resented me and would whisper things behind my back.

I straightened my back and walked into the office. The two people who had been chatting instantly clammed up when they saw me.

Samson hadn't recognized me at first, but the way the older employees immediately fell silent made it clear who I was. He gave me a once-over before getting up and returning to his desk.

"Catherine, how could you say that about Serena?" Patricia spoke up in my defense.

"What did I even say?" Catherine Whitmore shot up from her seat and rolled her eyes. "If she dares to do something, why be afraid of people talking about it? What a joke."

"Exactly," Samson chimed in to back Catherine up. "Patricia, if you want to suck up to her, go ahead. But don't drag us into it."

"You—" Patricia was fuming. She was about to stand up and put Catherine in her place, but I stopped her.

With a faint smile, I walked up to Catherine. "Catherine, did you finish the report I asked you to compile yesterday?"

Her expression changed, but she quickly straightened her neck and said, "No."

"No?" I let out a cold laugh. "So, you have time to sit around gossiping but not enough time to do your actual work? Does what happens between me and Mr. Hastings concern you?"