Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 211

Sonja forced herself to smile, keeping her anger tucked away. “So I’ve heard Mr. Duncan is Dr. Palmer’s nephew, and Ms. Harper seems awfully close to Mr. Duncan. Isn’t it possible Ms. Harper only got into this research project because of that connection?”

Her words sent a ripple through the packed conference room. Almost everyone, except Caleb, turned to stare at Rebecca, the air buzzing with whispers.

“No way, are she and Mr. Duncan having some secret affair?”

“She always acts so proper, but what she does behind the scenes is…”

“What really gets me is Dr. Palmer playing favorites. If she gets accepted, is he just going to give her everything?”

“Exactly, people who get ahead just because they know someone are the worst!”

The gossip crept in from every corner, each word making Rebecca’s chest feel heavier. She took a steady breath. “You’ve got it all wrong. Mr. Duncan and I aren’t like that. I just work for him.”

As soon as she finished, Sonja jumped back in, not letting her off the hook. “Really? He recommended you to Dr. Palmer, helped you get special treatment, and that’s just a normal work relationship?”

No one was buying it. Dr. Palmer was known for being strict and fair, but now he was bending the rules for Rebecca. There was no way they were just employer and employee. The looks people gave Rebecca grew even more guarded, some almost accusing.

That was exactly what Sonja wanted. She knew Rebecca and Stephen lived in different worlds. The Duncan family would never accept her. But mix a man and a woman together, add a bit of gossip, and suddenly even two people who had nothing to do with each other could become the talk of the room. Sonja watched Rebecca, eyes shining with satisfaction. Not so clever now, are you? Let’s see how you get out of this.

Meanwhile, Paul frowned, lines etched deep across his forehead. He leaned over to Sonja and spoke quietly, “That’s enough. This isn’t some public shaming.”

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