Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 273

Rebecca sat frozen, her face pale and her heart pounding painfully in her chest. She’d always told herself she and Stephen were just colleagues, nothing more. But now, being called out so directly, she couldn’t help feeling humiliated.

Under the table, her hand curled into a tight fist. She tried to steady her voice but it wavered. “Mr. Duncan and I are just coworkers. You’re only making up stories.”

She paused, her eyes flashing. “And having someone secretly take photos of me is just out of line.”

Chelsey’s expression darkened, whatever little goodwill she had for Rebecca now gone. She gave a short, cold laugh. “You know exactly what’s going on here.”

She pulled out another photo, sliding it across the table. It showed Rebecca and Stephen leaving a restaurant, Stephen’s hand at her waist, steadying her as she nearly slipped on the stairs.

“Once might be a coincidence. But twice? Ms. Harper, everyone can see what you’re after.”

Rebecca felt like all the blood had drained from her face, her heart breaking as if someone had ripped it open and poured salt inside. She’d always thought she kept her feelings hidden, had convinced herself she was good at it. Clearly, she was wrong.

Did Stephen see through her too? Was this why Mrs. Duncan was here, warning her on his behalf?

She couldn’t bear to think about it. Right now, she just felt like she couldn’t breathe, like a fish stranded on the shore, gasping for air as her chest tightened.

Chelsey looked at her with growing disdain. “I heard about you and the Lamont family’s younger son. You got involved with them but didn’t know how to appreciate it. Now you’re aiming even higher. I guess you really don’t know when to stop.”

Rebecca shot to her feet, voice shaking but loud. “This is the last time I’ll say this. Mr. Duncan and I are just colleagues, nothing more. If you don’t believe me, go ask your son. Stop coming after me with these accusations.”

She didn’t look back as she walked out, slamming the door behind her. Chelsey was left fuming, tempted to fire Rebecca right then and there. But then she thought better of it. Taking action now would only make her son suspicious.

Rebecca stood on the street corner for a long moment, dazed. Eventually, she flagged down a cab and headed back to work. Once at the office, she shut herself in a room, forcing herself to calm down.

At two o’clock, her phone rang. It was Liam, reminding her about her weekly one-on-one with Stephen.

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