Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 226

The moment Emmy walked into Starlight Corporation, she made a beeline for the IT department.

Inside, just a few people noticed her arrival. They jumped up from their seats, voices tight and respectful. “Good morning, Ms. Lincoln.”

Most of the others just threw her looks full of barely hidden satisfaction, like they couldn’t wait to see her stumble. Some even leaned over to whisper, keeping their voices low.

“She actually dared to show up. I heard the Dome’s about to get yanked from the market.”

“Seriously, what did she do to get Mr. Nelson on her side? He even played along with that whole acquisition stunt.”

“Oh, please. She probably just slept her way up. Why else would Mr. Nelson hand her shares in Starlight? With a woman like her running things, it’s only a matter of time before this place falls apart.”

Their gossip was getting louder until a cold, clear voice sliced through the chatter.

“Sounds like you’re all having a blast. Maybe I should send you over to Nelson Corporation so you can share your little stories with Mr. Nelson himself?”

They froze, heads snapping up in shock.

Emmy was suddenly right in front of them, her red lips curved in a half-smile that didn’t quite reach her icy eyes.

The color drained from their faces.

Emmy glanced at Rory, the department head, who’d come out to meet her.

She spoke calmly but firmly. “Rory, these employees are spreading rumors and slandering a board member during work hours. According to the employee handbook, how should we handle this?”

Rory didn’t hesitate. He’d had enough of Evelina and her little clique. Ever since Evelina parachuted in as deputy director, his job had become a nightmare. His projects kept getting blocked, while Evelina’s sailed through. Her people acted like they owned the place.

Now, Rory straightened his back, voice ringing out.

“Ms. Lincoln, according to company policy, Section Seven: anyone spreading false rumors or slandering leadership, damaging the company’s reputation, is terminated immediately with no compensation.”

Emmy didn’t even look at the gossipers again. She turned away.

“Do it. All of them.”

No room for doubt—none of them were staying.

Panic set in. They rushed from their desks.

“Yes, Ms. Lincoln. I’ll get to the bottom of it!” Rory straightened up, his voice full of energy.

Before he could say more, a deep, impatient voice came from the doorway.

“Ms. White is out on medical leave. If there’s an issue, I’ll know about it.”

“It’s just a few employees talking out of turn. Ms. Lincoln, don’t punish the whole team and end up demoralizing the people who actually keep things running.”

Everyone turned toward the door.

Emmy did too, and saw Juan Carter stride in, every bit the boss. His lawyer and assistant followed behind, their presence adding to the weight in the room.

The IT staff hurried to greet him. “Good morning, Mr. Carter.”

Juan stopped in front of Emmy and gave his assistant a look.

The assistant handed Emmy a tablet.

Juan’s voice was calm but serious. “Take a look, Emmy. Your Dome project has landed us in some real trouble.”