Fidelia felt a sudden wave of guilt. Still, she tried to keep her cool. Even if Dorothea knew about her and Walton, there was no way Dorothea would call her out in front of everyone.
But Dorothea didn’t even look Walton’s way. Instead, she pulled out her phone and made a quick call. In no time, the receptionist showed up, carrying a USB drive.
“Dorothea, here’s what you asked for.”
Dorothea gave a small, knowing smile as she plugged it into her laptop. “Anyone want to watch?”
Fidelia’s heart started pounding. “Don’t try to scare me. If you have proof, show everyone. Otherwise, Dorothea, I’m going to report you for slander.”
Dorothea hadn’t expected her to be so bold. She opened the video file without another word. This was the evidence the other woman had handed over.
The footage showed Fidelia following a client into a private suite. It caught everything, from the moment they walked in to when they finally came out.
Dorothea knew Fidelia probably hadn’t actually done anything with the client. But honestly, she didn’t need real proof. Just something that looked bad was enough.
“I didn’t do anything!” Fidelia’s voice trembled as she looked around, desperate for someone to believe her. “I was seriously just talking business.”
“Really? Was the lobby not good enough for your meeting? Or the restaurant? You had to go to a hotel room?”
Fidelia felt her throat tighten. She remembered thinking it was weird that day too, but the client insisted on seeing the executive suite, so they went up and ended up chatting there. Sure, she was a little flirty with her words, but she really hadn’t crossed any lines. That was why she felt so wronged now.
Everyone watching started whispering. Some gasped, some just looked away, but it was obvious they’d all made up their minds about the kind of person she was.
“We were only talking about work! I would never get involved with him. I have a boyfriend. If you don't believe me, ask Walton!”
The room went dead silent.
For a moment, Dorothea thought of herself. Thank goodness she’d never ended up like that.
The coworker who had helped Fidelia spread rumors about Dorothea was shaking now, terrified. Just days ago, Fidelia had accused Dorothea of being unprofessional, and now Fidelia herself was being fired for it.
The more everyone thought about Dorothea’s resolve, the more they feared her.
Dorothea didn’t even realize she’d just raised her own status at the office again.
“Hey, that’s weird. The finance department dragon lady rushed through our expense reports today. I already got my reimbursement.”
“Keep your voice down. If Lea hears, you’re screwed. But yeah, I got mine too. She’s never that fast. She usually loves making us wait.”
Dorothea smiled to herself. Was this Lea’s way of saying thank you?

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