Pheromonal: One Night With the Alpha novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Everything’s Falling Apart

I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. This sudden generosity feels... off. Like a beautifully wrapped package with a ticking bomb inside. "That’s awfully magnanimous of the company," I say, unable to keep the suspicion out of my voice. "Especially considering the circumstances."

Her smile falters for a moment before she plasters it back on. "We value our employees, Nicole. And we understand that this is a difficult time for you. We want to give you the space to deal with... everything."

Everything. Such a small word for the chaos my life has become. I study Janice’s face, searching for any hint of deception. But all I see is discomfort and a desperate desire to wrap up this conversation.

"Let’s call a spade a spade, Janice," I say, leaning forward. "This is a suspension, isn’t it? Just couched in prettier words to avoid any potential legal issues down the line."

Janice’s smile disappears entirely now. She sighs, her shoulders sagging slightly. "Nicole, I assure you, there will be no negative impact on your record. This is simply a measure to allow things to... settle down."

"Settle down." The words make my mouth want to pucker, like I’ve sucked down an entire bag of sour candy. "And what happens if nothing ’settles’ in two weeks? What if there’s no update on the investigation?"

The anxiety that flashes across Janice’s face is answer enough, but she tries to cover it with another forced smile. "We’ll revisit the decision at that time. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For now, focus on taking care of yourself."

As if a two-week "vacation" will magically erase the fact that my coworkers look at me like I might snap and kill them at any moment.

But I hold it in. Instead, I nod, my face a mask of calm acceptance. "I see. And when does this... vacation start?"

"Effective immediately," Janice says, relief evident in her voice. She probably thought I’d put up more of a fight. "You can gather your personal belongings from your desk. I’ll have IT temporarily suspend your access to our systems—standard procedure for extended leave, you understand."

A two-week vacation is hardly considered extended leave. People take that in personal vacation all the time. But I don’t bat an eye over the lie.

They’re couching it in pretty words, but they’re washing their hands of me. They want nothing to do with a high-profile murder case. Everyone thinks it’s me; they’re just waiting for the arrest.

I stand up, smoothing down my borrowed clothes. I really need to go shopping. "Is there anything else, Janice?"

She shakes her head. "No, that’s all. We’ll be in touch if anything changes."

* * *

The walk back to my desk feels like a march to the gallows. The whispers intensify.

My head remains high. I’m the ice queen; even rumors of being a murderer isn’t going to crack me, damn it.

Maybe it’s a stupid bit of pride to pretend I’m unaffected by all the vicious gossip, but hell, pride is all I have right now. I’m not even wearing my own underwear.

Actually, that sounds wrong. They’re brand new and unused. As much as I love Penelope, we aren’t share each others’ panties close, you know?

The point is, stupid or not, holding onto my office persona is all that’s keeping me upright instead of balled up in a corner to cry.

All the good vibes of the morning have been crushed beneath the brutal heel of reality.

At my cubicle, I start gathering my few personal items. A framed photo of Penelope and me at her bar’s opening night. A small potted succulent that’s somehow survived my sporadic care. A spare phone charger.

As I’m shoving these into my bag, a shadow falls over me. I look up to see Mike hovering nearby, the morbid curiosity clear in his eyes. Or maybe it’s just me being suspicious of the awkward smile on his face.

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