Love In Disguise: Rebirth of the Heiress
Chapter 69

Chapter 69: Chapter 69

I scrolled through my phone as I entered the building.

Booking a meeting with the landowner today to discuss price.

Real estate, here I come.

The usual chatter of the office buzzed around me, though today, it felt different.

People weren’t just chatting, they were whispering, heads tilting in my direction as I walked past.

I frowned.

It wasn’t subtle.

Their glances lingered a little too long, their hushed voices carrying just enough for me to catch fragments.

"...I can’t believe it..."

"...slapped him..."

"...aggressive..."

I raised an eyebrow, pushing the elevator button and crossing my arms as I waited.

Whatever it was, they were clearly too chicken to say it to my face and I don’t care about chickens. Unless they are food.

The elevator ride to my floor was equally awkward, with two assistants who kept sneaking glances at me like I’d suddenly sprouted horns.

By the time I reached my desk, I was thoroughly annoyed. I tossed my bag onto my chair and looked over at the HR assistant, who was practically vibrating with nervous energy.

"Something you want to say?" I asked, my tone sharper than I intended.

She squeaked, shaking her head furiously. "N-no, nothing!"

I rolled my eyes, sitting down and opening my laptop. Before I could even type in my password, my phone buzzed. A message from HR.

"Please report to the HR office immediately."

Great. Just what I needed.

I made my way to the office, ignoring the stares and whispers as I walked past. The HR Director, a stiff, no-nonsense woman named Ms. Caldwell, was waiting for me.

She didn’t look pleased.

"Ms. Williams," she said, gesturing for me to take a seat.

I sat down, crossing my legs and leaning back slightly. "What’s this about?"

Ms. Caldwell adjusted her glasses, pulling up a file on her computer. "We’ve received a complaint about your conduct. A video was submitted as evidence."

I tilted my head, genuinely intrigued. "A video?"

"Yes," she said, her lips pursed. She turned the monitor toward me, pressing play.

There I was, clear as day, slapping Gabriel across the face and saying something I couldn’t quite make out over the recording. The video ended with me storming off, leaving Gabriel holding his cheek and looking stunned.

I couldn’t help it. I laughed.

Ms. Caldwell’s eyebrows shot up. "You find this funny, Ms. Williams?"

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on her desk. "Hilarious, actually. Because if slapping an ex who deserves it is a crime, then I’m guilty as charged."

Her lips thinned into a line. "This is a professional workplace, Ms. Williams. Such behavior reflects poorly not only on you but on the company."

"And yet," I said, smirking, "this didn’t happen during work hours or in front of clients. Did it?"

She hesitated. "No, but—"

"But nothing," I interrupted. "This was a personal matter, and whoever sent this video clearly has too much time on their hands. So, who was it?"

Ms. Caldwell nodded, her expression stern. "Yes. Lola Wright filed the complaint."

I blinked, leaning back in my chair as the weight of the name settled in my mind. Lola? The same Lola I defended in the cafeteria? The same one who had been humiliated and disgraced not too long ago?

"You’re sure?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

"Yes, Ms. Williams," she replied, her tone clipped. "And while your actions in the video are not grounds for termination, I must insist on a written apology and a commitment to maintaining professional conduct moving forward."

I almost laughed again, but the knot in my chest kept it at bay. "Fine. Whatever you say, Ms. Caldwell."

"Good." She adjusted the file on her desk. "You’re dismissed. And, Ms. Williams?"

I stopped at the door, glancing back.

"Keep your personal matters out of the workplace."

I didn’t bother responding. I had bigger issues to deal with.

---

I headed straight for the marketing department, my mind racing. Why would Lola do this? She didn’t seem like the type to run to HR over something that didn’t involve her.

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I nearly collided with someone as I rounded a corner.

"Watch where you’re going," the woman said, her voice smooth and firm.

I looked up, taking in her dark skin, sharp brown braids with blonde tips, and tailored suit. She stood tall, her arms folded, exuding an air of authority that made me pause.

"Sorry," I muttered, stepping back.

The woman raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Who are you looking for?"

"Lola Wright," I replied, my tone hesitant but direct.

At that, the woman chuckled, a low, knowing sound that made my stomach twist.

"Lola Wright?" she repeated, her voice dripping with amusement. "That bitch."

Her words caught me off guard, and I frowned. "What do you mean?"

She leaned in slightly, her expression a mix of disdain and curiosity. "Let’s just say Lola has a reputation. And it’s not a good one. Apart from her already sexual scandal."

I crossed my arms, matching her energy. "Care to elaborate?"

The woman shrugged, stepping back and straightening her posture. "She’s a social climber, plain and simple. Always looking for a way to step on someone else to get ahead. And if you’re looking for her, I hope you know what you’re getting into."

I clenched my jaw, her words only fueling the fire inside me. "Thanks for the warning."

She smirked, giving me a once-over before walking away. "Good luck. You’ll need it."

I watched her retreating form for a moment, then shook off the strange encounter. If Lola was in this department, I’d find her eventually.

Still, I wasn’t about to wander aimlessly. "Excuse me," I called after the woman.

She stopped, turning slowly with a raised eyebrow. "Yes?"

"Do you know where Lola is?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral.

The woman’s lips curved into a faint smirk. "You’re persistent, I’ll give you that." She nodded toward a cluster of desks near the far wall. "She’s over there. Probably hiding behind a spreadsheet."

"Thank you," I said, already moving in that direction.

The woman didn’t leave immediately. Instead, she followed my movement with her eyes before stepping forward. "Name’s Laura, by the way."

I stopped and turned back, surprised. "Laura?"

"Yeah. Lola’s... friend," she said, though her tone made the word sound questionable.

I frowned. "Her friend?"

Laura shrugged, leaning casually against the edge of a desk. "Something like that. Ex friend though. Why?"

I hesitated. "She mentioned going to a party with a friend. Was that you?"

Laura tilted her head, studying me with a sharp, assessing gaze. "She told you that?"

"Yes," I said, crossing my arms. "Was it true?"

Laura let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "That gi

rl is something else. No, it wasn’t me. Lola and I aren’t exactly close enough to party together."

I narrowed my eyes. "Then why would she say it?"