Chapter 5: Office Fallout

Michael had just finished a Zoom call when he noticed Laura outside his office, tear-stained, clutching the necklace box, eyes fixed on her shoes.

His office was cold and spare, the only color a wilted bouquet he’d forgotten to toss.

"What’s wrong?" he asked, confused.

Laura’s tears fell. She choked out, "Mr. Jennings, please take this necklace back. I can’t accept it."

Michael’s jaw tightened, displeasure flickering across his face. He sensed something had happened, but waited quietly.

Laura hesitated, then finally told him everything about the Instagram posts and office drama.

"Mr. Jennings, I’m sorry for causing trouble. I just posted on Instagram Stories to encourage myself. I didn’t know Mrs. Jennings would find out."

She sobbed, "I didn’t expect Mrs. Jennings to be so upset."

She looked as small as a frightened rabbit, her voice barely a whisper.

"Mr. Jennings, I want to apologize to Mrs. Jennings. Can I explain to her in person?"

Michael never checked social media, but he knew how fast gossip traveled. His face turned colder. He hated this kind of drama—gossip was poison to his control.

"I understand," he said quietly.