Chapter 5: The Rumor Game

The morning sun filtered into the office, glinting off the polished floors and glass walls, but Liya barely noticed. Whispers followed her like shadows, each one sharper than the last. “She’s Xavier’s mistress…” “How did someone like her even get here?”

Her cheeks burned—not from embarrassment, but from the memory of her past life, where rumors had destroyed her. This time, she refused to bow. Liya was reborn. Stronger. Smarter. And she would not allow anyone to undermine her confidence or reputation.

By mid-morning, a group of staff had gathered near the coffee machine, whispering just loud enough for her to hear. Liya’s gaze swept over them, unflinching. She took a deep breath, letting her presence fill the room, and walked over with deliberate authority.

“If you have nothing constructive to contribute,” she said, her voice steady and calm, “I suggest focusing on your own work rather than spreading baseless rumors.”

The office fell silent. Staff exchanged uneasy glances. Even Mei Lin, observing from across the room with a smug expression, faltered for a fraction of a second, caught off guard by Liya’s unwavering composure.

Liya returned to her desk, her mind sharp and focused. The rumor was more than words—it was a test. She needed to remain strong, to show resilience, and if necessary, to use this against her enemies. She would turn every whisper, every sneer, into proof that this reborn Liya was not someone to be trifled with.

Hours later, she walked through the office with quiet confidence. Some employees dared to glance at her, measuring her. Some avoided her gaze altogether. Liya smiled faintly to herself. This was exactly what she needed: a subtle way to learn who respected her and who would try to undermine her again.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed Xavier standing by the large glass window, arms crossed, observing. His expression was calm, unreadable—but it carried weight. He had been watching her all morning, silent but alert. A flicker of pride—or perhaps curiosity—passed through his eyes as he witnessed her handling the situation.

By midday, Liya felt a small sense of control returning. Rumors could no longer touch her. They had revealed who was loyal, who was weak, and who would underestimate her. She clenched her fists slightly, letting determination build within her. She would prove that this new Liya was not weak, not submissive, and certainly not someone to be trifled with.

Just as she settled back at her desk, her phone buzzed. A sleek, black envelope appeared on the screen, bearing an elegant invitation. Her heart skipped a beat as she read the words:

“You are cordially invited to the engagement party of your ex-fiancé. —Formal attire required.”

Liya’s mind raced. This was her chance to prove she was strong and unshakable. Xavier’s sharp gaze met hers, a silent nod passing between them. The whispers were only the beginning—the real game was about to start.