CHAPTER SEVENTY TWO - TWISTS OF FATE

Over the next few days, Ava felt like she was drowning. Everywhere she turned, she was met with suspicious glances and hushed conversations. Her inbox was flooded with anonymous emails accusing her of betrayal, each one a dagger to her heart. She was in the break room, trying to gulp down a cup of coffee, when she overheard two of her colleagues whispering. "I always thought she was too good to be true," one of them said. "Rising through the ranks so quickly? There had to be something shady going on." "I heard she's been selling secrets for months," the other replied. "No wonder she could afford that new car." Ava's hand shook, spilling coffee on her blouse. She set the cup down with a clatter, drawing their attention. The two women fell silent, their faces a mix of embarrassment and defiance. "Is there something you'd like to say to my face?" Ava asked, her voice quivering despite her best efforts. The bolder of the two women stepped forward. "Actually, yes. How could you do thi