Chapter 135: A Calculated Move

It was lunchtime at work, a brief respite from the daily grind that most employees eagerly anticipated. The office cafeteria was buzzing with activity, as colleagues gathered in groups, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their meals. Hazel sat at her usual spot, surrounded by her team, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Rebecca, one of the few people at work who Hazel had managed to maintain a cordial relationship with, approached her table with a friendly smile. "Hey, Hazel," Rebecca said, her tone casual but inviting. "Why don't you come join me and my friends for lunch?" Hazel looked up from her salad, momentarily caught off guard. "Oh, thanks, but I couldn’t possibly leave my own colleagues to eat lunch with yours," Hazel replied, trying to keep her tone polite. Rebecca’s smile faltered, and her brow furrowed in confusion. "I don’t understand you anymore," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. "Yesterday, you said something came up and you were in a rush, and now today,