Chapter 33

"I'm telling you, don't say a word about this—" "Gosh, I can't believe something like this happened!" A few female colleagues huddled together, whispering conspiratorially until they scattered as soon as they saw me approach. I set my cup under the coffee machine, waiting for it to dispense. The department head specifically came to the break room looking for me. Upon seeing me at the coffee machine, he said, "Cassie, come with me in a bit." "Okay." I nodded in response. Not far away, the gossip crew perked up, their eyes glimmering with excitement. "I knew there was something off about her. Look, she's being summoned by the department head." "Just wait to see how the show unfolds." They continued to whisper among themselves, casting glances my way. I shot them a meaningful look, and they immediately fell silent. Once inside the office, the department head closed the door behind us but didn't take his seat. Instead, he stood respectfully to the side. The chair fa