Chapter 90: Do you like him?

Elowen frowned slightly at her in confusion. "No. Why?"

Vera hesitated before pulling out her phone. "You should see this post."

She turned the screen toward her, revealing the photographs. "Someone uploaded these pictures this morning. Everyone is talking about you and Mr. Knox."

The moment Elowen saw them, her expression changed. "What is this?"

She felt a wave of shivers run down her spine.

"That’s what I want to know." Vera studied her carefully. "Everyone is saying that something is going on between you and him. They suspect that you two are in a relationship."

"What?" Elowen exclaimed.

"Keep your voice down." Vera looked around, worried someone would overhear them and start making more accusations. When she looked back at Elowen, her worry mixed with uncertainty.

"The photographs are quite compromising. Anyone could get the wrong idea from them." She tilted her head slightly. "Why were you two sitting so close?"

Elowen stared at the photograph again, her stomach knotting. She had been so focused on reviewing the presentation that she hadn’t even noticed how close Theron had leaned toward her.

"People are talking nonsense," Vera continued. "Some even claimed that you seduced him to secure the chief designer position."

Elowen’s face paled in humiliation. But anger quickly burned through her embarrassment.

"This is ridiculous. They are making assumptions without knowing anything."

"I know it might be," Vera said, lowering her voice further. "But I need to ask you something. Is there anything between you and Mr. Knox? And why on earth was he carrying you?"

Vera was genuinely concerned. But there was suspicion behind her eyes.

She knew how strained Elowen’s marriage had been. She had witnessed Soren’s previous indifference toward his wife. After seeing the photographs, she couldn’t help but wonder whether Elowen had developed feelings for Theron because of the attention he was giving her.

"Do you really like him?" Vera asked quietly. "I won’t judge you, Elowen. There is nothing wrong with feelings changing. I just want to know the truth."

"No, Vera. There is nothing between us."

"Then what were you doing with him at the café?" Vera pressed, her question becoming more pointed.

"Mr. Knox wanted to take a break and asked me to review the presentation," Elowen explained. "He took me to a nearby café. We spent the entire time discussing the project, reviewing the presentation, and making the necessary changes."

Vera wanted to believe her. But the photographs kept popping up in her mind, making it difficult to dismiss her suspicion.

"Then why did he carry you out? If you were simply working, why did he have to carry you?"

"Because I wasn’t feeling well." Elowen let out a frustrated sigh. "I had been staring at the screen for too long. I became dizzy when I stood up, and he helped me. That’s all."

She shrugged, trying to make the incident sound less significant. "He took me to the hospital and made sure that the baby and I were fine. He was being kind. There was nothing romantic about it."

Vera studied her face, searching for any sign that she might be hiding something. But Elowen looked serious.

"Someone deliberately took those pictures to make it look like something happened between us." Elowen’s voice tightened. "I don’t know who did it, but this is completely unfair."

"All right. I believe you," Vera finally said. But she didn’t forget to warn her. "I know you are telling the truth. But you should be prepared. The rumors are spreading quickly. People are judging you. This could cause trouble for you, especially with Daphne."

Elowen frowned at the mention of her name.

"I heard her fueling the narrative," Vera continued. "She has been convincing everyone that you managed to gain the CEO’s favor, and that’s how you got the chief designer position."

"She won’t stop, will she?" Elowen muttered.

"I hope Mr. Knox comes forward and explains the situation," Vera speculated. "He can’t just let people target you like this."

Elowen’s jaw set. "I know it’s a tough situation. Having everyone watching me strangely makes it uncomfortable to work here. But I know the truth. I’ve nothing to hide, nothing to be afraid of. Some rumors can’t break me."

"That’s my girl." Vera grinned and patted her shoulder. "Don’t let the rumors affect you. If anyone talks nonsense about you, stand up for yourself."

Elowen inclined her head with confidence. She was ready to face anyone who questioned her integrity or work ethic. But things had turned uglier by the afternoon.

The gossip had reached almost every department.

What had started as a few questions had gradually turned into accusations.

Some employees openly questioned Elowen’s qualifications. Others wondered whether her promotion had been based on her talent or her relationship with the CEO.

A few who had initially defended her began to doubt their own judgment.

And Theron?

He knew everything.

Antony had already informed him that the situation was getting out of control. The photographs were being discussed across the office, and Daphne was actively encouraging the gossip.

Yet Theron made no move to stop the rumors. He didn’t expose Daphne either.

He continued working in his office, calmly reviewing documents as though nothing unusual was happening.

He wanted Daphne to believe she was succeeding. More importantly, he wanted the accusations to become serious enough that his public defense would leave no room for doubt.

During the afternoon break, Elowen decided to get something to eat from the cafeteria. She had barely entered when Daphne stepped in front of her.

"Well, look who is here."

Elowen stopped. "What do you want, Daphne?"

Daphne smiled faintly. "Nothing. I was just wondering how you are feeling after yesterday’s little adventure with Mr. Knox."

Elowen’s expression hardened. "Move aside. I don’t have time for this."

"Why so impatient? I’m only asking because everyone is concerned about you," Daphne drawled. "Some were wondering if you were feeling so unwell that Mr. Knox had to carry you."

"Then tell them not to worry. I’m fine."

Elowen tried to walk past her, but Daphne shifted to block her path.

"There is no need to pretend. We’ve all seen the photographs."

A few nearby employees turned toward them.

Elowen’s fingers curled around the strap of her handbag. "I don’t know what you are trying to achieve, but I suggest you stop."

"Why? Are you afraid someone might ask you an uncomfortable question?" Daphne raised her voice deliberately. "Tell me, Elowen. How does it feel to have the CEO carrying you around in his arms? Does being the chief designer come with special privileges?"

Several people stopped eating. One employee glanced at another before quietly taking out a phone.

Elowen noticed. "Don’t make a scene here, Daphne."

"Or what? Are you going to run to Mr. Knox and complain about me?" Daphne gave an exaggerated look of innocence.