Chapter 92: Theron defended Elowen.

The employees immediately lowered their phones.

Daphne’s confidence faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered.

"Mr. Knox," she exclaimed, putting on a concerned expression. "We were just discussing something that has been troubling everyone."

Theron’s gaze swept across the gathered employees before settling on Elowen.

Her face was flushed, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Something unpleasant stirred inside him. He hated seeing her cornered like this. Yet his expression remained composed.

"What seems to be the problem?"

Daphne stepped forward. "Sir, I think you should know that people have been discussing the photographs of you and Elowen. Everyone here is concerned about the company’s image and your reputation. We were simply trying to understand the situation."

Theron looked at her for a moment. Then he turned towards the employees.

"I see." His calm response made everyone even more nervous. "Since these photographs have caused so much confusion, I suppose it’s time I cleared things up."

He walked towards Elowen and stopped beside her.

Elowen looked at him, struggling to contain her emotions. Tears clung to her lower eyelashes. But she refused to let them fall.

Hope and anticipation tugged at her heart. She believed Theron would clarify things and dismiss the rumors.

Theron gave her a reassuring look before turning back to the crowd.

"First, let me make one thing clear. There is absolutely nothing romantic between Elowen and me."

The cafeteria remained silent.

"Yesterday, I took her to the café because she needed a break. Also, I wanted her to review the presentation and make necessary changes, which she did quite efficiently. Unfortunately, she suddenly felt dizzy. When she nearly collapsed, I helped her and took her to the hospital. That’s all there is to it."

He paused before continuing.

"And as for why I have shown her particular concern, there is a reason."

His gaze briefly settled on Elowen. "She once saved my life."

A ripple of surprise passed through the crowd. Even Daphne was stunned.

"Years ago, I was involved in an incident that could have cost me my life. Elowen was there. She helped me when I needed it most, and I have never forgotten what she did for me."

He spoke evenly, without revealing how much that memory meant to him.

"If I have shown her kindness, it is because I am grateful to her. I would do the same for anyone who had saved my life."

Daphne’s face crumbled. She hadn’t expected things to take such a turn. She stared at Theron, unable to conceal her shock.

Saved his life?

She had never known they shared such a history.

Theron continued. "Her promotion has nothing to do with this. Elowen earned her position through her abilities. I selected her because I believe she is capable of handling the responsibilities of a chief designer. Her personal life has no bearing on that decision."

He looked around the cafeteria.

"And I find it extremely disappointing that people in this company have chosen to question a colleague’s character based on a few photographs taken out of context."

No one dared speak.

"Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but spreading malicious rumors about another employee is not acceptable. You are here to work, not to gossip about someone or speculate about their private relationships."

His voice remained controlled, but there was a warning beneath every word.

"I expect this discussion to end here. Anyone who continues spreading these allegations will be held accountable for their conduct. I will not tolerate workplace harassment or attempts to damage another employee’s reputation."

He let his gaze travel across the crowd. "Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," several employees answered at once.

The rest quickly nodded.

Theron didn’t look at Daphne again. He didn’t expose her for uploading the photographs or accuse her of deliberately provoking Elowen. Despite knowing exactly what she had done, he chose not to confront her.

There was no need. He had already achieved what he wanted.

Daphne stood frozen, her face drained of color. She had expected Theron to remain silent or perhaps offer a vague explanation. She had never imagined he would publicly defend Elowen so firmly, let alone reveal such a personal reason for his concern.

Her plan had backfired.

Theron turned towards Elowen. "Come with me. You shouldn’t have to stand here listening to this nonsense."

Elowen looked at him, her chest filling with gratitude. Then she followed him out of the cafeteria.

Once they were away from the crowd, Elowen finally released the breath she had been holding.

"Mr. Knox..."

Theron stopped and turned towards her. "Are you all right?"

She nodded, but her eyes were already filling with tears. "Thank you."

Her voice broke slightly.

"I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come. She was making it sound as though I had done something terrible. No matter what I said, Daphne kept twisting my words."

Theron watched her struggle to hold back her tears. He wanted to reach out and wipe them away. He wanted to pull her into his arms and tell her that no one would ever be allowed to humiliate her again.

But he restrained himself. Instead, he gave her a reassuring smile.

"You don’t need to thank me."

"I do. You didn’t have to explain anything to them, but you did. You defended me in front of everyone."

"Protecting you is what I should do." His words made her look at him.

Theron held her gaze. "You saved my life, Elowen. I haven’t forgotten that. I won’t stand by and watch people tarnish your reputation because of a few misleading photographs."

Elowen lowered her eyes, deeply touched.

She had been worried that the rumors would not only damage her reputation in the company but also affect her relationship with Theron. She had assumed he might distance himself to avoid further misunderstandings.

But he had done the opposite.

Theron had stepped up to defend her. His explanation had put an end to the accusations before they could cause further harm.

"I’m really grateful," she murmured.

Theron smiled.

’You have no idea how much I want to protect you.’

But he kept that thought to himself. "Come. There is something I want to show you."

"What is it?" she asked curiously.

"Your new office."

Elowen blinked. "My new office?"

He nodded and gestured towards the elevator. "Yes. I’ve had it prepared."

She followed him, confusion written all over her face.