Page 312 of Savage Bosses

“Sure, but there are rumors that you are putting something else to use so that you can get in the good graces of the leadership of this company, and that is never good,” he smirks.

"It’s also rumored that you kissed up to Jaqueline for years to get your hands on good clients, stole Ava’s design for your Zesty software, and that you might be sleeping with James from the mailroom, but no one ever called you on those things because rumors are rarely worth listening to," I dismiss, taking a sip of my coffee, hoping he gets the hint and leaves me alone.

"True, there are many baseless rumors in the mill, but this one has substance. It involves you... and Archer Gates," he continues, carefully studying my reaction. I fight to keep my expression neutral while wondering where he is going with this conversation.

"Is that so?" I ask, trying to sound disinterested, but a tremor in my voice betrays me.

"Uh-huh. Word is you two have been getting quite cozy lately," Mason's smirk grows wider.

Ava has already let me in on the new office gossip, so what Mason is saying to me isn’t news. “I just gave you three good reasons you shouldn’t spread gossip,” I chide.

"It’s clever to write it off as gossip, but we both know having a powerful man like Archer in your corner can make all the difference. So, congratulations on your... partnership. It must be great to get a percentage of Zeenith’s licensing infinitely. Jaqueline would have never done that, so I can’t help but ask myself why Mr. Gates did."

"My licensing deal is just that. Mine. Whatever you think you know has nothing to do with my work," I respond, my voice steady despite the anger and fear coursing through me. "Archer Gates or not, I'm dedicated to Zeenith as I have been years before he arrived. You know this."

"Of course," he feigns innocence, but his eyes are calculating, cold. "I just hope your personal life doesn't interfere with your professional one. You know the kind of interference that would make you drop the ball on important details with your precious project. That would be such a pity."

The threat in his words is clear. Mason will stop at nothing to destroy me.

"Keep your nose out of my business, Mason," I warn. "My work speaks for itself."

"Indeed, it does," he replies smoothly, his smile never wavering. "Just remember, Tahani, the higher you climb, the further you have to fall. And that’s not a threat; it’s a quote. So, I suggest you break it off with Archer, or get exposed."

As he turns to leave my office, I can't shake the morbid mood he leaves in the room.

"Miss Stevens," a commanding voice interrupts my train of thought. I glance up to find Grace Thompson standing at the entrance of my office. Her statuesque figure looms over me, her sharp gray eyes piercing through my defenses. As my manager at Iconic, Grace's presence alone demands respect and attention.

"Hello, Ms. Thompson." I stand and meet her gaze. "What can I help you with?"

"Take a seat," she instructs as she closes the door behind her and settles into the chair across from my desk.

I hesitate for a moment, my mind racing with wild speculations about her visit. Was this about my relationship with Archer? Had Mason already informed her?

Clearly sensing my anxiety, she reassures, "This isn't a disciplinary meeting.”

I sit back into my chair. “Okay. How may I help you?”

"Your work has been exceptional lately," she begins, her tone measured. "But I must admit, I've been hearing some...rumblings. About your personal life."

I stiffen. So, Mason had told her. The snake. "My personal life is just that, personal. It has no bearing on my performance here at Iconic."

"Of course.” Her eyes search mine for any sign of deception. "However, I'm sure you understand that appearances are important in our industry. And if your relationship with Mr. Gates were to become public knowledge, it could create quite the scandal."

"Scandal?" I scoff. "Archer and I are both professionals. We're committed to our work and this company. Our personal lives have nothing to do with that."

"Perhaps," she concedes. "But there's a fine line between personal and professional, and one misstep could result in serious consequences for you both."

"You’re speaking in riddles. What is the reason for this discussion, Ms. Thompson?" I inquire, my heart pounding furiously.

She rises from her seat. "Merely a word of caution. I trust you'll take it to heart."

I stare at the door as she leaves my office. It takes a while for me to recollect myself. Archer is in meetings for the next hour, so I can’t talk to him about Mason and Grace’s intrusions and how this workday has spiraled out of control.

As soon as he’s out of his last meeting, I will talk to him. In the meantime, I revert to something that makes me happy. I pull up Zeenith’s masterfile and start it.

"Strange," I mutter to myself, noticing slowness in the bootup of the software.

A quick glance at the code, and I notice a few lines have been altered. The changes were subtle but enough to cause glitches in the functionality.This was not like this the other day.

---