She Fell Into a Single Dad’s Arms at Work — Then One Quiet Whisper Made Them Both Believe in Love Again
Chapter 5
The first rumor said Victoria had promoted Michael.
The second said Michael was using her.
The third said they had been secretly dating for months.
None were true.
That didn’t stop anyone.
Michael’s coworkers became uncomfortable.
Some joked.
Others made comments.
One contractor said:
“Looks like the janitor knows how to climb the corporate ladder.”
Michael ignored him.
Victoria did not.
She called the contractor’s company.
The employee was removed from the building.
Michael confronted her.
“You didn’t need to do that.”
“Yes, I did.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ll look like I can’t defend myself.”
Victoria stared.
“Someone humiliates you, and you’re worried about looking weak?”
“I’m worried about being seen as your favorite.”
She understood.
“If I protect you publicly, people will say I favor you.”
“Exactly.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Trust me.”
Victoria nodded.
“Okay.”
She stopped interfering.
That was difficult.
She was used to solving problems.
Michael had just asked her to respect his independence.
She did.
The next time someone made a joke, Michael handled it himself.
Calmly.
Professionally.
The situation ended.
Victoria watched from a distance.
She was proud.
Then came a bigger problem.
A senior executive named Richard Owens began investigating Michael’s employment.
He claimed there was a conflict of interest.
He wanted Michael removed from any building Victoria worked in.
The board became involved.
Victoria was furious.
Michael remained calm.
“I can leave.”
“No.”
“Victoria.”
“I’m not letting them punish you for knowing me.”
“You don’t need to fight.”
“I need to protect what’s fair.”
Michael shook his head.
“Then let me.”
She became quiet.
He continued:
“You told me once that trust means letting someone do things their own way.”
“I remember.”
“Then trust me.”
She nodded.
Michael met with HR.
He explained the relationship.
Everything.
No hidden contract.
No promotion.
No special treatment.
His job was legitimate.
The board reviewed it.
He remained.
Richard wasn’t satisfied.
He leaked the story to the press.
The headline appeared:
CEO’s Secret Relationship With Contractor Sparks Conflict-of-Interest Questions
Victoria read it.
Michael read it.
Lily read none of it.
That night, Victoria sat alone in her office.
Michael came in.
“How bad?”
“Bad.”
He sat beside her.
“You okay?”
“No.”
He took her hand.
“I’ve survived worse.”
She laughed softly.
“You shouldn’t have to.”
“Neither should you.”
She looked at him.
Then whispered:
“Maybe we should stop.”
He froze.
“Because of the company?”
“Because of everything.”
He understood.
He didn’t argue.
He simply said:
“I’ll respect whatever you choose.”
That was the problem.
She wanted him to fight.
But she knew that forcing him would be selfish.
She looked down.
“I’m afraid.”
“Me too.”
They sat together.
Neither let go.
