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Half an hour later, I limped into my cubicle.

For some reason, the glances from the people around me were laced with pity.

In the break room, I overheard two colleagues whispering at the coffee machine.

"So it's true? Mr. Sterling really dumped Rowan for that Juliet?"

"You didn't see it this morning. Juliet got her period, bled through her skirt a little, and he literally scooped her up bridal-style and carried her to the penthouse office. In front of every director in that meeting."

My mug slipped. Ceramic shattered across the tile.

The gossip died instantly.

I crouched down, collected every piece, and dropped them one by one into the bin.