No Escape from Love novel Chapter 163

"Suffering through the workload is one thing." Samson sighed. "But being accused of stealing data after all that effort? Who could tolerate that?"

"But why hasn't Mr. Hastings responded at all? Are they really just letting the morning questioning be the end of it?"

"Who knows?" Samson's voice carried a distinct note of unease. "But Serena's not as simple as she looks. I recently dug up something pretty shocking online."

Office gossip was always the most captivating. "What?"

"She dated someone back in university. Do you know who?"

"Who?"

"The heir of Black Group—Julian Blake."

"What?"

"Blake Group? Isn't that company on the decline?"

The office instantly buzzed with discussion, punctuated by occasional chuckles.

This wasn't the first time I had overheard people gossiping about me—my background, my past with Julian, my connection with Alex. No matter which aspect of my life people latched onto, they always had plenty to say. I had long since built up an immunity to it.

"You guys are being ridiculous!" Patricia suddenly stood up. "What does Serena's personal life have to do with the stolen data?"

"Y-You're talking nonsense!" Samson pointed at me. "You're slandering me!"

"What did I say?" I shrugged. "I just suggested checking the surveillance footage. How is that slander? Unless... you really did something that night."

Patricia narrowed her eyes at him. "Yeah, Samson. I hadn't even thought about it until now, but that night, you were the only one left in the office."

"If you're looking to frame someone, you'll always find an excuse," Samson shot back, trying to sound confident, but his shifting gaze betrayed his unease. "Of course, you two are backing each other up. No surprise there."

"I've already informed the company," I said, returning to my desk and clearing away my belongings to make space. "They'll be taking our computers to the tech department for a full inspection. You two should get your things ready as well."

Hearing this, Samson suddenly composed himself. "Fine, take them. I'd rather let them check than have it seem like I have something to hide. I'm not about to take the fall for something I didn't do."