Chapter 195
195:
She took a moment before continuing, “But I truly didn’t mean any of it. I never actually believed those rumors about you. And after you released the evidence proving your innocence, I realized how wrong I was. So, I wanted to sincerely apologize for my behavior.”
Seemingly aware of how weak her explanation sounded, Pandora quickly added, “If you’re still upset with me, please let me make it up to you. How about I treat you to lunch? Or if there’s anything I can do to help, just name it—I’m at your service.”
It finally clicked for Linsey. Pandora was genuinely here to apologize. And not just apologize, but it seemed she was determined to make amends.
Could Pandora have genuinely turned over a new leaf?
Linsey, however, remained indifferent. “No need,” she said casually. “I have work to do, so I’m leaving.”
And with that, she turned to walk away.
To her surprise, Pandora reached out and grabbed her arm again, her face a mask of anxiety. This time, her expression was so miserable she looked on the verge of tears.
“Linsey, are you really not going to forgive me?”
Linsey couldn’t help but chuckle. Was this some kind of guilt trip? “Apologizing is your prerogative,” Linsey replied. “Whether I accept that apology is mine. You can’t force my forgiveness, can you?”
Pandora’s eyes welled up, her voice trembling. “If you don’t forgive me, are you trying to make me end up like Cynthia?”
Linsey frowned, genuinely confused. “What are you talking about?” she asked. “What happened to Cynthia? And what does any of this have to do with me?”
Seeing Linsey’s bewildered expression, Pandora became convinced she was feigning ignorance. “Linsey, Marisol’s and Joanna’s reputations are in tatters because they spread those nasty rumors about you online.” Pandora continued, her voice laced with a strange mix of fear and accusation, “And it wasn’t just them. Even Cynthia, who’s always despised you, joined in on the insults during that whole scandal. Now, all her personal information has been leaked…”
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Pandora’s voice trembled with fear. “She’s been holed up at home, too afraid to even step outside. Isn’t this all some elaborate revenge plot of yours?”
Linsey stared at Pandora, genuinely surprised.
She hadn’t been aware of any of this. No wonder Cynthia hadn’t shown her face today—she probably couldn’t even bring herself to come to the office.
Linsey regained her composure, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “You’re suggesting Cynthia simply made a few offhand insults? I highly doubt that. She must have been quite busy stirring the pot. I distinctly remember several online posts claiming to be from my former colleagues. It’s quite likely she orchestrated those as well.” Linsey paused briefly, then continued calmly, “If she’s hiding at home because people online exposed her lies, that’s her own problem, not mine. I certainly didn’t instruct anyone to…”
Linsey shook her head, her expression hardening. “I didn’t do that. Besides, with the sheer number of people online, do you honestly believe I could control what they all say and do?”
Pandora’s desperation grew as she realized Linsey wasn’t going to lift a finger to help. Tears welled up in her eyes. “Linsey, I don’t believe for a second that you’re not involved in this! You must have hired people to dig up dirt on Cynthia and spread it online. Am I next? Tell me the truth!”
Linsey’s patience finally wore thin. She shook off Pandora’s hand and snapped, “Let go of me! If someone sees us like this and posts it online, it’ll just make things worse.”
Pandora froze, her eyes darting nervously. She noticed several people nearby watching them with undisguised curiosity.
Despite her attempt to pull Linsey into a secluded corner, it did little to deter the onlookers’ prying eyes and whispers. Some were even taking out their phones to record the scene. Panic surged through Pandora, and she fled, terrified of becoming further embroiled in the drama.
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