While getting ready for work, Hannah noticed a letter on her vanity table. She had gone straight to bed last night and hadn’t paid attention to anything else. When she saw the contents, it was a driver’s license. Hannah was overjoyed.
Hannah had been through a lot and had come a long way. She couldn’t let this issue trip her up and hinder her progress.
“Alright, I will become an independent, fearless, and amazing woman,” she affirmed to herself.
Hannah hurried to the dining room, determined not to be weak anymore. Alden didn’t need to know, but it was enough for her to stop dwelling on the past. Didn’t Bernard say the same thing?
Hannah was startled to see Alden already in the dining room, his face looking grim and angry. What was going on so early in the morning that she had to see that gloomy face again?
“Sit,” Alden ordered, half shouting.
Hannah just stared at Alden in confusion. Then, Alden suddenly showed her his phone screen.
“Do you understand what I meant last night? This can happen, and it makes things even more complicated!” Alden exclaimed.
Hannah saw a social media post about her leaving the dinner party with important people just to have coffee with Bernard. It was insane!
Who took a picture of them that made it look so intimate? Even though she sat across from Bernard, Hannah was suddenly furious.
“Mr. Gulfman and I have no relationship whatsoever! Didn’t you say I shouldn’t care about media accusations?” Hannah defended herself.
“Hannah, this looks like an affair. Between you and someone who works for me!”
“Then let it be.”
Hannah snapped back at Alden. She was really annoyed, Alden always blamed her, always dissatisfied. His statements often changed. So which one should she follow?
“This can tarnish the company’s image and cause it to fall. If this weren’t related to the company, I wouldn’t be warning you,” Alden said.
“We just had coffee. Should I tell the media?”
“Gulfman isn’t married. That’s what makes this complicated.”
Hannah paused for a moment. “He’s not married?”
“You didn’t know? I thought you two became closer after having coffee and sharing your lives.”
Enough! Hannah thought angrily.
“We talked a lot about work,” Hannah asserted. She then stood up. “And if your mind is like the media’s, maybe you should clarify it yourself.”
“Hannah…”
“Good morning, I’m heading to the office now.”
Hannah hurried out of the dining room in disgust. She went straight to the car, and the driver rushed over. Suddenly, Hannah held out her hand.
“I’ll drive myself,” Hannah said.
“But, ma’am…”
Hannah showed her driver’s license. “Don’t worry, I have this now.”
The driver just widened his eyes and smiled. “Congratulations, Mrs. Harrison.”
“From now on, you can accompany Alden wherever he needs to go, okay?”
“Alright, Mrs. Harrison.”
Hannah got into the car and drove to the office. It was still very early, so she went for a drive to clear her mind. She had no idea how to quell the rumors circulating.
Clarifying things to the media was like digging her own grave!
After feeling much calmer, Hannah headed to the office. People immediately noticed her, and they seemed awkward. It seemed the gossip had spread everywhere.
As Hannah waited for the elevator, Susan appeared as the doors opened. She quickly grabbed Hannah’s arm to pull her inside, her face tense.
“Did you see the gossip going around?” Susan asked.
“Yes, I’ve seen it.”
Susan pressed the button for the top floor. “This is outrageous. Who’s the troublemaker trying to destroy Texco?”
They exited the elevator and went straight into the office. Bernard was already there, sitting on the sofa, holding his phone. When he saw Hannah, he waved.
“Morning, Hannah!” he greeted cheerfully.
Susan glanced between Hannah and Bernard but didn’t say a word.
“Have you seen this morning’s gossip?” Bernard asked.
Hannah just nodded with a bitter smile. “I did.”
“Sir, may I speak?” Susan suddenly asked.
“What is it, Susan?” Bernard turned his attention to her.
“The gossip might affect the company. This is just my opinion, but… maybe we should do something. We can’t take it lightly, sir,” Susan explained.
Bernard responded calmly with a diplomatic smile.
“Things like this are like a double-edged sword, Susan. If we remain unaffected, it won’t shake the company. In fact, it might attract investors,” Bernard said. He cleared his throat softly. “They’ll see that despite the gossip, we’re still standing. Think of it as a different form of promotion for Texco.”
Hannah nodded, realizing Bernard had a point.
Susan was silent for a moment, then agreed. “What you say isn’t wrong, sir. We’ll continue to work as usual.”
“That’s the spirit,” Bernard replied.
Hannah’s desk phone rang, and Susan quickly answered it. She spoke softly and quickly, then hung up.
“Mr. Harrison is in the lobby,” Susan said. She turned to Bernard. “He wants to speak with you, sir. In the meeting room.”
“Okay.” Bernard stood up.
He bid farewell to Hannah and Susan, then headed to the meeting room.
…
When he arrived, Bernard saw Alden sitting with his arms folded.
“Morning, Mr. Harrison,” Bernard greeted warmly.
Alden only nodded, staring at Bernard as he sat down across from him.
“You want to talk about the gossip going around?” Bernard guessed and started the conversation.
“If it wasn’t about that, I wouldn’t have bothered coming.”
Bernard sensed something different about Alden. Although Alden was quick-tempered, he usually remained very calm when handling major issues. For some reason, the matter with Hannah suddenly made Alden show his angry side.
“First of all, I apologize, but yesterday Mrs. Harrison was shaken by the media and decided to go home.”
“Then went for coffee? Instead of returning home immediately.”
“Well, that’s my fault. But it seems Mrs. Harrison really needed a cup of coffee.”
“I think your actions were unwise this time, Mr. Gulfman. It led to gossip,” Alden said coldly. “You should have discussed it with me first if you wanted to take my wife out.”
“My view was only as a superior, with no other intention.”
“But Hannah is my wife. And you’re not married.”
Bernard raised an eyebrow. “Are you implying you’re jealous of me, Mr. Harrison?”