It started with whispers.
First about Layla's disgrace.
Then about why it happened.
And then; about Mara.
Her inbox filled with fake "check-ins."
People eyeing her in the hallways like she was a scandal wrapped in perfume.
She ignored it all.
Until the department-wide morning briefing.
Everyone was seated.
Phones away.
Notebooks out.
Mara, as usual, took her seat quietly in the third row; her pen poised, her expression unreadable.
Malik walked in.
Sharp suit.
Sharper stare.
"Before we begin," he said, tone clipped, "I want to make one thing absolutely clear."
The room tensed.
"There will be no further discussions, side comments, or gossip regarding Miss Daniels."
A pause.
A slow sweep of his gaze across the entire room.
"She is not your business. She is not your punching bag. And she is not your equal."
Gasps.
Eyebrows raised.
"She is mine."
Silence.
No breathing.
No blinking.
Just shocked stillness.
"If anyone has a problem with that, I'll personally make sure you have time to reflect on it; outside this company."
He didn't flinch.
Didn't smile.
Didn't ask for understanding.
He just spoke the truth and let it settle like thunder in a glass room.
And Mara?
She blinked, slowly.
Heart pounding.
Eyes locked on the man who just stood up for her like she was royalty.
The room was still frozen when he added:
"Now… back to the budget reports."
Like he didn't just shatter the office hierarchy and crown her queen.