I ignored the whispers for the rest of the day. I didn't know what was happening around me, but wherever I went, I could feel eyes following me—watching, judging.
I was about to leave the company when I spotted Gael locked in a hair-pulling fight with someone. I rushed over immediately and helped pull her away from her opponent.
"Gael, let go of her!" I tried to pry her fingers from the woman's hair, her grip tight with rage.
"You bitch! Take it back! You're just making up stories!" Gael shouted as I dragged her farther away.
"What do you mean, making things up? It's true! You saw the pictures, didn't you?" the woman screamed back. Her gaze shifted to me. "That cousin of yours—so shameless, flirting with the owner of the company of all people? The nerve of you!"
I froze.
"You really are insane! Come here!" Gael lunged forward again.
"You're the insane one for defending your gold-digger cousin!"
"Are you really not going to stop?!"
"No! Because it's true! Just admit it—your cousin's a flirt! She pretended to be all sweet at first, then went after her own boss!"
"Shut the hell up!"
I yanked Gael away before things could get worse. Even the guards were struggling to contain the chaos. I dragged her outside the building.
"Let go of me, Gianna! I'm just going to slap that bitch—"
"Gael. Enough."
"No! Just one second—"
"Gael, stop it! I said enough!" I shouted, my voice shaking. Anger and fear churned in my chest, though I still had no idea what was really happening.
"Gianna—"
I cut her off. "What picture was she talking about?" I asked coldly.
She froze. Then she turned away, pretending to look for a ride. I stepped in front of her.
"Gael. Where is that picture she mentioned? What is it?"
"Let's just go home—"
"No. Not until you show me what it is. Gael… I don't know what's going on. I don't know why it feels like I did something wrong when I don't even know what that something is."
"Gianna, let's talk about this at the apartment—"
She stopped when my phone vibrated.
A message—from an unknown number.
I didn't know why, but dread settled in my stomach even before I opened it.
I wish I hadn't.
They were photos of me and Francis—from before we fought. Stolen shots. Every single one capable of destroying my life.
There was a picture of us kissing on the rooftop on his birthday. A candid shot of him holding me in the office. Even photos from just yesterday.
My hands trembled. I nearly dropped my phone when another message came in.
You're dead.
I stumbled backward, my legs giving out. Gael caught me just in time.
A jeep arrived, and she quickly ushered me inside. The entire ride home, I was silent—empty, numb. If Gael hadn't lightly slapped my cheek, I might have completely lost myself.
She turned off my phone and guided me to the sofa.
"Gianna. Pull yourself together. Do you understand me?"
"G-Gael…"
"Those photos have been circulating since yesterday. I don't know who did it, but I'm sure it's someone close to you—or close to him. For now, it's better if you don't go to work tomorrow—"
"No," I cut her off, standing up.
She marched toward me, furious. "What do you mean no? You're just putting yourself in danger! We don't know what that person's motive is—not against you, not against our boss."
"Gael—"
"There you go again. 'Gael.' You think I don't know you and Francis are okay now? I know, Gianna. But did I attack you for it? Did you think I wasn't hurt when your pictures spread all over the company? I'm your cousin! I'm the only family you have left here. Everything I'm doing is for you. So please—just listen to me. Even just this once."
I couldn't say anything.
In the end, I obeyed.
She stayed the night at my apartment, just in case I changed my mind.
I thought nothing could make things worse.
I was wrong.
Because our morning was shattered by the sight of police officers standing outside the apartment building. My chest tightened as I went downstairs.
"Gianna, someone's looking for you," the landlord said nervously, glancing at the officers.
"Good morning, sir. How can I help you?" I asked, forcing my voice steady.
"Are you Gianna Magsandingan?"
"Yes."
"Then we'd like to invite you to the precinct for a few questions," one of them said, sending a chill through me.
"W-what?" I whispered.
"Wait—what's going on? Where are you taking my cousin?" Gael demanded.
"She's a suspect, ma'am, in the robbery of Golden Scenery Company."
"What are you talking about? Robbery? Do you really think my cousin is a thief?!" Gael snapped.
"It would be best if you cooperate peacefully," the officer replied.
"That's not—"
"Gael, it's okay. I'll be back soon," I said quietly.
"I'm coming with you—"
"It's fine. Stay here."
"Gianna—"
"Gael, please. Just stay," I said, then turned to the officers.
"Let's go."