“Oh, I apologize, Miss Bailey. I didn’t mean to imply anything. It’s just that the band-aid sparked that idea.”
Katelyn replied coldly, “It’s just a small cut. If you’re concerned, it might be best to stay back.”
Such common infectious diseases weren’t airborne.
The human body’s immune system was actually quite strong, and many viruses usually couldn’t survive outside a host. Feeling the awkwardness in the air, someone tried to diffuse the tension.
“Please, Miss Bailey, don’t take it the wrong way. We were just startled.”
“It’s okay,” Katelyn said casually, continuing her way to the elevator lobby to return to the executive office. Zoey’s expression turned thoughtful. The idea of an infectious disease presented a prime opportunity for manipulation. If Katelyn was indeed infected, who else at the company might this complicate things for?
Katelyn swung open the door to the executive suite. Inside, Vincent’s meeting was ongoing, and he hadn’t yet returned. She pulled a fresh band-aid from the drawer, wrapping it around a finger that bore no injury. Powering up her computer, she swiftly logged onto the corporate network and began her search.
The source who had spread the rumors of her supposed infection might lead her right to the elusive T Organization. Despite her supposed injury, her work went on uninterrupted, her fingers flying across the keyboard as web pages flipped rapidly. At last, she focused on an IP address from abroad. Once more, it pointed abroad. A cold glint flickered in Katelyn’s eyes. She knew she had to accelerate her plans against the T Organization.
Just then, Vincent returned from his meeting. He noticed the slight wrinkle in Katelyn’s forehead and set a file on her desk.
“Concerned about Hades?” he asked.
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Spotting the band-aid on Katelyn’s finger, Vincent continued, “And your hand… What happened?” Hades had suffered a similar injury, yet Katelyn seemed to have an additional cut.
Foreseeing Vincent’s concern, Katelyn responded calmly, “Just a minor accident with a knife.”
Vincent’s eyes lingered a moment before he settled into his chair. With a grave tone, he said, “I’ve begun probing the leak’s origin. We’ve tracked it to an overseas IP. Hades has certainly made quite a few enemies over the years.”
Katelyn nodded, her gaze deep and filled with complexity, weighed down by her thoughts. Vincent chose not to intrude on her privacy. A strange silence fell over the office, making the atmosphere feel unsettling.
Refocusing on her computer, Katelyn opened a design program. The jewelry designs that had once flowed from her with ease now seemed elusive. Suddenly, a notification flashed on her screen. She clicked through the pages, discovering an invitation to a business banquet.
“This is…” A flicker of surprise crossed Katelyn’s eyes. It was the first time she had been invited directly; previously, she had always attended such events as Vincent’s plus-one.
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