Yet, resentment simmered beneath their quiet exterior-had Phoebe just publicly shamed them?

Then came a voice of authority. “If you want silence, perhaps one shouldn't do things that draw such attention."

The speaker was the director of the design department.

Her tenure in the department commanded respect, but recent events had left her feeling undermined.

Lilah's unilateral hiring of new staff, including Phoebe, had been a bitter pill. Moreover, Phoebe's rapid rise to prominence in the department had caused many to bypass the director for advice, eroding her authority.

The director harbored resentment not just toward Phoebe, for her swift ascension and influence, but also toward Lilah for enabling it.

The company's designers, eager to align with the perceived new power structure, sought to jingratiate themselves with Phoebe-and by extension, Lilah. The director viewed this as vanity, undermining the traditional hierarchy she represented.

Phoebe was taken aback by Alice's accusation. Her brow furrowed as she defended Lilah. “Alice, how can you insinuate such a thing? Miss Phillips isn't the person you're portraying.”

Alice Wilson scoffed at the defense. "I never labeled Miss Phillips explicitly, but one has to question the appropriateness of her public encounters. To my knowledge, this isn't the first incident, right?

There was the intimate embrace with some guy, and now this hotel rumor. Miss Phillips, if there's someone else in your heart, perhaps it's best to step away from Mr. Harris before his frustration affects us all. Wouldn't you agree, Miss Phillips?"

The cafeteria fell silent, all eyes on Lilah.

Lilah maintained her composure, her voice a blend of ice and steel.

"You make a fair point. If the rumors were true, Gerard would have approached me directly. But he hasn't, so why are you so concerned?"

Alice was momentarily speechless, her face a shifting canvas of blue and white.

Everyone could see that Alice was overstepping.

Her attempt to defend her stance was weak. "If Mr. Harris is unconcerned, does it imply that your relationship is merely for show?

Is it possible you both have clandestine affairs?"

"Alice, I can attest to Miss Phillips and Mr. Harris' affection for each other. They're truly devoted," Phoebe retorted, her anger palpable.

Alice's sneer was dismissive. “Such a display is easily feigned, and only the naive would believe it."

“Are we to trust Katie's word on this? Considering our companies are rivals, her claims are suspect," Phoebe countered.

Alice remained obstinate. "Katie wouldn't risk her reputation without proof."

The debate seemed at a stalemate until a sudden outcry diverted everyone's attention. “Look, there is an update on the Internet."

Phones were hastily retrieved as the gathered crowd sought the latest online revelation.

Alice too checked her phone, anticipating an update on the scandal involving Lilah.