What Happened To Genevieve

Evelyn finally understood.

Penelope was genuinely here to apologize. She seemed utterly determined to make things right.

Had Penelope truly changed her ways?

Evelyn remained unmoved. "That's unnecessary," she said dismissively. "I have work to attend to. I'm leaving."

She turned to go.

To her shock, Penelope grabbed her arm once more. Her face was a picture of pure distress. This time, she looked genuinely on the verge of tears.

"Evelyn, please. Won't you forgive me?"

Evelyn almost laughed. Was this some kind of emotional manipulation?

"Apologizing is your choice," Evelyn stated coolly. "Accepting it is mine. You cannot force my forgiveness."

Penelope's eyes filled with terrified tears. Her voice shook. "If you don't forgive me, will I end up like Genevieve?"

Evelyn frowned, genuinely confused. "What are you talking about? What happened to Genevieve? What does that have to do with me?"

Seeing Evelyn's apparent bewilderment, Penelope became convinced she was pretending. "Evelyn, Isabella's and Patricia's reputations were destroyed because they spread those vile rumors about you online."

Penelope's voice was laced with a strange mix of fear and accusation. "And it wasn't just them. Even Genevieve, who has always hated you, joined in the insults during the scandal. Now, all of her personal information has been leaked..."

She trembled with genuine fear. "She's been hiding at home, too terrified to step outside. This is all your elaborate revenge, isn't it?"

Evelyn stared at Penelope, truly surprised.

She had known none of this. It explained why Genevieve hadn't been seen at the office.

Evelyn quickly composed herself. A faint, knowing smile touched her lips. "You think Genevieve just made a few casual insults? I doubt that. She was undoubtedly busy behind the scenes. I recall several posts online claiming to be from my former colleagues. She likely orchestrated those too."

Evelyn paused, then continued calmly. "If she's hiding because her lies were exposed online, that is her own doing. I did not instruct anyone to target her. Besides, with the millions of people online, do you honestly believe I control what they all say and do?"

Penelope grew more desperate. Tears streamed down her face. "Evelyn, I don't believe you! You must have hired people to dig up dirt on Genevieve. Am I next? Tell me the truth!"

Evelyn's patience snapped. She shook off Penelope's grip. "Let go of me! If someone films this and posts it, you'll only make your situation worse."

Penelope froze. Her eyes darted around nervously. She noticed several people watching them with open curiosity. Despite pulling Evelyn aside, they were still in view. Some were already raising their phones. Panic seized Penelope. She turned and fled, terrified of being caught in another viral scandal.

Online gossip spreads like wildfire. It rages fiercely but eventually burns out.

Genevieve had become a recluse. She hid in her home for days after being exposed as the source of the malicious rumors about Evelyn.

As the online furor finally began to subside, Genevieve tentatively returned to work, hoping to salvage her ruined reputation.

Evelyn paid little mind to Genevieve's return. She had far more important matters to focus on.

But she made a silent vow. If Genevieve dared to cross her again, the retaliation would be swift and absolute.