Panic gnawed at Lydia's insides. Her usual composure cracked, leaving a visible flicker of guilt in her eyes.
Noticing her hesitation, Serena's smirk widened, her voice sickly sweet and deliberately drawn out.
"Oh, Lydia, we're all colleagues here. It's not like it's a taboo subject. We're adults. If you just admit you have a kid, maybe we can even pitch in and help you out when times get tough."
"Then again, do you need me to hire a P.I. to figure out who the baby daddy is? Even if he dumped you, you're still entitled to child support. There's no need for you to struggle like this. Don't let your pride get in the way of a paycheck!"
"Shut your mouth!" Lydia snapped, losing the last of her restraint. "Who the hell do you think you are? Keep talking and I'll sue you for defamation!"
Startled by the sudden outburst, Serena quickly recovered with a brazen laugh. She shrugged nonchalantly. "Why so defensive? Did I strike a nerve? Come on, Lydia, did you really get knocked up without a ring?"
At that exact moment, Gideon and Dave were walking past the design department. The loud argument spilled out through the half-open glass doors.
"Drop the act, Lydia! Just admit—" Serena's voice pitched even higher, but as she glanced toward the entrance, she spotted the imposing figure standing in the doorway. She cut herself off, her face draining of all color.
"Gideon..."
The captivated audience of colleagues all turned their heads, colliding straight with the CEO's icy, predatory gaze.
Lydia's stomach plummeted. Her fingers dug frantically into the hem of her shirt. Oh God, how much had he heard?!
"Good afternoon, Mr. Gray!"
"Mr. Gray."
Snapping out of their trance, the designers scrambled to their feet, bowing respectfully in a chorus of terrified reverence.
Gideon's expression was a frozen wasteland as he stared at the two women still standing in the center of the room. "Screaming at each other on company time. I assume you've both delivered flawless work today?"

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