"Read the email—it says Claire was forced. Think about Ruby's attitude lately. She's a tyrant. No wonder her department's performance beats ours; she's been bullying her way to the top with her wife's backing."
"Exactly. Leadership always tells us to learn from her. I can't learn those kinds of dirty tactics."
Every mocking word struck like a lash.
Claire's face had drained of color. "Ruby, I didn't do this."
"I know."
I knew Claire. Manipulative, but not reckless. This email was crafted with specific intent—zero evidence, no photos, no timestamps. It merely spun a story where I'd blackmailed Claire for career advancement.
It painted her as the helpless victim while branding me the villain.
The sender didn't understand corporate politics. But they understood emotional manipulation perfectly.
A face surfaced in my mind—innocent, pitiful, hiding behind a mask of gentleness.
Colin.
I let out a cold laugh and dialed a number.
"Hello? I'd like to report a case of defamation."
