[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-2603220ECDF1-587":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},587,29,"Chapter 29: The Soup-Soaked White Shirt","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Violette Ellis returned to work the day after her leave of absence expired. With New Year’s fast approaching, the office was a whirlwind of activity, and out of unspoken courtesy, no one mentioned the stalker incident that had recently sent her into hiding.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn Stone was back at her desk as well, offering Violette a curt, professional nod as they passed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">During the lunch break, both women were summoned to Director Campbell’s office. The Director had approved their proposal: the station would issue a formal, hard-hitting statement to serve as a warning to others. As for the stalker currently in custody, they were committed to pursuing the case to its bitter end, publicly documenting every detail of the legal proceedings through the station’s official channels.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Public opinion was currently trending in their favor, and the Director intended to capitalize on it.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Once the logistics were settled, the Director turned his gaze to Violette. \"The Tour finishes in two days. Consider your reporting duties there finished. You’re done.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn offered a thin, tight-lipped smile. \"You really do have a streak of stubbornness, don't you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Understood,\" Violette replied, giving Marilyn a brief, grounding pat on the shoulder.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The afternoon was a blur of deadlines. Marilyn had to pre-record the evening news and headed to makeup, while Violette made her way to the studio to dub a short documentary. They parted ways at the corridor.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn’s assistant hurried over, her eyes darting past Marilyn’s shoulder to watch Violette disappear down the hall before whispering, \"Marilyn, are you feeling okay after everything?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I'm perfectly fine,\" Marilyn said, striding ahead with purpose.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It’s just… it feels so unfair that you ended up taking the heat for her. Did she even have the decency to apologize?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn narrowed her eyes. \"How do you know she didn't?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh—is that right? I just thought, since she’s been so cold lately, I assumed—\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Focus on your work. Stop speculating.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Right, sorry.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The assistant fell silent, trailing behind her. Marilyn glanced back. Violette was nearly out of sight, her silhouette slim and fragile against the harsh glare of the corridor’s overhead lights. She was undeniably beautiful and sharp, a formidable rival for the station's spotlight.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The sense of urgency Marilyn felt had peaked when Violette had arrived, quickly outshining her during the training period to become the lead anchor of the news division.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">In this business, they were constantly navigating a minefield of power dynamics. Every field assignment felt like an endurance test, often ending in forced social obligations. Back then, Marilyn had been ruthless, leveraging her status as the face of the evening news to secure sponsorships at endless corporate dinners.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Violette, on the other hand, had the advantage of a father in the local tourism bureau. As long as she didn't trip up, her path to the top was practically paved.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The memory of that specific night surfaced again. It was after the local Economic Forum. Marilyn had been interviewing a group of young entrepreneurs, including a man named Roland Hayes. She had worked with Hayes before; he was in his early thirties and had recently inherited his family’s personal care and cosmetics empire. He’d made vague promises about corporate sponsorships that had yielded nothing but hot air.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">When Hayes invited her to dinner to \"discuss the sponsorship details,\" Marilyn accepted.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She was smart enough to insist on picking the venue. When she arrived, she found only Hayes waiting in the private room.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I thought you said there were others from your company?\" Marilyn asked, scanning the room.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"The decision-making power rests with me. That’s enough, isn't it?\" Hayes offered a practiced, gentlemanly smile. \"Don't worry, Marilyn. I’m already pushing the paperwork through.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The vast private room felt unnervingly empty. Hayes moved to sit right next to her, claiming it was too difficult to shout across the oversized round table. The conversation shifted from business to his personal life. He complained about the pressure to marry, hinting that if he found someone \"part of the family,\" investments would be a simple matter.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn saw right through the veiled proposition. \"That’s very generous of you, Mr. Hayes.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I like you,\" Hayes said, stripping away the pretense. \"You’re smart, capable, and driven. A woman who stays focused on her career isn't a headache after marriage.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The way he phrased it felt like a slap. *A headache?* She wasn't an item to be acquired.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mr. Hayes, you aren't looking for a wife. You’re looking for a business merger.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Isn't marriage just the ultimate merger?\" He reached out, his hand resting on the back of her chair, looming over her. \"You have a good job, and my father wouldn't mind a beautiful, sharp woman as a daughter-in-law. You give me a child, I give you money, and we live our own lives. It’s a win-win, isn't it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">His eyes were locked on her midsection.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn shot to her feet, every shred of professional patience incinerated. \"You’ve mistaken me for someone else.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She slammed the door of the private room and marched toward the exit. Hayes caught up in a few strides, his fingers digging into her wrist. \"Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m sure. Let go.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't you want that sponsorship?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marilyn, you’re only resisting because you haven't tried it,\" he chuckled, pulling her closer in a half-embrace. His other hand began to wander toward her waist. \"Let’s just see how we get along tonight. You might change your mind. It’s a lot of fun.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Fun, my foot.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn’s instinct was to avoid a scene, but as she struggled to pull away, he only tightened his grip, trapping her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Crash.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The sound of shattering ceramic echoed through the hall. Marilyn gasped. The man holding her was suddenly drenched in a foul-smelling mess. Remnants of a spicy beef stew and a creamy cabbage dish slid down his crisp white shirt, leaving a chaotic, jagged stain of red and grease. The server nearby froze in horror, trembling.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sir, I—I am so, so sorry!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A girl in a face mask stepped forward, shielding the server. She held a plastic tray in one hand, her knuckles splashed with a few droplets of broth. \"I tripped. Take it up with me.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn’s heart hammered against her ribs.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*That voice…*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She looked at the girl’s eyes—bright, piercing, and unmistakably familiar. She had spent weeks treating this woman like an enemy, so how could she not recognize her?\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Violette Ellis? What was she doing here?*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Hayes’s mask of a gentleman finally cracked. \"Are you insane?\" He raised his hand, looking ready to strike. Violette didn't flinch. She raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh? Aren't you the heir to that personal care company? I’ve seen you in the news. What a coincidence! Imagine the headlines: 'Local CEO Caught Harassing Women in Public'.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What are you recording?\" Hayes snapped.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"The whole thing,\" Violette said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. \"I was just sitting at the next table, minding my own business.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She held up her phone. A video of the altercation was clearly visible on the screen.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Hayes’s face went white. \"Delete it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Veins pulsed on his forehead. \"Name your price.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You want to negotiate in the middle of a hallway with people watching?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The corridor was filling with onlookers, their pace slowing as they noticed the commotion. Hayes cursed under his breath, waving a dismissive hand. \"Get out of here.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As the staff scrambled to clean the mess, Marilyn took a few steps away before hesitating. She saw Violette, her hand behind her back, make a shooing motion. Reluctantly, Marilyn walked away.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Ten minutes later, Violette tagged Marilyn in the station’s internal group chat.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn added her and sent a quick message: *Where are you?*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*The parking lot.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The ping of a notification echoed in the quiet space. Marilyn turned to see Violette waiting under a streetlamp, waving. \"Hey, Marilyn.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn climbed into her car, scanning the area for any sign of trouble. \"What were you doing there?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Family dinner. What about you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">If not for the timely intervention, Marilyn would have thought it was sarcasm. \"Looking for sponsorships,\" she replied, her tone sharp. \"I failed.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh,\" Violette rubbed the bridge of her nose and pulled off her mask. \"I didn't realize the pressure on anchors was that intense.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">It wasn't that way for everyone—only for those with no money, no background, and no choice but to grind it out alone.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn glared at her. \"You wouldn't know anything about that.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marilyn, I got into this station on my own merit, without any help,\" Violette said, her voice as clear as a stream. \"So yes, I have my own share of worries, too.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn felt a prick of embarrassment. She changed the subject. \"Are you alright after that scene?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m fine. People in his position are terrified of losing face. He wouldn't dare make a scene. In fact, he even gave me some hush money.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn blinked. \"You actually took it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I didn't want to, but if I didn't take it, my previous outburst would look suspicious. He would have realized we were together. I asked for cash to avoid a paper trail.\" Violette pulled a few bills from her pocket and grinned. \"Dinner’s on me, Marilyn?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">That night, Marilyn found herself sitting at a street-side food stall with Violette. Violette was complaining about the math: \"I didn't get enough, I had to pay an extra eighty out of my own pocket!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn went to reach for her purse, but Violette pressed her hand down. The skin of her wrist was soft and cool.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I ordered my favorites. Don't worry about it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You always call me 'Marilyn' with such a strange tone, like you're mocking me,\" Marilyn noted.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I think I am,\" Violette admitted.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They sat under the flickering lights, eating dishes that cooled from steaming to congealed. They talked about office politics, deliberately avoiding the night’s events.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Tomorrow,\" Marilyn began.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m out on location,\" Violette interrupted, not looking up. \"I won't be at the station.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"About tonight—\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marilyn, do you think I have a loose tongue?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I didn't mean it like that.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After a while, Violette broke the silence. \"You’re the victim. Even if someone found out, no one would blame you. But that’s not why I’m keeping quiet. Marilyn, I have boundaries.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Some things are beyond your control, regardless of who is the victim.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I know,\" Violette said. \"If there’s any gossip at the station, you can blame me.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">It was as close to a promise as she could give. Marilyn didn't press it.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">When she arrived at work the next morning, the office was quiet. A week passed. Then two. Aside from Roland Hayes appearing a few times under various pretexts, nothing happened.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marilyn knew why he was there. He wasn't there to offend her; he was there because he’d realized the girl who dumped the soup on him was her colleague. He was looking for evidence.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Hayes never spoke of it, and Marilyn continued to play the part of the oblivious rival.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The only close call happened in the lobby, when Hayes spotted Violette. He paused, his eyes narrowing as he scanned her face. Violette’s features were striking—her eyes alone were unforgettable. He seemed to recognize her from that night, but the passage of time had blurred the details.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He stopped an employee—someone other than Marilyn—and asked about her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, that’s Violette. She’s in the news department,\" the staff member replied.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Is she close with Marilyn Stone?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Not a chance,\" the staff member whispered. \"They’re both gunning for the lead anchor spot. They can’t stand each other. You ever see two people fighting over the same piece of meat and call them best friends?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Hayes nodded, satisfied, and turned away.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272917922]