Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 54

The next morning, an odd atmosphere permeated the firm. Whispers followed Gabriella through the corridors as she walked to her office.

Her office felt emptier without Daniel, still recovering in hospital. She had barely settled at her desk when Sarah Thompson appeared in her doorway, knocking twice. "My office. Now."

Gabriella knew what this was about - last night's incident.

In Sarah's office, the tension was palpable. "I hear you attacked two potential clients last night?" Sarah's eyes were sharp with anger.

"I went to discuss business," Gabriella replied evenly. "They were interested in everything but legal services. I defended myself when they got physical."

"Violence isn't the solution!" Sarah's voice rose. "Do you understand the damage? A five-year contract worth £150,000, plus cases worth £500,000! Can you cover these losses?"

"I will," Gabriella said coldly. "Today. But don't send me to 'clients' who mistake lawyers for escorts."

"Prove it. Signed contracts and payment proof by end of day or don't return tomorrow," Sarah warned. "Under firm policy and employment law, we can terminate you without compensation for causing significant losses."

"Understood."

Walking past Enzo's office, he sneered, "Still have the nerve to show up after that disaster? I'd be too ashamed to show my face."

Gabriella ignored him, returning to her office. Soon after, Lucy messaged: [Have you seen Rachel and Enzo's posts about you?]

The screenshots revealed:

Rachel: [Some women have no shame, relying on sugar daddies instead of honest work. A disgrace to the profession.]

Enzo: [Pretending to work while being kept by rich men. Playing innocent with clients then losing us business. Disgusting.]

Both had blocked her, but Lucy sent thirty more screenshots from their private group chat - colleagues Gabriella had treated to dinner now spreading vicious gossip behind her back.

[How do you know they mean me?] Gabriella asked Lucy.

[They're openly gossiping about you being kept by someone. Rachel and Enzo started it. They have a whole group chat about it - you're not in it. I'll send you everything.]

Reading through the screenshots, Gabriella's anger grew. Her attempt at workplace friendships through that expensive dinner had backfired completely. While polite to her face, they'd been spreading cruel rumors.

"Maybe quit law," he suggested. "First that knife attack, now this. Too dangerous. Come work here instead - I'll make you a director."

"No. I love being a lawyer. My shares and dividends are enough. Besides, I know nothing about running companies - I'd bankrupt you."

"We'd hire experts to support you."

"Maybe when I tire of law," she smiled. "For now, this is what I want."

Randolph sighed, signed the contracts, and called Finance to transfer the funds immediately.

"Any current legal issues I should know about?" Gabriella asked.

"Let Andeson tell you the details," he said, calling in his deputy. "I don't handle those matters directly."

"Perfect."