?Chapter 196:


    Noah absently tapped his fingers against the desk before speaking again. “Keep a close eye on K. Dig around and see if she is involved in any way.”


    Samuel’s heart skipped a beat at that, but he didn’t let it show on his face. “Understood, sir.”


    Noah plopped back in his seat, grabbed a pen, and signed his name on the file.


    Samuel took that as his cue to leave. He quietly exited the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click.


    Later, Sadie was walking out of the elevator when she spotted a group of employees from the marketing department gathered nearby. They were having a hushed discussion, and although they spoke in whispers, their voices were loud enough for Sadie to catch bits of their conversation.


    “She is Sandra—the former secretary.”


    “I heard she used connections to get ahead, and now she’s back.”


    “Who knows what kind of things she did to get to this point.”


    Sadie’s expression remained nk as she walked past them, her gaze fixed straight ahead.


    Sadie was unfazed by the rumors swirling around her. In any office, gossip was asmon and unavoidable as the air we breathe. She chose to ignore such idle chatter, preferring instead to dedicate herself to her work and let her achievements speak for themselves.


    “Miss Hudson, long time no see,” the voice was sharp and biting.


    Sadie came to a halt and nced toward the voice. It came from Melissa Frazier, the marketing department’s manager.


    Sadie recalled that during her days as a secretary, Melissa had frequently gone out of her way toplicate her life. Today, Melissa was d in a bright red dress and overdone makeup, which only entuated her showiness. With her arms crossed and a self-satisfied look on her face, Melissa eyed Sadie.


    “Do you need something, Ms. Frazier?” Sadie asked.


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    “Is it wrong to say hello without any particr reason?” Melissa retorted. “I just wanted to remind you that you’re in the marketing department now, not the secretarial department. It might do you some good to remember our rules.”


    “Thank you for the heads-up, Ms. Frazier,” Sadie replied, maintaining a courteous yet distant smile. “I’ll take note.”


    Without another word, Sadie continued on her way, leaving Melissa behind.


    Melissa, fists clenched, watched as Sadie walked away. Just then, Tina, passing by and witnessing the exchange, hurried over to Sadie and took hold of her arm.


    “Sadie, ignore them,” Tina whispered gently. “They’re envious, that’s all.”


    With a mild smile, Sadie responded, “I’m aware. It really doesn’t bother me.”


    “How can it not bother you?” Tina’s voice grew louder with incredulity. “Their behavior is absurd!”


    Facing the marketing team directly, Tina spoke with a firm tone. “Why the whispers? Sadie is now a partner of Wall Group and leads her own studio! She’s not your subordinate. Have some decency!”


    The marketing team members visibly recoiled, intimidated by Tina’s assertive stance, and fell silent.


    Sadie softly touched Tina’s hand, reassuring her. “Tina, it’s okay.” Tina, observing the genuine peace on Sadie’s face, understood she was truly unbothered.


    With a sigh, Tina linked arms with Sadie and steered her toward the break room. “Let’s have some coffee.”


    They settled into the break room, sinking onto the sofa.


    Cradling her own steaming coffee, Tina looked at Sadie with a mix of concern and admiration. “What’s your strategy? Are you just going to let them continue like this?”


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