Page 66 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

Miranda froze. "I was just—"

"You were just spreading unverified rumors, slandering a colleague, and disrupting the workplace." He cut her off, clearly displeased. "That's a serious violation of company policy."

"But supervisor, what I said is true—"

"True?" His tone grew sharper. "What proof do you have? Or are you a mind reader now?"

Miranda's face went white.

"I... I'm not, but everyone knows—"

"All I know is that Riley was assigned to assist Bykov with an important project. That's normal personnel management. As for why she's back, that's HR's decision, not something for you people to speculate and gossip about."

He looked around, his gaze sharp.

"And I don't want to hear anyone discussing colleagues' private lives in this office again. This is your last warning. Next time I hear it, you're fired."

The supervisor finished and walked into his office.

My ears were finally quiet.

The weight in my body peaked. I just wanted to sleep.

After work, I sat on the familiar chair by the hospital bed, chatting with Evelyn as usual.

"Riley, you're hiding something from me." After one topic ended, Evelyn frowned.

"I..."

Yeah, I knew it. I could never hide my emotions from Evelyn. All these years, she'd always been the first to notice when something was wrong. Even when I snuck midnight snacks at three in the morning, she'd catch on immediately.

I was about to make up some excuse when she continued. "Don't even think about lying to me. Your problems are written all over your face."

"Really, there's nothing..." Even though she'd seen through me, I tried to deflect another way.

If she found out about Matvey, about my deal with him, about his ex-wife, she'd give up on treatment.

But before I could finish, the hospital room door suddenly swung open. It was Veronica! What was she doing here?

"Riley, what's with that look? Am I not welcome?" She stood there, an uncomfortable smile plastered on her face.

I rushed over.

"What are you doing here?" I lowered my voice, blocking the doorway. "This is a hospital. Don't disturb my sister. Please leave."

She glanced at me, then smoothly sidestepped and walked right over to Evelyn's bedside.

"Evelyn, so nice to meet you." She extended her hand to Evelyn. "I'm Riley's friend. I've heard so much about you. Thought I'd come see how you're doing."

Friend? I didn't have friends like her.

"Hi." Evelyn shook Veronica's hand briefly, then immediately turned to me, mouthing an exaggerated "Who is she?"

I had no way to answer Evelyn. I could only move to her side, on guard for whatever Veronica might do to her.

"Riley is such a good sister. Coming here every day after work to keep you company—not everyone could do that." Her tone with Evelyn was overly familiar.

Evelyn smiled.