Conspiracy theories are the work of fear and hate, of emotional indifference; and so are told by those under the thumb of fear.

Monday brought along and mixed things up and made a really bad combination. Turns out, I really need to understand that every office has it's spiced talk and whispers around. As I looked at the city from my room, Ysabel gave me something really interesting to meddle with.

"They're now saying that the boss favors you, Ma'am," she chuckled slightly, "It sounds really funny," she covers her laugh with a cough, "But the younglings and the ones under probation in our department can't stop going on and on about it."

"Funny," I turn around to face her with a grin, "Some people just don't grow up."

She makes a confused face, "Shouldn't you be storming out and telling them to shut up?" She looks at her feet, obviously speechless by the bright grin I'm flashing- but oh, Ysabel, what do you even know?

"Oh, Ysabel," I turn around to face the city from the vicinity of my room, placing my hands on the edge of the second layer of glass that protects the floor length glass window- a support. The cars look incredibly tiny from up here- it's funny- everything is, if you know the right angle to look at it through.

"Let 'em think they're the players of the situation, Ysabel," I let out a low laugh, "They're just kids. Newborn babies," I say it like it's a crime, a sin even I'd shy away from because it's super cringy, "I'm the coach, and I'll do good to remind them of it."

Ysabel lets out an awkward chuckle, obviously confused about how to react to the situation. I sit back in my seat, "Anything else?" I ask her, looking at the second folder about the assets- I need to make a new report. The gossip stuff and other crappy things aren't on my mind at all- they're just kid games. Every game would be short enough if you know just the right tactics and the weaknesses where you should hit- lengthy stuff and patience never were parts of my forte, anyways.

"No, ma'am." She bows and proceeds to leave, but my voice stops her mid-way.

"Has Mr. Theodore heard about it?"

"Probably not yet, considering neither Mr. Thelonious nor Mr. Priamos have come to know of it. They're sealing an important deal today and won't be back until late in the afternoon or so, it seems."

Not even Stellan knows? Wow, this is getting interesting.

"You can go," I tell her and she goes away without a single word. The door clicks after her. I spin around in my chair, facing the glass windows, interlocking my palms, elbows leaning on the arms of my chair. A slow grin starts forming on my face. Rumours about me, huh? What am I? A new topic of interest? Making rounds on Reddit?

Oh, may God have mercy on them.

Cause I won't.

Coffee and rumors are literally the best combination. Where else to seek more information but the break room? As the clock strikes ten, I make my way downstairs. I pass Ysabel on the way and she flashes me a wry smile.

I'm stirring the sugar in my coffee when two girls happen to come into the room. As their glance falls on me, they shrink into themselves and walk towards the other side of the table, the occasional murmur never dying out. I feel their eyes on me at times, yet I keep my focus on stirring the sugar- sweet, sweet coffee. Too bad, I've got quite a strong sense of hearing. I slow down my stirring and catch up on their conversation.

"She's of course something to look at; and they practically lived next to each other, and have pursued their careers together." The brunette says to the purple-haired girl. Dying hair purple? An obvious sign of either foolishness at Theodore and Co, or just careless and immature.

"Made rounds of the newspaper with debate tournaments too. I was Googling them."

"Slacking off?" I suddenly ask, and their heads bob up, almost shuddering at the possibility of me hearing their conversation. The spoon in the hands of the purple-haired girl falls down, clanking noisily on the floor. I clench my eyes for the tiniest moment- oh how I hate noisy people.

"Not enough work to do, I must say," I walk over to them and stand by the brunette, only leaning against the counter and crossing my arms. She shakily places her mug on the counter, staring straight ahead.

"Rumours without base become the new teeter-totter entire sectors of society appeared to want to build themselves upon, shunning the rock that reason, logic and empathy provide. If you want more backstory on Wolfe and me, just ask me, right? Why affect the company? I'm just more than glad to tell you-" I laughed, "What kid games you all play doesn't concern me," I straighten up, looking at the five feet something girls and towering over their tiny sizes with a dangerous glint in my eyes, "But how it affects your work does."

"I-" the brunette begins.

"-am someone who's won because now I spread something other than my legs," I complete and her face is ashen, eyes wide and jaw practically hitting the floor. Her gasp is noisy- a constant cause of irritation to me, noises have always pissed me off and have been the fuel to fire up my temper.

"Ma'am-"

"Bark if you can't fucking bite, girls," I growl at them, "Scram, and I hear one more word about favoritism and that stupid man covering up whatever and crap-," I shake my head slowly, "You better know how to swim if you're testing my waters."

I walk away into my room. Sometimes, the thought of dealing with bullshit and weak people makes me ravenous for slapping it back in their faces, and it leaves me equally pissed off. As I return, Ysabel stops me short.

"Ma'am, Mr. Theodore, Mr. Thelonious and Mr. Priamos have returned. They're calling an emergency meeting with the PR department, but as of now, Mr. Theodore's assistant called me to inform you to head to Mr. Theodore's cabin as soon as possible."

"Fine," I snap at her and she takes it in. She's quite patient and tolerating- I'll give her that.

Wolfe can't be fussing over such petty issues. He's got quite the bits of gossip about his personal life- some kind of barbie-ken story shouldn't be fucking him up, should it? He's better than this, I'll give him that. He'd not even bother to give it good to those girls- he'll just plain bask in the ignorance.

Stellan meets me on the way. His face is serious and I shrug at him- serious Stellan is a rare sight to see. He holds me by the shoulder and halts me for some split seconds as he passes me. I look at him questioningly- his face is wary as he warns me, "He's pissed right now. Pissed Wolfe is rare, but you know what pissed Wolfe exactly is like. I know this won't affect your sass in the least, but take care to not piss him off too much- he'll take it all out on Nicky and me more than you. Make sure it's a level at which we shall be alive." He pleads almost and I chuckle, "As if you'd let him. Thank you for the opportunity, I'd like to play."

"You're playing a dangerous game."

"Two can play this one."

"Sadly," he rolls his eyes, "Pathetic, but he's really mad. Don't piss him off too much, Icha-Icha, I know you often tend to overdo it."

"I'll play well alright, Stellan, my man," I place a hand on his shoulder, as if it's an assurance, but we both know very well what I'll do. He spares me a cautious glance and we part ways.

As I step into Wolfe's wing, his secretary stops me. She's been around since about two weeks- this time, an older, probably experienced woman in her late forties. She looks neat and prim, professional even! What a change!

"Ma'am, I'll have to ask you to wait for a few," she indicates with her fingers, "Sir is currently having a problem and is, you know," she pauses for the right word, "-a row. He asked for me to stall you for a few."

"If you don't mind me," I respond, "Is that his mom?"

"No, Mrs. Theodore hasn't been here in ages," she shakes her head, "It isn't her, that's all I'm allowed to divulge. Mr. Theodore asked for it to be kept quiet."

"Ah, I see," I nod, "No problem."

She sits down, occasionally sparing me a mean glance, but not quite. I sit down at the rear end of the sofa at pretend staring at the rich brown color of it, but my ears are pricked up, catching up on bits of conversation that Wolfe is having with his 'to-be-kept-confidential' but not so much now 'visitor' inside his room. Miss Clingy the Stingy, Delilah the Simp is back, huh?

"I don't owe you shit."

"That's not something you say when you're balls deep inside me, honey," she carries on in her cat-like voice. I wonder if Wolfe really is stuck on her or he has some hidden motive- after all, I can never be too sure- Wolfe is cunning, a jerk, a meanie, a bitch, a bastard, a motherfucker and so much more.

"Stop. Fucking. 'Honey-ing'. Me," He growls, "The door's right there, Miss Simpson. I think we agreed on this staying in bed and not in kissing foreheads. Get out of my sight."

Rude, but applicable for a leech like Del.

"You bastard," she fumes and edges towards the door. I scoot farther from the end into the middle and pretend looking into the file. Clever me. She stomps out and passes me. Whew-

She steps backwards and sends me a bitchy glance. I do not respond to her look, I keep studying the files. Oh, as if. She clicks her heels, waiting for me to acknowledge her. It's funny how some people never learn.

"I'm talking to you, Achelois!" She squeals out of the blue. I raise my head with narrowed eyes and a bored look. She's looking like a tomato that's ready to burst. Eager to please him with all the red, are we? I just look at her with an uncaring face.

"Why, I can't quite agree with that," I send her my best poker face, cold as ice. She covers her fumbling and fidgeting up.

"Achelois Crimson," she squeezes her eyes shut, half in indignation and half in exasperation. "What a 'pleasure', seeing you again."

"It's a pity I can't reciprocate the feeling," I flash a sweet smile at her and stand up, "Miss Wright?" I ask the secretary, "Can I go in now?"

She fumbles awkwardly for a few moments- my question has got her in a fix. Thankfully and not-so-thankfully, our Simpson gets her out of it, but I could roast her ass here just for that.

"No problem, Miss Wright," she spits at her venomously, "Mr. Theodore and I will have a few more minutes- but this time, we'll have Miss Crimson here along with us too. I hope you don't have a problem," she expresses the last part like a question but marches into the room. I shrug and follow her. What can she do, even? It's not like she caught me and Wolfe making out- not that we ever will.

Now that I've thought of it, I can't stop thinking that it's so gross.

Wolfe is sitting at his table, typing something out furiously. Delilah goes in and stands in front of his desk with her hands on her hips. "So you had the substitute ready, eh? Lemme tell ya, she's no match for me- not now, not ever. She'll never be able to give you what I di-"

"Hey, hey," I interrupt her with eyes and a furious stance, "Some of us have a different life which doesn't include fucking each other- maybe even work, you know," I shake my head, "All you think about is dick all day."

"Every liar always says they aren't lying, Achelois," she shows me her palm, indicating to me to rest my case. Like, what am I, woman? Your pet dog?

"Congratulations on your ability to create drama out of nothing at all," I bow in mockery, "Now, I might even show you the door, if you ask. Like I said, some of us have lives beyond being cringey personalities."

"Did you just-" her face morphs into one of shock, "I'll strangle you, bitch-"

"Listen to me, Delilah," I feel the annoyance growing up with passion inside me, "I neither have the time or the crayons to explain this to you. The only thing you'll ever do to try and surpass me," I shift my narrowed eyes towards Wolfe, "-Is holler for help from him," I raise my right hand to the level of her face, and make a crushing action with my fist, before walking round the desk towards Wolfe, and standing neck to neck with him, "And we'll see. We'll see who wins. I won't ever, ever try to fight you, Delilah Simpson," I snicker and click my tongue, "The one thing that Sai in Naruto ever taught me was, you shouldn't prey on the weak. I've taken that quite seriously."

Wolfe let out a low mumble but I knew better- his chuckle was as audible to me as clueless Delilah was as to what he mumbled about.

"Listen, you bi-"

"You're losing my interest; now GET LOST."

She stomps away in fury and slams the door hard. I cross my arms and walk to the opposite side of the table. "What is it that you were calling me for-"

"I saw what you did in-"

"DO NOT INTERRUPT, WOLFE," I grit out, my temper getting the better of me, my hand instinctively reaching out for the flesh of my other hand, pinching it hard enough to make me bleed.

"I'LL FUCKING DO WHAT I WANT, CRIMSON," He suddenly reaches forth, "What'd you DO?! You're just an employee, Miss Crimson, watch your language."

"YOU WANT TO SEE WHAT I'D DO, WOLFE FUCKING THEODORE?" I shout in vexation, "Don't try me now, Wolfe, your little bimbo there has nothing else to do but that," I point my finger at him, "What a waste of a good morning."

"Shut the fuck up and sit the fuck down, Achelois," his face is red and steam escapes his ears in anger. "Women are complicated," he rolls his eyes and mutters under his breath, "I saw what you did in there, the break room."

"Breaking news, I don't care, okay?" I lean a bit on the table, "I couldn't tolerate the language they were speaking. Sounded like bullshit."

"Just when I thought you'd grown up," he pulls a disappointed face, "They could turn you in for rash words. I heard every bit. Yeah, that'd work in high school shit and whatever the fuck you girls talk about," he starts drumming the edge of the table with his fingers, "This is an office. They might become your subordinates. A good boss-employee relationship-"

"Like the one I have with you?" I smile extra sweetly at him before scowling at him, "Oh shut up, kids should attend school, not office."

"You have a fine habit of ignoring everybody," he grits his teeth, "Your short temper will be your downfall, little bird."

"Pay attention to someone when they're speaking out of anger, Wolfe," I say with a sneer and then pick the spherical paperweight off his table and rotate it in the center of my palm; it is crystal blue with an artifact in the core- a black wolf. Oh, figures. "They've been dying to tell you that."

"For all I know, you've never sugarcoated your words into decency, Isa," he sighs, "Your anger is just a parasite for which the host is your body and brain- understand that it would eat away at you till you're dead for once and all."

"Ever wondered who you are, really?" I suddenly lean in, and feel my anger vanish. Placing the paperweight on the middle of the table, between us, I lean on my elbows as I place them on the table, "I've wondered who I am. Who am I, really? Achelois is just a name. Who am I, really? Senior Economist is just a position. Who am I, really? I exist, but I don't really live. Has anybody else ever acknowledged my existence? Will my existence make a difference to them? Will my death-"

"Everybody cares," he suddenly puts his palm in the middle of the table, as if staking his claim, "I've always told you, your words are inspired by all the gore and depressing subjects you read."

"Don't bet on me," I grit my teeth, feeling the annoyance fill my veins once again, "You don't know me, you only know the part of me I allow you to."

"You don't li-"

"Not saying something doesn't necessarily mean we've been lying, Wolfe," I sneer, "Don't criticize what you don't understand."

"It's not about understanding, Isa," he sighs, as if he's struggling to rein his temper in, "It's about trust. Trust and," he struggles to find an appropriate word but his next words confirm that he couldn't, "Trust, and things get better."

"It's hard to trust people when all your past has is the evidence of why you shouldn't," I let out a mirthless laugh, "We're getting stuck there again. Sometimes it's best to leave things like they are instead of battling over something which won't change."

"You're insufferable," he states with finality.

"Don't judge someone's attitude until you can say without a doubt that you know them."

"You make things so fucking difficult."

"And you run when things get hard, don't you, Wolfe?" I counter-question him, "You always have."

"We're getting nowhere with this." He sighs.

"Tell me something I don't know?" I smile back, "Battling verbally with you is my choice of spending time in the best way possible, but unfortunately, my boss would chew me out if I were to be gossiping with your crappy ass."

"Scutter off, little bird," he adds with a smile laced with warning- you'd know it if you knew how to read it. "And keep your sass in check. Like I said, it's an office."

"News flash-"

"You don't care. Scutter off, now."

"Oh, fuck you." I raise my middle finger and twirl away towards the door, half-hopping and half-walking. I whistle on my way out, when I suddenly halt as Wolfe's voice calls out. "Isa?"

"I'm listening." I don't bother turning around and shove my hands into the pockets of my trousers.

"You aren't grumpy, are you?" He asks cautiously. I turn around with a clueless look on my face. He takes his sweet time to assess my state of mind and reaction- too bad, I'm not giving him a goddamn opening into my mind.

"I'm always grumpy. It'd help if you could help pick out the certain one you're speaking of," I shrug. He nods in understanding. "About the photos. And the stuff. I know how much you hate being associated and suspected of that stuff."

"Look, Wolfe," I let out a small smile, "People fear, and hate, who they can't understand. If going about with a childhood friend of yours who is now a big face in the world and shit is going to be reported around stupidly and I dwell much on it, the next day, more reports would come in. Wolfe's rumored girlfriend acting coy, Wolfe's rumored childhood lover in denial," I roll my eyes, pause and shake my head in annoyance, "The more I'm affected, the more fun they find in intensifying this stupid stuff. Who knows when I'll go from being a childhood lover to a gold digger?" I laugh and he noticeably gulps, something I've never seen him do before. "The more I pay attention to this stuff, the more it'll drag me in."

"That was something you often repeated about in school, little bird," he says amusedly, "-I've never seen you with a guy. Never. Wait no, most of them usually scram- you're scary and you're dangerous, but," he shakes his head, "It's just some coaxing, some attention and some honesty and they would sweep you off your feet."

"Oh, Wolfe," I chuckle at his words, "It amuses me to acknowledge how wrong you are. Oh, if only it was that easy," I stare at the ceiling and roll my eyes again, "I have a boyfriend-uh, wait a sec," I act as if I were thinking, 'I have a fridge. Yes, I'm sure, it's definitely a fridge." He chuckles at my words and I miss no chance to note the way his lips twitch at my words and the corners of his eyes crinkle. "Also, Wolfe?"

"I'm listening," he puts the back of his palm against his lips and looks at me with amused eyes. I narrow mine at him but the smile playing on my face doesn't vanish.

"If you think sweeping me off my feet is so easy," I paused with a victorious smile on my face, "Why don't you try your hand at it?"

I was sure I hadn't imagined that brief moment on his face- I was very, very certain that I'd caught him off guard. His lips parted in the slightest and his pupils dilated oh-so-slightly. I couldn't study his reaction more- he had that annoying little grin plastered to his face.

"Nosey little fucker, aren't you?" He taunts and walks closer to me. His eyes are trained hard on mine- I meet his eyes as hard as they stare into mine, never giving up, well because, who doesn't love a challenge? And who ABSOLUTELY doesn't when it comes to Wolfe fucking Theodore!?

"Run along, little bird."

I turn around and am unable to stop the grin brightening my face up. Wolfe is twice the jerk he was, nothing's changed. However, the fact that his status and power isn't shaking his behavioral factors, jerk or not- it makes me reminiscence our complicated bond, and my smile is laced with a sad remembrance as nostalgia licks at the edges of my mind.

I'm shutting the door of his cabin after pressing the button for exit, his stupid security stuff so that his assistants and secretaries are informed when a visitor leaves his room, when my ears prick up.

"Nico, I think it's perfect," his voice is low and urgent but my ears pick up on every bit of what he's saying. "I think this will work. Yep."

I'm tempted to stay there for a few more seconds but I'm sure my exit from the room has notified Chloe Wright, the nosy, strict secretary about my departure from his room. I press the piece of the conversation into my brain and stride along outside, my brain gearing up and still stuck at what Wolde was discussing with Nicolas.

A/N:-

I have a couple of chapters sitting and waiting to be published! This one was exceedingly long, and so will the other chapters be! The fun starts now. The mystery starts now.

The book has been taking quite a mysterious mode in my imaginations and the plot will be changing drastically- obviously not the backbone- just a lot of tweaks added here  and there! I promise you more drama and mystery than you think!

What the heck is Wolfe talking to Nico about?!

Also, an important piece of information. I don't know if I'd edited it in the past chapters, but the guy named Shane- the best friend of Wolfe and the CFO of Theodore and Co? His name has been changed to Nicolas Thelonious. And if you're wondering who Mr. Priamos is, it's Stellan Priamos. The third friend in the group? The funny one? Yep.

WHAT THE FUCK IS WOLFE TELLING NICOLAS ABOUT?

Delilah is a huge, pathetic bitch, change my mind.

I might have made aesthetics to match the book. ;)

QOTD: What is your  favorite  emoji? Needless to say, mine is the chicken emoji!  

I hope you keep thinking about what Wolfe was talking about with Nicolas and it fucks you up. ;)

Bye!
Disha 😍🎭👊