Chapter 120 - Gossips At Work

The kiss was never brought up.

Winter thinks that it's for the better. With everything that's going on, she doubts that getting into a relationship is a good idea. Not only does she have so much to deal with, but she also can't afford to get distracted by her feelings. She admits that she's a coward for not confronting the truth, but being blissfully ignorant is preferable sometimes.   

Marcellus probably understands. The reason why he never talked about the kiss might be because he doesn't want to pressure her. He's giving her all the time she needs to sort out her thoughts and emotions. Besides, he knows that she's more than aware of how he sees her. So, he's also not oblivious to the fact that she's not ready to enter a relationship yet.

That's one of the things that Winter has come to like about Marcellus.

Even though he used to be a massive flirt who's often seen loose around ladies, he's still a considerate and understanding gentleman. He knows when to strike, when to prod, and when to wait. Most of all, he puts her above himself all the time.

'Sir Lexington has become so friendly and amicable that I can no longer tell when he's hitting on me or when he's only being the goof that he is…' Winter brooded over, finding herself thinking about Marcellus again.

'Anyway, I have to focus now. I can't have my attention diverted every time.'

And that's because things are starting to heat up in the headquarters. 

During the whole latter half of summer vacation, Winter had to study and train to become the next head of the company. If she didn't know any better, she wouldn't realize that the training was too intense for a beginner. That must be why she really struggled in her past life. Cyrus and Bianca were doing this on purpose.

'It's been a week already. For the previous days, those two turned me into a paperwork slave under the guise of training. From running one errand after another to studying business management in advance, they made me go all through it. It's not really difficult, though. The hard part is that I'm doing my best to make it look like I really am a beginner. In reality, I already know all of these…' Winter pondered in silence while she made her way to Bianca's office.   

'Today, though, it appears like a brand new challenge is making itself known.'

As she walks down the hall, she can see through the corners of her eyes that she has become quite the center of attention. Everyone around her is looking her way. Some are whispering at one another while others are snickering to themselves. She would've just ignored it if it wasn't for those scrutinizing, criticizing gazes of theirs. 

There seems to be an intriguing gossip circling around the workplace. 

And it's most probably about her.

'What a familiar scenario. It makes me feel like high school never ended,' she thought with quiet bitterness as she put on an indifferent expression.

There are people who spread rumors as a way to intimidate others and gain status or popularity. But spreading rumors as a way to turn people against someone is downright bullying. Spreading rude gossips is absolutely not a decent or mature way to act. It hurts the one being talked about, and it intimidates others.

That's what Winter learned from her experience back then. 

The difference this time is not only the setting. But it's also the people who're spreading those gossips – unlike highschoolers, adults are more meticulous and thorough. It will not be easy to bust out the ones who're responsible for this.   

Not like Winter doesn't have any idea, though.

"There you are, Winter. Come with me. Uncle Cyrus is calling for you."

As if her thoughts have the power to summon, Bianca appeared before her out of nowhere.

She's smiling all kindly, looking all angelic. And as if that smile of hers has the power to charm, all the employees around them at that moment start greeting her – and only her. No one paid attention to the younger sister. It's almost like she's invisible.   

They were mocking Winter just a minute ago. Now, though, they became friendly, approachable, and pleasant. They changed colors as soon as Bianca came in.     

They respect Bianca. They adore Bianca. They chose Bianca.

'Well, they'll just have to go down with Bianca, too.'

Without waiting for Bianca to finish talking with the employees, Winter walks past them and starts heading to where Cyrus is. 

She found him in his office. He's sitting on his chair behind his desk. The air around him feels ominous. He appears somewhat displeased, too.

"You called for me, Uncle?" Winter started, calm and still.

"I wanted to ask how you're getting along with our workers here. I know it's only been a week, but as the next head of the Middleton family, I believe that's enough time for you to settle down," Cyrus brought up, stern and serious.

"I believe I've been nice to them. However, in between running errands and carrying out paperwork, I don't have much time to spend with them. So, I'm not sure how they see me."

"Apparently, it's not good."

"Excuse me? What do you mean?"

"You built quite the reputation, you know. Now, there are rumors about you. I heard them myself. It's too bad. I usually don't concern myself with gossips, but after hearing what they're about, I have no choice but to confront you about it."

It's just as Winter expected.

Rumors did spread. And it had only been a week. They sure move fast.

Now, Cyrus is involved. 

She can tell that it's against his will. Then again, it's true that he's not the type to do others dirty through rumors and gossips. Like Grace, he likes to take matters into his own hands. He doesn't use such means unless it's truly necessary to his scheme.

"What's with that look? Don't tell me you're unaware?" Cyrus sneered incredulously.

"But it's true that I'm unaware," Winter muttered, playing it cool.

"How could you not know if you yourself had said it?"

"I'm not lying. I don't have any idea what you're saying. What exactly are the rumors about, anyway-"

"Don't you talk to me like that, you insolent child."

He snapped at her. 

She's used to it. He does get irked about the smallest things. Even her way of talking should be emotionless. The mere rise of her tone is already considered disrespectful to him. However, unlike in her previous lifetime, she won't apologize.   

Winter isn't a doll that has no feelings. She won't let Cyrus treat her like one.

"People know about your obsession on spending much too much money…" he explained at last, and she held herself back from snorting right then.

"You kept buying branded clothes, expensive jewelry and was said to even be planning to purchase a castle in Scotland. They also mentioned that you're doing all of these without us knowing. I recalled then that I'd let you handle the household's accounting records as part of your training." 

"Huh? What?" she blurted out, already beyond stupefied. 

"So, it turns out that you're getting a bit too ahead of yourself this whole time, huh? Everyone's calling you a bratty spendthrift, you know. Now, you've got the reputation of someone who's recklessly wasteful with money. I know we're rich. Still, there should be certain limitations. Don't mess around like this and get the family broke someday-" 

"Now, wait a minute. You really believe such a rumor even though you haven't heard my side yet? That's unfair-"

"Why do you think I called you, then? You're here right now to explain yourself."

He appears to be getting more and more aggravated. She is beginning to get annoyed, too. This whole thing is just so silly and childish. It's really making her want to laugh. 

'Now, I see what's going on…' she thought to herself, finally enlightened.

'In all actuality, I shouldn't even be required to be on good terms with everyone in this place — or even like everyone. I mean, it's still important to get along, but it shouldn't get to the point when I have to fake my whole personality just to be liked. I'm the superior around here. So, why do I have to be the one to adjust? Besides, getting on the employees' good side is only an extra time-consuming task that Uncle Cyrus and Bianca came up with to pressure me. Regardless, not liking another person doesn't give someone the right to spread rumors, gossips, or putdowns.'

While Winter is thinking about all of these, Bianca entered the office and found her place at the side. 

She looks kind of smug. This must be fun for her – watching her get scolded, that is. There's no doubt that she's the one behind all of these. After all, she's the one who advised her to get close to her people. It's just like what she attempted to do with Lacey and Amanda a week ago.

'So, you think you got me this time, huh?'

Winter smirked at that thought, greatly amused.