Chapter 225

Lauren hung up the phone without a second thought. She grabbed her bag with a grim face and headed straight out of the office. Her quick exit even made the clatter of keyboards around her pause for a second. It wasn't until her slender figure disappeared from the executive office that the typing resumed—along with the inevitable gossip. But Lauren couldn't care less about the chatter behind her back. Before she reached the elevator, her phone buzzed again. It was midsummer, yet she felt a chill run through her body. Her fingers trembled as she declined the call. Stepping into the elevator felt like trying to outrun something dark chasing her. By the time she reached the parking garage, the ringing had stopped—but a new text popped up, making her want to hurl her phone at the wall. [Not answering? Fine. I'm right outside your company. Let's see if you can even show your face at work tomorrow!] Attached was a photo—MRC Group's fountain out front. Lauren took a deep breath and, hand still