248: The Romantic Inquisition and a Corporate Confrontation

In the grand tapestry of corporate and romantic intrigue, Desmond found himself at a peculiar crossroads. The revelation of Emma's proactive stance against Bauer injected a flicker of hope into his quest for affection. Yet, his internal celebration was marred by the uncomfortable reality that investigating a rival in love was akin to navigating a minefield in a clown car—potentially explosive and absurdly conspicuous. Desmond's eagerness to discuss Bauer's investigation was palpable, yet his approach was as graceful as a bull in a china shop. "I've heard whispers about Bauer. Curious, isn't it, how suddenly he's become so involved? Anyone else feel like we're in a bad detective novel, and I'm the only one without a magnifying glass?" The room's response was a mix of eye rolls and stifled chuckles. Viola, quick to cut through her brother's thinly veiled fishing expedition, retorted. "Oh, please. The only thing you're missing is subtlety. And let's not pretend you're doing thi