Chapter 100

Theo's POV The moment I learned about the rumors circulating through the office, my blood ran cold. I had seen the shift in Claire's demeanor that morning—the way she held herself differently, the careful distance she maintained from everyone, including me. But it wasn't until Finn, my security chief, brought me the leaked photograph and the accompanying whispers that I understood the full scope of what she was enduring. My jaw clenched as I read the vicious speculation spreading through office chat groups and anonymous blogs. They called her a "black widow," a "corporate climber," words that reduced her brilliant mind and dedicated work ethic to nothing more than sexual strategy. The very thought of anyone viewing Claire through such a lens made my wolf snarl with protective fury. Within hours, I had mobilized my legal team and IT department. Every instance of the photograph was tracked down and removed through cease-and-desist orders. The anonymous blog post disappeared by lunch, tho