Tangle (BWWM)

Chapter 12- The Rumor Mill

A/N: Yo, what up?! Chapter 12 is in full swing! Not gonna lie, issa filler. Things will start picking up from the next chapter onward. But anyway, enjoy this one regardless! :D The song for this chapter (kinda sorta) is Rumor Mill by Rudimental.

Don't forget to vote and especially comment! I love feedback. <3 And onward!

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"Well, what I heard is that she seduced him for the position. I know a guy that knows a girl who works at that restaurant and he said that she said that she saw them have dinner. That dress that she was wearing didn't look very professional, if you know what I mean."

"Hmm, I don't know. I've worked with her before. She doesn't seem like the conniving type. I bet he's the one who seduced her. I know you heard about that one time he had a different woman for every day of the week. Or when he was here a few years back and slept with Robertson's old secretary? The poor girl resigned afterwards. Heard he called her some other woman's name. He's probably gonna use Gabrielle and dump her aside like all the others."

The two male employees continued to gossip over the box of donuts that sat on the break room table. They sipped their coffee and laughed about the newest circulating stories at work. Vincent's and Gabrielle's romance had been a hot topic for three days straight.

"I don't know. I wouldn't put it passed her to do something like that. She may look innocent but you know what they say about those supposed straight-laced girls. How'd she even get his attention anyway? What does he care about the design department?" The door opened and closed behind them, but they didn't mind it.

"Hmph. Dragonoff probably has a case of jungle fever." The two laughed. "He wanted to take a walk on the wild side! Maybe freak his parents out by dating a Black woman."

"Tell me what else you've heard," they heard a deep voice demand.

"Well," one of the guys started cheerfully before turning to face the source of the voice. "I also heard that..." He paused when he met Vincent's stern gaze. His expression was dark with irritation, his brow creasing deeply with disapproval. "Oh! Mr. Dragonoff... I-"

"Go on then. Tell me!" Vincent demanded with his fists clenched tightly. One man swore he saw them slightly shaking.

The two men trembled in their seats while they stared at the intimidating man who towered over them. One gulped in fear, setting his coffee cup down.

When Vincent realized that none of them would disclose the information, he scoffed. Of course, they wouldn't dare repeat workplace gossip in the presence of management, let alone the CEO. "The next person I catch spreading those absurd rumors will be telling tales all the way to unemployment!" he thundered. "I do not pay you to sit here and gossip over coffee and donuts. Get back to your desks and do your jobs."

Just as he finished ranting, the door opened again. This time, Gabrielle stepped through it, humming lightly. Vincent's eyes immediately softened as he observed her making her way to the donut box. "Oh, hey Kevin, Michael," she called as she greeted the two sitting men. They nodded awkwardly, both noting the way Vincent's eyes surveyed her from head to toe. She turned to walk out the door, but paused in front of Vincent. He stared down at her, a small smile now forming on his lips. She simply smiled back and reached up to the lapel of his jacket, smoothing it out. With a gentle tap of his cheek, she sauntered back out the room.

Vincent stared after her, his expression now stony. His body had relaxed considerably when she touched him. While not exactly confirming any of the rumors that had circulated around Corp, the interaction did indeed confirm one thing. He turned back to them, shooting one last agitated glance before turning on his heel and following Gabrielle out.