?Chapter 1047:

    Alec followed her in, clearly worried on her behalf. “Did you even hear me, Brenna? Gracie’s not easy to deal with. She has lost everything and has debts hanging over her. Men always feel an urge to pity and protect a woman like that, you know.”

    Brenna usually thought security guards picked up all sorts of stories from the people wandering through the building. Still, the news managed to surprise her. “Where did you hear about Gracie being broke and sinking in debt?” she asked Alec, her voice edged with genuine curiosity.

    Alec, unfazed by thepany inside the elevator, made no effort to lower his voice. “Seriously, who hasn’t caught wind of it? Word’s been flying around headquarters. Are you telling me you missed it? Or has Ethan been purposely leaving you out of the loop?”

    Brenna shook her head. “Ethan’s not hiding anything from me. I just want to know how you came across the information. Who filled you in?”

    Brenna’s thoughts drifted to that day in the elevator, remembering how Gracie had broken down, weeping over her father’s tragic death, her business copsing, and a mountain of debts.

    At first, Brenna had toyed with the idea of asking Lorna to let the story slip, hoping to make Gracie the object of scorn. After all, misfortune did not always draw sympathy and kindness. More often, it set people up for mockery and harsh words.

    However, upon reflection, she believed Gracie was already facing enough misfortune and that she shouldn’t take advantage of her situation. She had thought only a handful of people would hear the tale. Yet, only days had passed, and it seemed everyone in thepany building had learned of it. How could she not be shocked?

    Catching her stunned look, Alec thought she didn’t know that. “You’ve never paid much attention to office chatter. That’s why you’re behind. Just days ago, thepany was abuzz. They said Gracie’s family lost everything. She’s not only broke, but she also owes a lot of money. People even imed her father had iting. As for Gracie, well, nobody’s lining up to defend her. Honestly, I’m warning you—be careful around her. There’s talk that she’s after Mr. Mitchell. If she married him, maybe he would pay her debts for her and provide her with afortable life. Frankly, I’d do the same if I were in her shoes.”

    She nodded. “Any clue who first revealed such information?”

    He shrugged and responded, “No idea at all. There are too many mouths in this ce. You’ll never pin it on just one. But at least you know what’s being said. Keep your eyes open. Don’t let someone else swoop in and take what’s yours. Good men…”

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    Alec scoffed. “Don’te around every day. You don’t want to see Mr. Mitchell walk away with someone else.”

    Brenna said, “I need to find out who started all this.”

    Alec shrugged. “Why bother? She brought this on herself. Are you hoping to track down the gossip starter or clear her reputation?”

    “Alright. I’ll drop it. It doesn’t matter,” Brenna replied.

    Even though Alec could get under her skin, Brenna recognized that he could be useful from time to time. She pulled out her phone and sent him two thousand dors as a gesture—not a fortune, but enough to show she valued his help. Giving him more would only fuel his greed.

    A wide grin spread across Alec’s face as he received the money. “You really don’t keep up around here. If I catch wind of anything new, I’ll let you know.”

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