The day after the scandal broke, both companies bled in silence.

At Brighton Group, the atmosphere was tense enough to cut through. Every conversation was a whisper, every stare a blade. Serena walked through the hallways she once commanded with confidence, now feeling like an intruder in her own office.

The HR director wouldn’t meet her eyes. The interns went quiet the second she entered the elevator. Even the receptionist, who used to smile every morning, pretended to type.

A meeting was called. “Crisis Communication.”

Serena sat across from her boss and Simon, her boss, who looked ten years older overnight. His tie was loosened, his expression grim.

“Ms. Vale,”...