Chapter 1844: A rumor that will cling to him like a shadow
Chapter 1844: A rumor that will cling to him like a shadow
“For you, my love.”
The Pierson Corporation was often bustling with people coming and going throughout the day. No one ever really stopped—unless absolutely necessary. But right this instant, everyone in the lobby of one of the busiest buildings in the city came to a halt.
It didn’t matter if they were arriving or leaving; all eyes were on Atlas and Dean, standing in the center of the lobby in front of the reception desk. Gazes darted between the two, with Atlas holding a bouquet for his… love.
DING!
At that same moment, the elevator chimed. Stepping out were Zoren, Finn, and a few others, on their way to a mandatory quick lunch. But as they entered the lobby, their pace slowed until they stopped altogether.
“What is going on here?” Finn asked, brow furrowing as he spotted Dean and Atlas standing face to face.
Zoren tilted his head slightly in quiet confusion.
Meanwhile, Dean’s face twitched as he stared at Atlas—who was fluttering his lashes in a way that was far too alluring.
“What the…”
“Take it.” Atlas shoved the bouquet toward him, and Dean grabbed it on instinct. Atlas smiled in satisfaction, stepping closer.
As he did, he glanced around at the crowd, watching with bated breath, clearly enjoying their attention before locking eyes with Dean again.
“I know it was hard to hide who you are,” Atlas declared. “But I accept you with all my heart. So I’m not going to hide what my heart screams anymore.”
He took another step forward.
“Dean Pierson, to show you my true feelings, I will prove that no matter what the world says about me, I will fight for you.”
“…” Dean held his breath, his face growing red—not from flattery, but from the blood rushing to his head in sheer mortification.
He flinched when Atlas suddenly slapped his rear.
“I’ll see you at our usual meeting place,” Atlas added—loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Dean froze, bouquet still in his arms, as Atlas gave a light squeeze to his buttock.
Atlas smirked, stepping in close to whisper in his ear, “Good luck with your new title after this, sweet pea.”
Then, without another word, Atlas turned and walked away—completely unbothered by the countless eyes trailing after him. In front of the reception desk, Allen nearly collapsed, only managing to stay upright thanks to the counter behind him.
“He… he just… no,” Allen whispered, his entire world spinning. ’I knew it. He wasn’t going to let Director Dean’s actions slide.’
Allen looked at Dean apologetically, though he also blamed the man.
’He shouldn’t have done what he did, knowing my boss always settles scores.’
As for Dean, he stood frozen in place, clutching the bouquet while every hair on his body stood on end. Everything Atlas had just said echoed in his mind and made him shudder in horror.
Before he could recover, William suddenly stepped in front of him.
“Hah!” William sneered, casting Dean a demeaning side glance. “So it’s true, after all. No wonder I always thought you were hiding something.”
Dean clutched the flowers tighter, watching William Pierson walk away with the smugness of a man who just won the lottery. Then, Dean noticed everyone was still looking at him.
“Oh, my god… they’re together.” One employee covered her mouth in shock.
“That’s a bit… romantic,” another whispered. “They kind of have chemistry.”
“Forbidden love.”
Most of the women in the room were blushing at the public declaration of love, their imaginations already running wild over Atlas and Dean. A few looked a little heartbroken—two successful and attractive men, taken by each other.
The men, on the other hand, were simply stunned. They didn’t even know what to think or say. But one thing was certain—they would never look at Atlas or Dean the same way again. Not in a bad way, just… not the same.
Then, someone spotted something on the side.
“Hey, look,” one of the ladies elbowed her colleague. When the others followed her gaze, another wave of gasps echoed.
There had always been rumors about Zoren and Atlas. Then it became Dean and Atlas. Now, with Atlas confessing to Dean—right in front of Zoren?
“Don’t tell me the CEO came down because he heard what’s going on?”
“Did he come to check if it was true?”
“Wait—do you think it’s actually a love triangle?”
To many, it did look like a love triangle and Atlas finally choosing his endgame. If this drama had a title, it’d probably be:
“Stolen by My Lover’s Nephew.”
And with that, a new rumor was born—one that would cling to Dean Pierson like a shadow for the rest of his life.
—
At the same time, Zoren cast Finn a sideways look.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
Finn slowly lowered his phone, ending the video recording. He turned to Zoren with a smile so wide his eyes were squinting.
“I filmed it to show Nina,” he chuckled. “I’m very sure she’ll want to see this.”
“…” Zoren pressed his lips into a thin line, then said in a monotone voice, “Send it to me.”
Finn laughed, shoving his phone into his pocket. “Nope. I’m showing this to my future in-laws and earning some good points.”
Zoren faced him squarely. Finn was still smiling, but between them, electricity sparked. Even now, the title of Best Son-in-Law in the Family had yet to be decided.
Meanwhile, Benjamin, standing behind them, was already typing:
[To: Everyone
OMG! OMG! You need to watch this! Better than your soap opera or watching a couple exchange wedding vows! Sir Atlas is… intense!]
He attached the file, then sent it to everyone.
And by everyone, he meant the entire Bennet family, Mint, and Jessa. The last one was Benjamin’s newest gossip buddy, and also the person he ran to whenever he was upset. Jessa, after all, gives terrible advice but serves him the best food, while Allison gives the kindest and most considerate advice.
Their reaction? Choking on their lunch or spitting out their drinks.