Elsewhere, Justin Battleson was lackadaisically flipping through documents. When he heard the ring of a phone, he quickly put down the documents and looked over.
He swiped the screen to answer the call, placing the phone by his ear, even before he could speak, a heavy sigh from the other end, Michael Richard, greeted him.
"Mr. Battleson, it seems we've lost both the battle and the woman."
At these words, Justin paused a moment before replying, "Quit beating around the bush and spit it out."
Michael shrugged and continued, "I just eavesdropped on some staff here, who, while they were eating what we'd brought them, were speculating about Miss Thompson's intentions."
He groaned faintly, then added, "They were saying Miss Thompson is trying to please Zoe Anne."
Upon hearing this, Justin's expression froze momentarily, then a hint of anger rose in him. His hand on the desk clenched slightly and he quirked an eyebrow, then ordered, "Handle those gossipers..."