Daphne the curious beauty

In Class

By the middle of the lecture, Daphne Valentine had already become the unofficial social center of the classroom. People knew her, liked her, and more importantly, knew that she could be trusted with a secret. It wasn't unusual for someone to lean over during class and quietly share something they'd heard.

Today, it was Sofia Romano.

“Daphne,” Sofia whispered, “have you heard anything about what people are saying?”

Daphne glanced sideways at her, an amused smile forming on her lips.

“That depends. Is it worth interrupting my education for?”

Sofia covered a laugh with her hand. “You really are terrible.”

“And yet you're telling me.”

“Because I know you'll want to know.”

Daphne put her pen down. “Now you've definitely got my attention.”

Sofia leaned closer and quietly told her what she'd heard. Daphne listened patiently, occasionally asking a question or nudging Sofia to clarify a detail.

“Interesting,” Daphne murmured when she finished.

“You're not going to repeat it, are you?”

Daphne looked genuinely offended. “Sofia, please. I have standards.”

That earned a quiet laugh.

The professor continued speaking, and the conversation naturally ended there. Daphne didn't bring it up again, and by the time class was over, she had moved on to other things. Or so it seemed. Later that evening, Daphne found herself thinking about the conversation again. Not because she knew whether the story was true, but because she couldn't quite shake her curiosity.

She had heard one version. There were probably others. Daphne smiled faintly as she reached for her phone. Maybe she'd ask around a little. Not to spread the rumour, of course. Just to see what she could find out.

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IN THE OFFICE

Daphne's desk was one of those places where information seemed to naturally accumulate. People stopped by to chat, ask her opinion, complain about their day, or share something they'd heard. Daphne had an effortless charm about her, and she knew how to listen without making people feel interrogated.

That afternoon, Elena Torres appeared beside her desk.

“You have a minute?”

“For you?” Daphne smiled. “Always.”

Elena glanced around before pulling a chair closer.

“I heard something earlier.”

Daphne raised an eyebrow. “That's usually how these conversations begin.”

Elena laughed. “I knew you'd say that.”

“Go on.”

Elena told Daphne what she'd heard, keeping her voice low despite the fact that nobody seemed to be paying them much attention. Daphne listened with a relaxed expression, occasionally smiling or asking where the information had come from.

“That's quite interesting,” Daphne said when Elena finished.

“I probably shouldn't have told you.”

“Then why did you?”

Elena smiled. “Because I knew you'd keep it to yourself.”

Daphne placed a hand over her heart. “My reputation precedes me.”

“It does.”

They both laughed, and the conversation moved on naturally. A few minutes later, Elena returned to her desk, leaving Daphne to her work. Daphne didn't think much of it for the rest of the afternoon.

It was only later, while she was gathering her things to leave, that the conversation came back to her. Not because she'd decided the story was true. Not because she'd decided it was false. She simply wondered. There were plenty of people in the office she could casually talk to, and Daphne had never been particularly afraid of asking questions. She slipped her bag over her shoulder with a small smile.

Perhaps she'd make a few calls.

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At a Bar

Daphne Valentine was the sort of woman who never had to chase gossip. Gossip usually found her.

The bar was busy that evening, filled with music and overlapping conversations. Daphne knew several of the regulars, exchanged greetings with the bartender, and had barely finished her first drink before Chloe Bennett took the seat beside her.

“Daphne, I have something you need to hear.”

Daphne turned toward her with an amused smile.

“That sounds dangerous.”

“Only if you repeat it.”

“You know me better than that.”

Chloe laughed. “That's exactly why I'm telling you.”

She leaned closer and began explaining what she'd heard. Daphne listened attentively, occasionally asking a question or giving Chloe an encouraging look to continue.

When Chloe finished, Daphne tilted her head.

“And that's all you know?”

“Pretty much.”

“Hm.”

“You don't believe me?”

“I didn't say that.”

Chloe smiled. “You just want to know more.”

Daphne lifted her glass. “I have a naturally inquisitive mind.”

“You have a gossip addiction.”

“There's a difference.”

“Sure there is.”

They both laughed, and before long the subject changed to something else. But later, sitting alone at the bar, Daphne found herself thinking about the conversation again. She didn't know whether there was anything to the story. Either way, she'd heard enough to make her curious.

Daphne glanced around the room, a faint smile appearing on her lips. She could leave it alone. Or she could ask a few questions and see where they led. Daphne finished her drink.

She already knew which option she'd choose.

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