Half-Hearted: Mr. Sinclair, Stop the Act!-Chapter 89: Watching the Tigers Fight from the Mountain (Revised)
Entering the office, Sienna Monroe sat on the sofa, looking at the two disheveled individuals.
In a calm and clear voice, she said, "Cheryl Talbot, you speak first. Why did those photos fall on the floor?"
Cheryl immediately explained, "Director, I really didn’t do it on purpose. As soon as I took the bag, the photos fell out. By the time I saw the content of the photos, it was too late. I tried to kindly give the photos to her, and she just rushed over and hit me. Look at what she’s done to me? Isn’t this a guilty conscience?"
Vivian Nash listened, looking at Sienna Monroe with anxious and excited eyes, her voice carrying a sob, "Those photos are obviously doctored. I didn’t do such a thing. My boyfriend and I are in a normal relationship!
Sienna, we’ve known each other for so many years. You know me best. How could I do something like that?"
Sienna eyed her. No matter how many times, or how long she looked, she still found her very unfamiliar.
She could no longer see the former charm and tenderness on this pure and pretty face.
Only scheming and ruthlessness were left.
A decade-long friendship, oh, how ironic it really was.
She gathered her thoughts, putting on a facade of helplessness, "Whether I understand you or not, whether those photos are doctored or not, this incident has already spread throughout the entire museum unless you call your boyfriend now to clarify."
Vivian was stunned for a moment, opened her mouth, but the dryness in her throat made it hard to speak.
Ask her boyfriend to clarify for her?
She couldn’t do that.
Caleb Sinclair would not come to help her clarify.
Her heart stalled; what if the "boyfriend" Caleb arranged for her last time?
Could he help her resolve this predicament, free her from the title of a mistress?
Sienna saw the calculation and shrewdness flash in her eyes and guessed that Vivian certainly wouldn’t be easily defeated.
What she had just said was to remind her.
As for the competition between Vivian and June Ewing, she was happy to see it.
Suddenly, her eyes gleamed; was this perhaps a perfect opportunity to smoothly drive Vivian out of the museum?
She pretended to ponder for a moment, then said slowly, "Vivian, why don’t you go home and rest for a while."
Vivian looked completely bewildered and hurt, as if something had clenched her heart. Trembling lips asked, "Sienna, you... want to fire me?"
Sienna frowned, sighed lightly, "I’m not firing you, it’s paid suspension. Whether it’s the photo incident or the brawl with Cheryl Talbot, the negative impact is so big that as the director, I can’t just ignore it."
As for when she could resume work, or if she could, it was all up to her, the director.
"Also, Cheryl, the bonus for this month will be withheld. Write up a formal apology," she added, "And go clean up your injuries and clothes."
Cheryl breathed a sigh of relief after listening.
Just a month’s bonus, she didn’t really care.
After all, the money June Ewing gave her was enough to cover half a year’s bonus.
No big deal.
As long as she didn’t lose her job.
She cast a sarcastic look at Vivian and bent over in gratitude before turning and leaving the office.
Only Vivian stood still, looking pitiful and aggrieved, but deep inside she was far from resigned.
Why was she the only one getting a paid suspension while Cheryl Talbot merely lost a month’s bonus?
Calling it a paid suspension was putting it nicely—without sugarcoating, it was essentially firing.
What if... Sienna wouldn’t let her come back?
What was she supposed to do?
Anxiety inexplicably surged in her heart.
The museum salary was just a drop in the bucket for her current lifestyle, but a stable job was still a fallback.
Moreover, over the years, she had been thriving at the museum.
Having come this far, to give up and leave now, she was unwilling!
But she didn’t show it, just sniffed and glanced at Sienna uneasily, murmuring softly, "Sienna..."
Sienna felt her patience was wearing thinner now.
But as Vivian’s "best friend," she had to uphold the facade of acting to the end, took a light breath, walked over to comfort, "Vivian, of course, I believe in your character, but those photos are disadvantageous to you now.
Moreover, words can be fearsome. You should steer clear for now and come back when the storm has passed. That position will always be held for you.
Your facial injuries also need recovery; Cheryl was too heavy-handed. It wouldn’t be good if you scarred."
Hearing the genuine concern and worry in her tone, Vivian examined her carefully but couldn’t see anything unusual. That bit of unwillingness in her heart began to fade.
She nodded, her voice still choked, "I know you mean well. I’ll listen to you, go back and rest well, and come back when I’ve healed."
"Okay."
Sienna responded lightly, still showing some concern in her brow, "I just wonder who would doctor those photos to harm you. Vivian, did you offend someone?"
Offend someone?
Vivian’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat, quickly sifting through her mind.
Finally, her sight landed unerringly on Sienna’s worried and slightly angry face and lingered for a few moments before slowly shifting away.
It couldn’t be Sienna.
But she thought for a long time without any thoughts, pursed her lips, and said, "I didn’t offend anyone. But I absolutely believe Cheryl couldn’t have accidentally dropped the photos, last time we had a disagreement,
she has always disliked me. If she indeed orchestrated this, I will definitely get to the bottom of it and prove my innocence!"
Sienna caught the doubt in her eyes.
She suddenly thought that Vivian and Caleb Sinclair were quite alike in their suspicion.
She took a light breath and nodded, "That’s why I didn’t give Cheryl paid suspension as well. You won’t be in the museum, she’s bound to lower her guard. I’ll help keep an eye out for you; I’ll contact you if there are any updates or leads."
Vivian was surprised, her heart seemed to be grazed by something, touched as she pursed her lips, "Sienna, you’re really kind, thank you."
"No need to be so courteous. Make sure to have your facial injuries examined at the hospital. Don’t end up with scars."
"Yeah, I’ll be going now."
"Alright."
Walking Vivian to the door, watching her leave, the smile in Sienna’s eyes faded a little, but the curve at the corner of her lips didn’t change.
This incident, would Vivian seek Caleb Sinclair’s help?
When Caleb Sinclair found his mother, what kind of a spectacular scene would unfold?
