Chapter 32: Chapter 32: That Mouth of Yours Is Asking for It!
For a moment, Vivian Linton’s expression faltered.
’Why is Connor Grant so concerned about Holly Sinclair?’
’Was this Tristan’s idea?’
Vivian Linton subconsciously glanced at Tristan Sterling again.
But the man’s expression was as indifferent as ever, his composure undisturbed.
’It wasn’t his idea, then.’
’It must be Connor Grant acting on his own, thinking that since Holly is Mrs. Sterling, she still has some value.’
’A man like Connor Grant is the epitome of a sycophant, a classic opportunist.’
’He wants to curry favor with everyone and offend no one.’
"Oh dear, look at me. I can’t believe I forgot about Holly."
Since things had come to this, Vivian Linton could only force a smile and casually order an employee, "Quick, go to the restoration room and ask Miss Sinclair to join us."
The employee took the order and left.
A flash of venomous resentment crossed Vivian Linton’s eyes.
Soon, Holly Sinclair arrived.
She learned that Tristan Sterling was treating everyone to dinner.
"I’m not going."
The words left her lips calmly, an instant refusal without a second thought.
At her words, everyone stared in astonishment.
Mr. Sterling was treating, and she dared to refuse?
Forget that the delicious meal was something they couldn’t afford even with several months’ salary—just for the sake of giving Mr. Sterling face, who would dare to say no?
The atmosphere became awkward.
Someone boldly snuck a glance at Mr. Sterling.
Sure enough, the handsome man’s face was grim and terrifying.
In an instant, Holly Sinclair became the target of public criticism.
"Hey, who do you think you are? Mr. Sterling invites you to dinner, and you dare to refuse?"
"Who do you think you are? Give you an inch and you take a mile, huh?"
"She’s not playing hard to get, is she? Deliberately disrespecting Mr. Sterling to get his attention..."
"I think so too. Just because she’s pretty, she’s lost all sense of proportion. Tsk."
Fearing Tristan Sterling would retract his offer in a fit of anger, the crowd immediately began to tear into Holly Sinclair.
Once everyone had said their piece, Vivian Linton finally walked over to Holly Sinclair, reaching out to take her arm.
Holly Sinclair moved away, her disgust obvious.
The smile on Vivian Linton’s lips froze.
Gritting her teeth in secret, she suppressed her anger and jealousy and said with feigned sincerity, "Holly, it’s your first day at Vervain. Just think of it as a welcome party from everyone. Come with us."
She desperately wished Holly wouldn’t go, but she didn’t dare let it show.
After all, in front of Tristan Sterling, she had always maintained the image of being "Holly Sinclair’s best friend."
She absolutely could not let Tristan Sterling know she was a two-faced person.
Holly Sinclair was so beautiful that several male designers had been checking her out ever since she arrived.
"Come on, Sinclair. We’re all colleagues now. If you’re not a team player, it’ll be hard to get your work done later," a male designer urged, his words carrying a hidden meaning.
Holly Sinclair understood.
It was a threat.
If she didn’t play along today, she could forget about her restoration work going smoothly.
"Fine, I’ll go."
Holly Sinclair nodded.
’It’s just one meal.’
’It’s not like I’m afraid of them, am I?’
’The restoration work must be completed on schedule.’
’And I have to make Vivian Linton learn what it means to suffer a loss that outweighs the gain... ’
Seeing Holly Sinclair finally agree, the group cheered and headed out.
"Tristan, wait for me a second. I forgot my phone."
Vivian Linton said gently to Tristan Sterling, then turned and walked quickly toward her office.
Once inside, out of everyone’s sight, she took her phone from her bag and quickly sent a few messages...
...
「Restaurant, Private Room.」
There were too many people, so they split into two tables.
Holly Sinclair dawdled, entering the private room last.
At that moment, both tables had one empty seat left.
One was next to Tristan Sterling.
She couldn’t understand why there was still an empty seat next to a hotshot like him—a big shot everyone wanted to suck up to.
The other empty seat was at the other table, between two male designers.
Holly Sinclair was caught in a dilemma.
It felt like either choice was a trap.
"Sinclair, come, come! There’s a spot here."
One of the male designers waved at her enthusiastically.
Holly Sinclair had no choice but to go with the flow. "Thanks."
She would rather be surrounded by strangers than sit next to Tristan Sterling.
Seeing her take a seat, Tristan Sterling’s eyes instantly darkened.
"Here, Sinclair, this shrimp is good. Have some."
"No need..."
"Don’t be shy. I’ll peel it for you."
"Really, I..."
Without giving Holly Sinclair a chance to refuse, the male designer placed the peeled shrimp on her plate.
Not to be outdone, the other male designer hurried to serve her food and pour her a drink, both fawning over her.
At the main table.
Vivian Linton slowly peeled a shrimp and said casually, "Holly is really something. She just joined the studio and she’s already a favorite among the male colleagues. I was worried she’d have trouble fitting in as a newcomer, but it seems I was overthinking it."
"But really, Holly has always been incredibly popular with guys. I remember back in school, so many upperclassmen and underclassmen were always swarming around her. They all adored her, and she’s so easygoing, she always blended right in with them."
Vivian Linton placed the peeled shrimp in Tristan Sterling’s bowl, her voice sweet and gentle.
Tristan Sterling’s predatory, cold gaze shot over to the next table, landing on the male designer’s arm, which was resting on the back of Holly Sinclair’s chair.
His face was like ice.
Vivian Linton elegantly wiped her hands with a wet napkin, the smile on her lips holding a subtle, triumphant wickedness.
’I just specifically messaged the two male designers, telling them to be more enthusiastic with Holly.’
’Tristan already dislikes Holly. Now that he sees she’s a loose woman, he’ll definitely despise her even more.’
...
The two male designers were being so obviously forward that Holly Sinclair was disgusted.
She took a couple of bites and then excused herself to go to the restroom, leaving the private room.
She deliberately stayed in the restroom a little longer before coming out.
She was washing her hands at the public sinks when a large hand suddenly wrapped around her waist.
Her whole body lurched.
Before she could even react, she was dragged into the adjacent men’s restroom.
A familiar scent filled her nostrils, and her heart gave a violent tremor.
"Tristan Sterling, what are you doing? Let go of me!"
Furious and frightened, she quickly squeezed her eyes shut.
This was the men’s restroom, and she was terrified she would see something indecent.
In her panic, she didn’t notice the "Under Maintenance" sign standing at the entrance.
CLICK. He locked the door.
Then he pinned her against the wall, his movements rough, showing no tenderness whatsoever.
"Let you go? So you can go back to flirting with other men?"
The man’s breath was hot, his low, magnetic voice laced with a bone-chilling cold as it blasted against her ear.
His words dripped with intense possessiveness.
"Tristan Sterling, you have no right to accuse me!" Holly Sinclair hissed through gritted teeth, keeping her voice down.
She was terrified of being discovered.
"I have no right?"
He narrowed his dark eyes dangerously, a cold glint appearing within them as he forced each word out from between his teeth. "I am your husband. I have no right?!"
"When you were cheating on me, did you ever stop to think that you’re my husband?" she sneered, the corners of her eyes turning red.
"Holly Sinclair, don’t change the subject!"
"What? You’re allowed to have your flings on the side, but I can’t even have a normal conversation with someone else? Tristan Sterling, don’t be such a hypocrite!"
"This mouth of yours..."
Tristan Sterling gritted his teeth, his glacial gaze looking as if he wanted to devour her. "It needs to be taught a lesson!!"
As the words fell, so did his kiss.
