Chapter 68

Linda couldn’t believe how easily Aiden had taken Sienna at her word. At this rate, if Sienna pointed the finger at me, Aiden would believe her without a second thought. I can’t let this go on any longer. I have to get rid of Sienna, no matter what, Linda thought. Amber would make the perfect pawn.

Linda fixed her intense gaze on Amber and said, “Amber, you’ve met Leo. Do you really think he and those men could have hurt your dad? Sienna’s making baseless accusations without any proof. How heartbreaking. Amber, do you honestly believe those uncles would ever harm your father?”

Amber didn’t catch her meaning and blurted out, “Didn’t we just say they’re the prime suspects? They left the company but wanted to come back, and when that didn’t work, they played dirty. How despicable.”

Linda’s face turned ashen, the smile in her eyes vanishing in an instant. She shot Amber a vicious, menacing glare.

Amber was startled by Linda’s vicious glare and instinctively ducked behind Sienna.

Sienna cast an icy glance at Linda before deliberately shifting her gaze to Aiden. “Dad, if you doubt my words, you can go and investigate yourself. They deliberately chose that spot because there were no surveillance cameras. I had to conduct door-to-door inquiries before I finally uncovered the truth. Ms. Lambert, perhaps you should focus on gathering evidence.”

Linda sputtered, still trying to defend herself.

Aiden roared, “Shut up. Linda, do I have to die before you’ll believe me? If it weren’t for you, those good-for-nothing scumbags would never have gotten into the company.”

Linda was seething with silent fury. She thought furiously, “I’m absolutely certain it wasn’t those people, but I can’t prove it. Damn that Sienna.”

Amber’s eyes widened in shock again as Aiden lashed out at Linda.

Ever since Linda married Aiden, Aiden had believed whatever she said without question, and the two of them always put on a picture-perfect loving couple act. Amber had always thought Aiden was blindly devoted to Linda. She never expected this to happen.

Sienna said, “Dad, since you’re ill, you should rest well. I’ve arranged some entertainment for you. Performers will come to your room this evening to put on a show.”

Aiden’s face lit up with delight, his whole demeanor instantly brightening as a warm smile spread across his face. “How thoughtful of you, Sienna,” he said.

Linda glared after Sienna and Aiden as they walked away, her eyes blazing with venomous jealousy and hatred. She clenched her teeth, fists so tight her nails dug painfully into her palms. Only the sharp sting brought her back to reality.

Aiden glanced at her with clear disdain in his eyes. “You should leave too. There are caregivers here. I don’t need you to take care of me.”

Linda went pale with panic, her voice frantic. “Aiden, what did I do wrong? I’ll change, I promise. Please don’t send me away.”

Aiden was already seething with anger after realizing that the people who beat him up were most likely Linda’s relatives. Seeing her put on this pitiful, affected act only added fuel to the fire.

“Get out,” Aiden snapped, his voice seething with anger. “I don’t want to see your face. Get the hell out of here right now.”

Linda’s heart skipped a beat as a wave of dread washed over her. Before she could protest, the caregivers at the door yanked her out of the room.

Linda struggled and snapped, “Who the hell are you? What do you think you’re doing? Let go of me. How dare you lay your hands on me? Do you have any idea who I am?”

Linda glared at those young, beautiful caregivers. Sienna hired them on purpose. The only reason Linda kept rushing to the hospital to take care of Aiden was due to the caregivers Sienna hired. What is Sienna playing at? Every caregiver she hired is young and energetic, with sexy waists, long legs, flawless skin, and stunning looks, Linda wondered. It instantly put her on high alert.

Though middle-aged, Aiden possessed an incomparably handsome face, chiseled yet refined, so striking that it made people easily overlook his age.

“Ms. Lambert, we’re here at Miss Hart’s request to care for her father. Mr. Hart has just said he doesn’t want you here, so we must ask you to leave now,” one of them said.

Linda struggled violently and roared, “How dare you! Who do you think you are?”

Aiden didn’t lift a finger to stop them, just letting the caregivers drag Linda away. Her mind was always stuck on the same petty schemes. He was long since fed up.

Vivian was invited to a company dinner, where Richard Wood personally offered her a toast. Flattered and slightly flustered, she quickly rose to her feet.

“Mr. Wood, I was just doing my job,” Vivian said modestly.

Richard chuckled warmly and said, “Vivian, our company wouldn’t be where it is today without you. You’re truly our lucky star.”

“Oh, Mr. Wood, really, I can’t take the credit. The company’s success is all thanks to your leadership and everyone’s hard work,” Vivian said.

Anya sat quietly to the side, seeing right through it all but keeping her thoughts to herself. This little company only caught the eye of SIE Corporation because of Vivian, she mused. It’s no exaggeration to say they’ve shot straight to the top. How could they not treat Vivian with the utmost respect?

Today, after Vivian secured a new partnership, Richard threw a celebratory dinner in her honor.

Anya said, “Excuse me, you guys keep drinking. I’ll just step out to the restroom.”

Richard would never let anyone mess with Vivian, and Anya felt reassured.

“Mr. Wood, long time no see. What a surprise to find you dining here as well. Come, let’s have a drink.” A potbellied man approached with a drink in hand, slung his arm around Richard’s shoulders, and burst out laughing.

“Peter, it’s been a while. Join me for a drink,” Richard smiled.

Peter Zimmer’s eyes immediately zeroed in on Vivian. Talk about things falling right into my lap, he thought, licking his lips. The woman he’d been lusting after for days was standing right here.

Peter, emboldened by alcohol, sidled up to Vivian and placed his meaty hand heavily on her shoulder.

“You’re Vivian, right? Fancy meeting you here again,” Peter slurred, leaning in closer. “I’m-”

Before he could finish, Vivian slapped Peter’s hand away from her shoulder with such force that he recoiled in pain.

Peter winced and pulled his hand back. Damn, she’s got some strength. A real spitfire—I like that, he thought, a lecherous grin spreading across his face.

“Peter, please keep your distance,” Vivian warned.

Peter leaned in with a smirk and said, “Miss Hart, let’s get acquainted. We’re all in the same business circle, always good to expand one’s network, right? I’m Peter. Come on, let’s shake hands.”

Vivian’s usually sweet and gentle face hardened into an icy mask as she was about to refuse.

Richard stepped between them and deliberately shook Peter’s hand. “Peter, if there’s anything you want to discuss, just talk to me directly. We’re old friends. No need to trouble my staff.”

That old lecher, Richard fumed inwardly, how dare he lay eyes on my golden goose? Looking to die, not even watching where you’re going?

Peter’s face clouded over. Richard, you idiot—can’t even read the room, he cursed inwardly. She’s just some nobody. Does he really think he can shield her from me?

Peter leered at Vivian and said, “You’re right, Mr. Wood. We’re old friends. Is this lovely lady one of your employees? She seems quite capable. Which department is she in?”

Richard smiled and said, “Vivian is our most valuable asset, Peter. Don’t even think about poaching her. She’s our key player.”

Peter couldn’t believe Richard was this stubborn, completely impenetrable.

Peter pulled Richard aside, leering at Vivian a few times. In a suggestive tone, he said, “Mr. Wood, didn’t you always want to work with our company?