Vincent’s gaze was cold as he let out a dry, humorless laugh. “Then why did your argument with her end up pulling Miss Bailey into this?”

“Exactly!” Yvette was quick to jump in, her mind finally catching up. “I just wanted to call her out for being two-faced. It all got out of hand, and I ended up insulting Miss Bailey. I’ve always respected Miss Bailey’s designs—I never meant to say those things.”

Zoey’s face went even paler as words started failing her. Her plan fell apart right in front of her. All she could do was glare at Yvette, her jaw clenched. “So now you’re blaming everything on me? Everyone saw how you went after my sister.”

Yvette crossed her arms, a smug smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Didn’t you hear Miss Bailey? She just said you weren’t her sister.”

Yvette’s words came fast and sharp, her confidence growing with each sentence. “Since you joined the company, you’ve been dropping Miss Bailey’s name at every chance. Even trying to sneak your way into Mr. Adams’ office. You know exactly what you’re doing.”

Zoey’s throat tightened, a wave of shame creeping up her neck as she struggled to find the right words. But Yvette wasn’t finished. “It’s obvious—you’re trying to worm your way into Mr. Adams’ favor. Don’t think I don’t see right through you.”

“That’s not true!” Zoey’s voice wavered, desperation creeping in as she looked from Katelyn to Vincent. “I’ve never crossed that line.”

“I know my place. How could I ever think I’m worthy of Mr. Adams?”

Katelyn’s brow furrowed, disappointment lining her face as she exhaled softly. She saw right through Zoey’s game.

Then Vincent spoke, and Zoey’s panic shifted from a simmer to an all-consuming heat.

? ν

“You are both accountable for what has happened.” Vincent’s chilling gaze pierced through Zoey as he spoke. “You’ve only just started today, and already you’re embroiled in a dispute with a colleague. Do you believe the company will tolerate someone like you?” His gaze was cold and disapproving.

Feeling the tension rise, Zoey’s mind raced, and she quickly tried to explain herself. “I just couldn’t stand seeing Katelyn treated that way. I acted without thinking, and I knew it was wrong. Please, Mr. Adams, I beg you to forgive me just this once.”

Once she finished speaking, Zoey bowed her head, her eyes glimmering with tears. Her shoulders quivered ever so slightly, as though the weight of an unfair burden had been placed upon her.

Katelyn observed her quietly, offering no response. The footage from the security cameras was unmistakable. Zoey’s explanation wasn’t convincing at all. If her actions were driven by a genuine need to protect Katelyn, why did she choose to act only after Samuel showed up?

Katelyn had stood by Zoey’s side for years, and she didn’t want to form a negative opinion of Zoey so quickly. But Vincent seemed completely unmoved by her words, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Are you really sure about that?”

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