Serena’s POV
I watched as Vivi raised her hand, threatening Claire with pure fury in her eyes.
"You’re talking nonsense! I’ll rip your mouth apart!" she shouted.
"Stop it!" I commanded sharply.
Vivi halted mid-motion, her face flushed crimson with anger. The entire design departnt had gone silent, everyone pretending not to stare while obviously hanging on every word of this public showdown.
"Mrs. Lancaster, I... Claire is deliberately slandering ! I would never do sothing like this!" Vivi protested, her voice trembling with indignation.
I kept my expression neutral, though internally I was exhausted by these theatrics. "Enough of this public spectacle. Both of you, co to my office now."
As they followed in, I could feel Vivi’s death glare burning into Claire’s back. The tension between them was palpable, suffocating the air in my usually peaceful sanctuary. I set down the files I’d been holding and looked up at them, taking in their contrasting deanors—Vivi practically vibrating with rage while Claire seed to shrink into herself.
"Explain what’s happening," I said calmly.
Vivi imdiately opened her mouth to launch into what I assud would be a tirade, but I cut her off with a raised hand.
"Claire, you first."
Claire took a deep breath before eting my eyes. "Mrs. Lancaster, I swear I didn’t leak the designs. Vivi suspects without any evidence and dragged here to see you."
She glanced nervously at Vivi before continuing. "With the studio being so busy preparing for Fashion Week, I didn’t want to disturb you, but Vivi wouldn’t let it go..."
Her voice trailed off as she shot another anxious look at her supervisor. "That’s why I suspect she might be... covering her own tracks by shifting bla to ."
"You’re lying!" Vivi erupted beside her.
I observed Claire as she shrank away from Vivi’s outburst, tears welling in her eyes. The performance was impressive—whether genuine or calculated, I couldn’t yet determine.
"Mrs. Lancaster, I’m innocent," Claire insisted, her voice small but steady. "Vivi is the team leader. I barely get any opportunity to access the designs. How could I possibly leak them?"
I had to admit, the dynamic between them was working in Claire’s favor. Next to Vivi’s aggression, Claire’s ekness made her seem more credible. But I’ve learned never to trust appearances in this industry.
My gaze shifted between them, weighing possibilities.
"Mrs. Lancaster, don’t listen to this backstabbing little—" Vivi caught herself before finishing the insult. "I’ve reviewed the security footage. The day before yesterday, before leaving work, I gave Claire the finalized designs to adjust so minor details."
She leaned forward, speaking with renewed conviction. "She disappeared from cara view for over two minutes, claiming she went to the bathroom! If she’s innocent, why would she try to pin this on ?"
Vivi was practically trembling with rage now. I could see she truly believed Claire was guilty.
"Vivi," I said carefully, "you just said you gave the finished designs to Claire to modify the details?"
I frowned, letting displeasure show in my expression. "Isn’t that work you should have handled personally? Why delegate such sensitive materials to a new employee?"
Vivi’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly. She had no defense for her laziness, and we both knew it.
"Mrs. Lancaster, I—"
"Vivi, I’m disappointed," I cut her off. "You know how crucial this Fashion Week is to , yet you couldn’t personally handle these important designs."
Claire visibly relaxed as I redirected my criticism toward Vivi. I noticed but didn’t acknowledge it.
"Mrs. Lancaster, I admit that was my mistake," Vivi conceded, "and I promise it won’t happen again."
Her voice grew more passionate as she continued. "But I absolutely did not leak those designs! I would never betray Elegant Realm like that!"
I’d seen enough. "That’s enough, Vivi. Please step outside."
Vivi’s face contorted with frustration. "Mrs. Lancaster!"
I shook my head, maintaining my composure. "Wait outside. I need to speak with Claire alone." I gestured toward the door. "Don’t you have client orders waiting? Are they all finished?"
With obvious reluctance, Vivi stomped out, slamming the door behind her with just enough restraint to avoid being outright disrespectful.
The mont we were alone, I noticed Claire’s anxiety increase rather than decrease. Interesting. I studied her casually, noting how my gaze seed to intensify her discomfort.
"Mrs. Lancaster," she ventured after an uncomfortable silence, "did you ask to see alone because you don’t believe ?"
She fidgeted with the hem of her blouse. "I’m not certain Vivi did it either. I just voiced my thoughts because being falsely accused feels terrible."
"You’re right about that," I agreed, watching her reaction carefully. "Being falsely accused does feel terrible."
I paused deliberately before continuing. "If you didn’t do this, then you can return to work."
Relief washed over her face too quickly, too completely.
"Vivi has a quick temper," I added. "Try to avoid conflicts in the studio."
"Yes, Mrs. Lancaster. I’ll get back to work right away."
I nodded, pretending to return my attention to the designs on my desk. As Claire turned to leave, I watched her retreating form. Her shoulders had loosened, her stride more confident—the walk of soone who believes they’ve gotten away with sothing.
Once the door closed behind her, I leaned back in my chair, mind racing. My suspicions were strong, but I needed proof before making accusations. If Claire had indeed been bought by Sophie, the most effective strategy would be setting new bait and waiting for Sophie to take it.
I smiled slightly, already formulating a plan. Sotis the best trap is the one your enemy thinks is an opportunity.
Twenty minutes later, I called the HR manager to my office with specific instructions. If Claire was the mole, I wanted her where I could watch her every move. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, as they say.
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