Chapter 490: Strictly Work, No Personal Feelings
The power of the internet is immense.
After Claire Sinclair posted on Weibo, everyone at the party quickly found out. When they saw her, they all shot her strange looks.
Some people even spoke out loud in front of her. "Is this woman crazy? Posting something like that on someone’s birthday."
"She’s obviously just jealous that our Ceci is getting so many gifts. Why else would she choose now to pull a stunt like this, trying to morally grandstand?"
"So disgusting. Look at her, she still has the nerve to stand here."
"I can’t take it. I’m going to be sick. Let’s get out of here. I really hate women like her..."
As they spoke, the women walked away, their faces full of disgust.
Claire Sinclair put her phone away and walked to another area to wait for Mimi Fisher and Master. She had other plans.
Just then, a handsome man in a suit walked up to her, holding two glasses of red wine. He offered one to her. "Reporter Sinclair, I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Francis Sterling, president of Aevum Group. It’s a pleasure to meet you."
Claire Sinclair didn’t take the wine, politely asking, "Can I help you with something?"
Francis Sterling made a soft sound of protest. "Hey now, Reporter Sinclair, don’t be so serious. Tonight is Miss Taylor’s birthday. We should just talk friendship, not business."
Claire Sinclair gave a slight smile. "I’ve always been a bit rigid. I don’t discuss personal matters, only work. If you have no other business, Boss Sterling, you’ll have to excuse me."
With that, Claire Sinclair turned and walked away.
Francis Sterling started to follow, but a man suddenly blocked his path with an outstretched arm. Seeing the man’s stern expression and his upright, imposing posture, he felt a wave of apprehension.
"Who are you? Why are you stopping me?"
"Quincy Manor. Bodyguard," Landon Winston said, his face devoid of expression.
Hearing the name ’Quincy Manor,’ Francis Sterling didn’t dare cause any more trouble and scurried away dejectedly.
Claire Sinclair was bored to tears. She had nothing in common with the people here and didn’t know what to do, so she decided to just walk around and grab a bite. But as soon as she turned, she ran into Mimi Fisher and Master, who had just arrived.
Cecily Taylor appeared before her at almost the same time, giving her new assistant a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "Lawson, go get four glasses of wine. The four of us from Shining Stars are all here. We have to commemorate the occasion."
"Right away!" Lawson hurried off to find the wine.
Claire Sinclair frowned slightly but said nothing.
Cecily Taylor looked at Mimi Fisher and Master, her tone half-pouting and half-complaining. "What took you so long? You were almost late, and you didn’t even bring a gift."
Mimi Fisher said calmly, "On the way here, I saw on Weibo that Professor Sinclair had donated two million to people in need, so I donated my money too. I was originally going to buy you a gift, but I felt that spending the money on charity was more meaningful. You’re not mad at me, are you?"
Master chimed in, "I donated my money too. We did it as a group."
’The absolute nerve!’
Cecily Taylor was so angry she could explode. ’That bitch Claire Sinclair actually pulled a stupid stunt like this on my birthday! Isn’t she just trying to guilt-trip me?!’
’And Mimi Fisher and Master actually went along with her! They’re insane!’
Despite her anger, Cecily Taylor had to force that same smile that didn’t reach her eyes and feign forgiveness. "How could I be mad at you? Doing charity work is a duty we public figures must fulfill. After my birthday is over, I’ll donate the valuable gifts I’ve received as well."
Claire Sinclair chuckled and reminded her, "Professor Taylor, I was recording that just now."
Cecily Taylor almost choked on her anger, forcing a smile through gritted teeth. "Don’t worry. I always stand by my word. Besides, plenty of witnesses heard me."