The next morning, Sebastian found himself unsurprisingly–trending online. The internet was ablaze with speculation about why Tretine Desfen hal targeted the Zimmerman Group,
At the height of its popularity, Tieline Design had been the go–to choice for home renovations in Beliston, from the rich and powerful to the average loka
Their sudden announcement of pausing orders three years ago had caused quite a stir. Now, their dramatic return, with a very public feud against the Zimmerman Group, had many people convinced Sebastian’s family was the reason Beliston had been deprived of their services.
Sebastian never paid attention to trending topics. But this time, even his board members had complained during the shareholders‘ meeting. Afterward, he reluctantly scrolled through the comments, his expression darkening with each one.
Half an hour later, he headed to Tieline Design. Upon arriving, he strode up to the reception desk and asked, “Where’s Ace?”
The receptionist glanced up, compared him to a photo carefully, then signaled to her coworkers. Moments later, they brought out a sign that read: [NEW TIELINE DESIGN POLICY: SEBASTIAN & Dirty Dogs NOT ALLOWED]
Sebastian had heard about the sign, but seeing it in person–bold, black letters against a stark white background–hit differently.
He didn’t understand why Tieline Design and Ace had it out for him. But he wasn’t one to force his way where he wasn’t wanted. After a silent stare at the sigh, he turned and left.
Yasmine hid in the corner, watching Sebastian walk away. A shiver of unease ran through her–her plans might be derailed by a surprise roadblock.
In the afternoon, the tax bureau came to audit the books. No sooner had Yasmine seen them off than the fire department arrived to conduct a fire safety inspection. And just as the fire inspectors left, the business administration office showed up.
The whole afternoon, Yasmine was running around like crazy. By the time she’d handled the last inspection, the workday was nearly over. She stared at the mountain of untouched paperwork on her desk and clenched her jaw. ‘That jerk is really petty!‘
Just as she caught her breath, two police officers walked in. One of them said, “Mr. Zimmerman has filed a defamation lawsuit against your company. Is the person in charge available?”
Furious, Yasmine nearly cracked a tooth from grinding them so hard.
Sebastian sat in his car outside the police station, watching as a woman was led inside by the police.
The woman’s waist–length hair spilled out from under an oversized bucket hat that obscured most of her face. Even squinting, Sebastian couldn’t make out any distinguishing features.
Truman craned his neck for a better look, then frowned. “That doesn’t look like Mrs. Zimmerman.”
Sebastian had never seriously believed Yasmine could be running Tieline Design. It was just that the scandal had gotten so out of hand, and he needed to
clear his name.
Cheryl walked out of the police station hours later, exhausted. Suddenly, she spotted the familiar Maybach parked outside and marched over. Peering. through the car window, she forced a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Mr. Zimmerman,” she grinned as the window lowered, “while I was giving my statement, I also reported that I’ve been followed recently. You might as well stay here and get ready to give your statement inside in a bit.”
Sebastian’s face darkened.
1/2
Chapter 25
Cheryl walked away in her designer heels, thinking, ‘Thank God Yasmine had the sense to sign everything over to me before taking the reins at Tiene Design.
She stood under a nearby tree, watching with satisfaction as officers led Sebastian into the station. Only when he disappeared through the doors did she
finally slip into the waiting Maserati
As soon as she got in the car, she started complaining. “Yasmine, I take back what I said earlier. I’m still gonna see you a lot lately!”
Her eyes lit up when she noticed the figure in the backseat. “And Hayden too,” she added quickly, her tone suddenly sweetening
Yasmine offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry for dragging you into this mess again, Cheryl.”
But Cheryl had already twisted around per seat, practically glowing as she focused on the man behind them. “Hayden, where are you taking us for
dinner?”
Yasmine could only sigh helplessly.
