Chapter 267
I swear, one of these days she’ll push too far and I’m going to snap.
Her eyes turn cold. “Careful, Sierra. You’re not exactly in a position to be arrogant or rude p>
“Funny,” I reply coolly. “Last I checked, I didn’t ask for your opinion p>
“You think you’re untouchable, don’t you p>
“No,” I say honestly. “But I am done with your bullshit p>
“I’m just getting started.” she smiles slowly. “Tell me, Sierra, how does it feel knowing you drugged your best friend’s husband just to get yourself knocked up p>
“Wow.” I clap slowly. “Your ability to twist the truth is honestly impressive. So who came up with that one? you or Brook p>
“We both know it’s the truth. Brook told me Noah could never sleep with you sober.” Her smile widens “So how does it feel carrying the proof of your shame around like that p>
Something inside me goes very, very cold.
“Enough, Jocelyn,” I say through clenched teeth. “Do not bring my child into this p>
“Why?” she smirks. “I’m just stating facts. That baby is nothing but your shame p>
My hand trembles.
“Walk away,” I warn her. “Now p>
She ignores me, her gaze dropping pointedly to my stomach. “I almost feel sorry for that bastard for having a mother like you.” Her lips curl. “Brook should’ve killed it when she had the chance p>
Remember when I said that one of these days I’d snap? Well, it looks like that day is today.
I don’t remember moving. I don’t remember lifting my hand. All I know is the crack of skin against skin and the shocked gasp that follows.
Jocelyn stumbles back, nearly losing her balance, her hand flying to her cheek.
“Did you just hit me!” she snaps.
I breathe hard, my palm stinging, my heart pounding so violently I can hear it in my ears.
She stares at me, eyes wide with fury.
“You—” she chokes. “You will pay for that p>
I don’t say a word.
She straightens, hatred burning in her gaze. “I swear to you, Sierra. You will regret this p>
Then she turns and storms off, heels clicking sharply against the floor. The moment she’s gone, my knees threaten to give out.
I sink back into my chair, pressing my hands to my face as the adrenaline drains away, leaving nothing but dread behind.
What did I just do?
“Sierra p>
I look up to find Benji standing there, a stack of reports in his hands, concern etched on his face.
“What the hell happened?” he asks. “Why was Jocelyn breathing fire p>
I swallow. “I… I slapped her p>
His brows shoot up. “You what p>
“She said something vile, and I lost it,” I whisper.
“Damn,” He exhales slowly. “That might cause trouble p>
“I know,” I say, panic creeping in. “That’s what I’m worried about p>
Before he can respond, my phone rings. My supervisor’s name flashes on the screen, making my stomach drop.
I pick it up, and he tells me to get my ass to his office immediately.
“I have to go,” I mutter, already standing.
Walking to his office feels like being summoned to the principal’s office. I know I shouldn’t have lost my temper, but between Adrian canceling on me and Noah meddling where he doesn’t belong, my patience was already worn thin.
His office feels smaller than usual, probably because of the thick tension
Jocelyn is already there… She really didn’t waste a second.
She sits across from my supervisor, arms crossed, chin lifted, her cheek faintly red.
“Did you slap Jocelyn?” my supervisor asks without preamble.
“Yes,” I answer.
No excuses. No justifications.
He sighs, rubbing his temples. “Sierra, you’re the best researcher we have, but we can’t have physical altercations in the workplace… You know this clearly p>
“I understand,” I say quietly.
He studies me for a long moment. “I’m issuing a warning, but just this once. If it happens again, I’ll suspend you p>
Relief washes through me. I expected something harsher and I’m sure Jocelyn expected the same too.
“That’s all she gets?” Jocelyn growls. “She slapped me. That goes against the code of conduct p>
“Jocelyn,” the supervisor says evenly, “Sierra has consistently been our top employee, and very few people can rival her professionalism.” He pauses. “While her reaction was inappropriate, I know for a fact that you provoked her first p>
“B-but Jocelyn starts but the supervisor cuts her off.
“Enough, Jocelyn,” he tells her before turning to me. “You’re dismissed for the day. Go home and think about what you done p>
His words make me feel like a naughty child put in time-out.
I nod. “Thank you p>
As I step into the hallway, Jocelyn moves in front of me, blocking my path. She leans in close, her voice a venomous whisper.
“Just so you know,” she says, her eyes glittering, “this isn’t over. I’ll destroy you, Sierra p>
I meet her gaze, my hands steady now.
“You always say that.” I reply, then I walk around her and keep going.