Chapter 11
Outside, the murmur of coworkers’ questions and gossip filled the air.
Elena froze for only a second before her composure returned. She didn’t rush out, nor did her face betray any panic. Instead, she calmly poured herself another glass of juice and walked out of the pantry.
Everyone in the CEO’s office instinctively glanced her way, then quickly looked elsewhere. Still, curiosity and gossip flickered across their expressions.
A moment ago, only Elena and Nadine had been in the pantry. Then came Nadine’s sudden shriek, followed by her storming out with coffee all over her face.
The scene spoke for itself.
Nadine had just stolen a project Elena had been managing for months. Elena being upset was only natural. But to throw coffee at her, and in the middle of the office, no less… that was something else
entirely.
Elena didn’t see Nadine in the room now. Obviously, she was now in Justin’s office tattling.
As the thought crossed her mind, the door opened. Justin walked out, and his expression was
thunderous. The moment his eyes landed on her, his anger intensified.
“Come to my office,” he said coldly.
“There’s no need for that,” Elena replied, taking a few steps forward before stopping. “If you have something to say, say it here in front of everyone.”
“Ms. Miller!” His voice was sharp, and his teeth were clenched.
She had gone too far. She had actually thrown coffee at Nadine. He had been trying to spare her some dignity by handling it in private, yet she refused.
Nadine emerged from the office just then, dabbing at her face with tissues. Her voice trembled. It was soft and pitiful, “Jus… I mean, Mr. Riggs, please don’t be upset. I don’t think Ms. Miller did it on purpose.
The coffee was hot, but look-I’m fine. It’s not a big deal. Let’s just forget it.”
“That coffee was scalding, yet she threw it at you!” Justin snapped. His eyes were full of concern for her.
Nadine lowered her head, hiding the smug little curve at the corner of her lips.
She knew the coffee had cooled while they argued. That was why she had dared to dump it on herself in the first place.
“Ms. Miller, no matter what your grievances are, you don’t resort to violence in the office.” Justin’s voice was cold. “Apologize to Nadi.”
Elena walked over to them silently.
Seeing her quiet compliance, Nadine’s eyes lit up with triumph.
This was precisely what she wanted Elena to see-that Justin would always take her side. Even if Elena tried to explain, he wouldn’t believe her.
But what happened next made her freeze.
Elena suddenly raised her hand and flung the entire glass of juice straight into her face.
Nadine stood stunned. Not only her, but everyone else in the office also gaped, even Justin himself,
Elena hadn’t held back. Standing right next to Nadine, Justin caught the splash as well.
A long beat passed before Nadine shrieked again. “Ahh! Elena, have you lost your mind!”
“Elena!” Justin barked, his fury breaking loose. “That’s enough!”
Elena flicked her gaze at him, then back to Nadine. Her voice was cold. “Didn’t you just accuse me of
throwing coffee on you? Since you’re so determined to pin this on me, I might as well make it true.”
“What do you mean I pinned it on you?” Nadine’s body shook with rage.
She was about to explode. When she had spilled coffee on herself earlier, she had been careful not to
make it too bad. But Elena hadn’t shown her the same mercy. Now her hair and face were dripping with
juice. She didn’t need a mirror to know how ridiculous she looked.
“Enough!” Justin’s expression darkened. He seized Elena’s wrist and said, “Inside. Now!”
Without waiting, he dragged her into his office.
Nadine ducked her head and quickly followed.
The door slammed shut behind them, leaving the office buzzing.
“What the hell just happened?”
“Ms. Miller is fearless. She actually threw juice on Ms. Riggs in front of Mr. Riggs!”
“What exactly happened in the pantry? Did she really throw the coffee on Ms. Riggs?”
“From the way Ms. Miller said it, it sounds like Ms. Riggs framed her.”
“Shh! Keep it down!”
The atmosphere inside the office was suffocating.
Justin sat on the couch, and his glare was sharp enough to cut.
Elena met his eyes without flinching.
Beside them, Nadine sniffled. Tears spilled down her cheeks.
After a long silence, Justin finally spoke to Nadine. “Go clean up in the bathroom.”
There was a private restroom in the lounge attached to the office.
Nadine cast Elena a resentful glance before slipping inside.
“Lena, this time you’ve really-”
“Mr. Riggs,” Elena cut him off coolly. “We’re at work. You should call me Ms. Miller.”
His temper spiked again. “What exactly are you trying to do? I told you, Nadi is not only my sister; she’s
your sister too. Whatever happens, can’t you just give her a little leeway? You used to be so sensible. What’s gotten into you?”
