Half-Hearted: Mr. Sinclair, Stop the Act!-Chapter 139: Manipulating Public Opinion

Caleb Sinclair observed the happiness and longing in her eyes, his sharp gaze not missing a single detail.

Yet ultimately, he couldn’t capture a shred of a clue.

Still, inexplicably, the heavy stone pressing on his heart showed no signs of being moved.

Suppressing his emotions, he asked softly, "When do you think... Mom will be released?"

Sienna Monroe furrowed her brows slightly.

He was very unusual.

Whether in reaction or in the questions he was asking now.

She inconspicuously glanced at the phone he had set aside.

Had he really found out something?

Caleb Sinclair was always deeply suspicious, and if he had indeed uncovered something.

Then he was testing her now.

Sienna clenched her fist, not daring to show even a hint of suspicion under his gaze.

She slowly shook her head, "This... I really can’t say for sure. Don’t worry, my brother and uncle will definitely find a way."

Caleb served her a bowl, his expression unclear, but his lips still held a gentle smile, "True, it is early to ask this. Do you have any suggestions on where Mom should settle for her retirement?"

Sienna took the soup, using the bowl to hide all her emotions, and after a few seconds, she returned to her normal state and said, "Places like Svelta, Nordheim, and Silvania are quite nice.

The climate is pleasant, there’s plenty of sunshine, and the pace of life is not too fast. However, talking about these places is pointless; we still have to wait for Mom to come out and see where she wants to live."

Hearing this, Caleb chuckled, "I can tell, these are all places you want to visit."

Sienna was taken aback, looking up at him.

It’s true.

These places were ones she hadn’t been to yet but longed to visit.

Caleb had once told her that he would accompany her wherever she wanted to go in the future, even in their old age, come rain or shine.

But now, this promise would end in the winter of their 27th year.

They wouldn’t be able to go anywhere together anymore.

She laughed mockingly in her heart, but on the surface, she glared at him in embarrassment.

Setting down the bowl, she feigned anger, "Are you mocking me?"

"No, no, it’s my fault," Caleb quickly pleaded for mercy, "Don’t be mad, honey. No matter where Mom decides to settle, I’ll accompany you to all those places."

She had heard this kind of promise too many times, and Sienna had become immune.

But she didn’t want to discuss the matter further with him either, so she snorted lightly and continued her meal.

Perhaps Caleb’s unusual behavior kept her from sleeping well that night, and her dreams were particularly chaotic.

Upon waking the next day, she felt incredibly heavy, and her spirits were much lower.

Though it was a sunny day, the morning fog was dense, and frost had already settled in the yard.

After washing up and changing clothes, as she headed downstairs, her phone suddenly chimed.

Sienna was startled, quickly taking out her phone and opening the message: [Today, someone will deliberately manipulate public opinion to reveal your past as an original shareholder and legal representative of Radiance Beauty Spa.]

The moment she read the message, she froze.

The Radiance Beauty Spa case had been exposed for so many days, and it was still trending.

After all, it involved Imperial City’s elite, and most netizens were watching for entertainment; there were not many malicious slurs, mostly sarcastic remarks.

But the impact was widespread, covering the entire internet.

The police were about to close the case, and at this moment, revealing her status as a shareholder and former legal representative, while she remained unscathed, what kind of suspicion and cursing would arise from netizens?

This person wanted to ruin her reputation and, in passing, destroy the art gallery exhibition opening.

Someone was manipulating behind the scenes...

Who could this manipulator be?

Who would use this matter to damage her reputation?

Several names flashed through her mind, yet among those she could think of, there weren’t many.

Could it be... Vivian Nash?

If it was truly her, according to the usual pattern of the messages, it should have been directly pointed out.

But the message said "someone."

"Someone" implies that even the message didn’t know, and that person was hiding in the shadows. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Sienna furrowed her brows, a flash of worry passing through her calm eyes, adding a burden to her heart.

Thinking about who it might be was meaningless now.

The main concern was how to handle today’s public opinion storm.

If it were to pay to remove the trending topic and suppress the public, it would be simple, but the instigator had the skill to stir up this public opinion, and it would be futile no matter how many times she suppresses it.

This would only consume her own reputation.

No benefit whatsoever.

The best method was to clarify.

But if the clarification came from her mouth, the credibility would be very low.

The most suitable person to help her clarify...

She lifted her eyes, and precisely at that moment, Caleb appeared at the bottom of the stairs, looking at her warmly, "Why are you standing there daydreaming? Hurry down and have breakfast."

Sienna regained her senses, suppressing her thoughts, responded with a "Okay," and continued descending the stairs.

In her heart, she quickly devised a strategy.

During breakfast, she calmly and naturally asked, "The day after tomorrow, at the art gallery’s exhibition opening, will you attend?"

Caleb paused slightly at her words, then a hint of apology appeared on his face, seemingly intending to decline.

His company truly couldn’t spare any extra time now.

He even had to work late tonight.

Sienna noticed this.

But on the opening day, with numerous media present and today’s public opinion buzz, there would certainly be reporters hounding her with questions on that matter.

Though it appeared unfavorable to her, it was actually the best opportunity for clarification.

So, Caleb’s presence was essential.

Before he could speak, Sienna preempted him, "This is my second exhibition since I took over the art gallery. You didn’t attend Audrey’s solo exhibition opening.

This time, I want you to go. You are the most important person in my life, and I want to share that moment of achievement and joy with you."

Those soft, moist apricot eyes, filled with anticipation and regret.

Add that to her phrase "you are the most important person in my life," and it becomes the ultimate persuasion for Caleb.

Compared to these, the doubts haunting him since last night seemed insignificant.

No matter what, Caleb couldn’t refuse Sienna when she was like this.

A lump formed in Caleb’s throat, his heart softened like a cloud in the sky, drifting with the wind.

Indeed.

Though she also studied art, when she initially took over the gallery, she was bewildered and at a loss for a while.

For her, this exhibition was indeed an achievement and a source of pride.

As her husband, he really should stand by her side, watching her genuinely strive to lead the gallery towards international success, getting better and better.

The passing of her mother, even though it had been over a year, was still her most painful memory.

Hence, the gallery carried much of her expectations and responsibilities.

Remembering these, the words of refusal stuck in his throat, unable to be spoken.

Meeting her gaze, Caleb softly said, "It’s my fault. Last time, because of the Quincy River Group project, I couldn’t attend Audrey’s exhibition opening.

Sienna, don’t worry. This time, I will definitely make time to go."

Sienna, seeing the pity in his eyes, unconsciously clenched her fist, exhaling a discreet breath, and the anticipation in her eyes transformed into a joyful emotion.

She readily replied, "Okay."