Half-Hearted: Mr. Sinclair, Stop the Act!-Chapter 22: Pretending Not to Know?
Although she had only interacted with him a few times and wasn’t very familiar with him, at this moment Sienna Monroe understood the meaning of his micro-expression.
Indeed, here she was, the original wife discovering her husband’s affair with his mistress, yet the three of them still appeared to have such a good relationship on the surface.
It was quite bizarre.
But there was no other way, she needed evidence.
Leo Prescott’s expression was indifferent; his only sociable moment was nodding at Caleb Sinclair when Principal King introduced them, and he didn’t meet Sienna Monroe’s gaze throughout.
Pretending not to know her?
"I wonder if Mr. Sinclair knows this gentleman. He is currently our school’s legal advisor and a professor in the law faculty—Sebastian Prescott," Principal King introduced with a smile.
Caleb Sinclair nodded and extended a friendly hand, "Of course I know him. Lawyer Prescott’s name echoes through Imperial City, a pleasure to finally meet."
Caleb Sinclair knew the power and influence behind Sebastian Prescott’s identity, and deliberately sought to connect with him.
After all, Sebastian Prescott rarely mingled in The Capital Circle and didn’t engage in business; hiring him as a company’s legal advisor wasn’t easy, and getting an appointment was even harder.
"Pleasure,"
Sebastian Prescott shook his hand lightly and quickly withdrew, nodding politely but returned only two cold words.
The atmosphere turned cold for a moment, and Caleb Sinclair could see that Sebastian wasn’t interested in chatting further. Wisely, he didn’t push it, instead smoothly changed the topic.
Sienna Monroe was quite surprised, not expecting that he was still serving at Capital University.
It seemed the information on Baidu wasn’t comprehensive enough.
Sebastian Prescott had been the top science scholar in Imperial City when he entered Capital University’s law school, then spent the second semester of his junior year at Crestwood University.
After he graduated with a doctorate in law, he founded Aethel Law Firm, becoming famous with his very first case, which led Capital University to invite him back.
Initially, Sebastian Prescott found it bothersome and disliked teaching, so he declined.
But he couldn’t resist Principal King’s persistence all year round.
The opening ceremony for the school’s anniversary celebration was set for ten in the morning, and they headed to the auditorium.
The men were talking ahead, and Sienna Monroe naturally slowed her pace.
Vivian Nash whispered at her side, "This Lawyer Prescott is even more handsome than the photos on the phone, but he’s cold like an ice sculpture."
Sienna Monroe glanced at Sebastian Prescott’s profile curiously, "Do you know him?"
"Of course, he seems to have never lost a case since he began practicing law. He’s quite impressive. Earlier this year, in a divorce case involving The Lockwood Family, he represented the wife. The second son of The Lockwood Family was ruled to leave the marriage penniless due to adultery."
Sienna Monroe paused; she remembered seeing this case on Baidu’s news feed.
But she hadn’t specifically looked into the details.
"What’s the matter?" Vivian Nash asked, noticing her sudden stop.
"Nothing, just curious about the mistress. How was she judged?"
Vivian Nash’s expression flickered unnaturally; perhaps she felt the topic was uncomfortable or guilty, she dodged, "It was a while ago, can’t quite remember."
Oh, turns out she knows she’s the mistress.
At least she’s clear about her own position.
Sienna Monroe sneered inwardly.
"Oh, I’ll check on it later, I’m quite curious." Sienna Monroe scornfully cursed, "But scummy men deserve to die, and mistresses who destroy families shouldn’t get away either. Aren’t there plenty of men with two legs? They’re not extinct; why cling to someone else’s? And how did her parents raise her so poorly to become a mistress? Where would they put their faces?"
Vivian Nash’s face turned pale abruptly, her hands clenched into fists, fury burning in her chest, unable to vent or subside, leaving her with only the option of glaring pitifully at Caleb Sinclair’s back.
Yet she had to grudgingly agree with Sienna Monroe, "Yeah, these people are so terrible."
Sienna Monroe glanced at her forced smile, sunlight refracted through the clouds cast beams that lightened the gloom in her heart a little.
The opening ceremony was held in the school’s grand auditorium, which could accommodate up to four thousand people. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺
Near the auditorium were many students, who whispered among themselves upon recognizing Sebastian Prescott, Sienna Monroe, and Caleb Sinclair.
The bolder ones shouted, "Professor Prescott" and "Alumni, you two are such a good match."
Sienna Monroe turned back to smile at them, her exceptionally beautiful face basking in the sunlight, gaining more appearance admirers.
Sebastian Prescott turned his gaze away just as it encountered her gentle and warm smile.
After lingering for a few seconds, he naturally drew his eyes back.
They were arranged to sit in the first row on the ground floor of the auditorium, alongside several notable figures from the business world, and people from the political and educational sectors.
The second row consisted of celebrity alumni invited back and distinguished student representatives from the school.
Caleb Sinclair adeptly greeted each of them, maneuvering with ease.
Meanwhile, Vivian Nash sat in the third row.
She watched Sienna Monroe standing beside Caleb Sinclair, charming and insightful as she engaged in banter with those successful in high society.
She felt uncomfortable.
When would she be able to stand openly by his side, hear him introduce her gracefully as his woman?
As long as Sienna Monroe was there, she would never have such an opportunity.
Her entire life would be spent hidden away by Caleb Sinclair in the dark, damp underground.
Never to be seen in daylight.
The jealousy towards Sienna Monroe grew even deeper at this moment.
Initially, she envied Sienna’s family background, envied her beauty, elegance, and intellect. Later... everything she had, she would envy, and she couldn’t help but imagine if all of that were hers—what if the position of Caleb Sinclair’s wife were hers?
She wanted to enjoy all the favoritism and happiness Caleb Sinclair had given to Sienna.
Jealous of all the admiring and envious gazes directed at her.
Vivian Nash’s eyes were uncontrollably filled with hatred and jealousy. In the end, she gritted her teeth, lowered her head, and suppressed all her emotions deep within.
The opening ceremony began with the principal’s speech, followed by a history exhibition and speeches from celebrity alumni and outstanding student representatives.
There were two celebrity alumni: Caleb Sinclair and... Sebastian Prescott.
Compared to Caleb’s eloquence and engaging speech, Sebastian’s was very simple, expressing gratitude for the school’s cultivation and respect for his mentors, as well as expectations for the students. He finished in seven or eight sentences, then bowed and calmly turned to leave the stage.
Sienna found it amusing and slightly curled her lips.
The opening ceremony officially ended at 12:15 p.m., and there were student performances in the auditorium in the afternoon.
After leaving the auditorium, Caleb Sinclair politely declined Principal King’s lunch invitation, saying he wanted to accompany Sienna to the cafeteria, as such opportunities were rare.
Everyone who heard this said their relationship was strong and that he cherished his wife.
Sienna had heard such compliments too many times and now only felt they were ironic.
After bidding farewell to Principal King and the others, Caleb held Sienna’s hand as they headed to the nearest cafeteria 2.
"Oh dear, it’s been so long since I’ve eaten in the cafeteria, I kind of miss it," Vivian commented with a smile as she stood behind Sienna with a tray.
"Yeah, we used to often go to cafeteria 4, their sweet and sour ribs were delicious," Sienna echoed.
Cafeteria 4 was closest to the Art Department, but quite far from the Finance Department, taking nearly 15 minutes by bicycle.
Back then, Caleb Sinclair knew she loved sweet and sour ribs, so every time cafeteria 4 had them, he would ride his bike there to buy them for her.
Rain or shine.
Caleb was pure in his feelings towards her back then. Perhaps he still was, but not purely enough.
Caleb turned to look at her, his eyes full of warmth and affection, "Had I known, we should have just gone to cafeteria 4. I wonder if they have your favorite sweet and sour ribs today, and the fermented fish there is also good."
"It’s okay, cafeteria 2’s food is also good," Sienna smiled.
The three of them got their meals and found an empty spot to sit down. The cafeteria was quite crowded at this time.
Vivian asked, "Are you two going to see the cultural performances in the afternoon?"
Caleb looked at Sienna.
Sienna said, "Let’s go have a look, I haven’t watched them since I graduated."
The afternoon cultural performances started at 2 p.m. After eating, the three of them strolled around campus for a bit.
Close to 2 p.m., the three of them returned to the auditorium and joined Principal King and a few others inside.
Sebastian Prescott was not among them.
About two-thirds into the performance, Principal King whispered a few words into Caleb’s ear, to which he nodded, then turned to Sienna and said, "Honey, Principal King wants to discuss something with me. I’ll be right back, you go ahead and watch."
"Okay, you go. Just message me once you’re done."
"Alright."
After that, Caleb left with Principal King, a few business people, and some folks from the education bureau.
Throughout the day, there had been little interaction between him and Vivian, just like before—a relationship neither close nor distant, always at odds.
When the performance ended at 4:30, the two of them joined the crowd leaving the auditorium. Vivian typed on her phone for a bit, then looked up and said she was going to the restroom.
Sienna observed, "Then I’ll go with you."
Vivian opened her mouth, then finally nodded.
After leaving the restroom, Vivian said she wanted to buy a drink, and Sienna suggested they go together.
There was a milk tea shop near the east gate of the school. They each bought a cup and picked one for Caleb as well.
Sienna could tell that Vivian was trying to lose her.
"Vivian, should we check out the basketball court?"
Vivian’s eyes flickered, "Sure, let’s go."
Sienna was surprised, thinking Vivian would find an excuse to get rid of her, but was taken aback that they were going together.
The basketball court was about a ten-minute walk away. As they got close, Vivian pressed on her stomach, furrowed her brows, and said, "Sienna, you go ahead. I think my period just started—I’m heading to the restroom."
Sienna couldn’t tell if she should praise her acting skills or their lack thereof.
She guessed why Vivian wanted to get rid of her—probably to meet Caleb Sinclair.
Her heart tightened, but she played along, "There’s nothing on your skirt. Do you have a pad with you?"
"I brought one."
"Then go quickly. I’ll see if there are any seats."
"Okay."
Once she was out of sight, Sienna was about to follow when her phone buzzed with a text: [Old sports equipment room, Vivian and Caleb will be there cheating!]
