CHAPTER 19: CHAPTER 19: ARE YOU PLAYING DOUBLE STANDARDS HERE?

Jordan Hawthorne’s reproach was truly a disaster out of the blue for Sabrina Hayes.

She looked completely baffled.

Wasn’t the client loss at Hawthorne Group due to the incompetence of the managers?

Coming to question her now was simply ridiculous!

Sabrina wasn’t planning to take this lying down. She immediately stood up and responded coldly, "Wasn’t President Hawthorne personally overseeing things when I handed over that day? Don’t you know perfectly well whether I played any tricks or not?

Since the problem arose after I handed over, it means it’s not my issue. You’ve just returned and come to accuse me, don’t you think that’s absurd?

What does client loss have to do with me? I’ve already resigned, I’m home taking care of children, I’ve done nothing, yet this blame is pinned on me?"

Saying this, she seemed to have thought of something and laughed sarcastically, "Who said that if a problem arises under someone’s charge, they should take responsibility? You’ve already forgotten your own words so soon, or... are you just playing double standards here?"

At the beginning of the year, there was a project in the R&D department. Because of a minor error by a team member, the entire system almost failed.

At that time, she discovered and salvaged it in time, avoiding serious losses.

Later, when this matter reached Jordan Hawthorne’s ears, he harshly reprimanded her in front of the team.

She still remembers his exact words,

"You are the team leader. No matter who makes a mistake, ultimately, it’s you who has to bear the responsibility!"

Even when the person who made the mistake came forward to apologize, Jordan Hawthorne showed her no bit of leniency.

He even docked her three months’ bonus to settle the matter completely!

But how long has it been since then...?

When the same situation fell on Brooke Sinclairs, why did he swallow his words?

Jordan Hawthorne furrowed his brow and replied without thinking, "Are these two incidents of the same nature? Brooke just joined, and she isn’t yet familiar with controlling many Hawthorne Group projects. How could she, in such a short time, make such a big mess by herself?

If it weren’t for you deliberately creating those problems at the start to disrupt her work, why would the clients be dissatisfied?"

Saying this, Jordan Hawthorne’s expression grew even colder.

He evidently had no patience to continue arguing with Sabrina and simply ordered, "End this pointless quibbling. No matter what, you must make up for this loss!

Now, come with me to the company. Apologize to those clients who need it, appease those who need it, and meet their demands whatever they are!"

Sabrina almost laughed out loud.

Brooke Sinclairs’s mistakes, and she should apologize?

Yes, she admits she did love him in the past, loved him to the point of losing herself.

But she wasn’t so humble as to let her dignity be trampled on!

Sabrina Hayes would never stoop to that level!

"I’ll say it again, I’ve already resigned; whatever happens in the company has nothing to do with me, and I won’t interfere!

As for apologizing, I did nothing wrong, why should I bow my head? Since you care so much about Brooke Sinclairs, why don’t you clean up this mess for her yourself? Rest assured... if you really do so, I won’t obstruct in the slightest!"

Jordan Hawthorne knitted his brows, feeling an unexplainable anger gathering inside him.

Sabrina noticed and said sarcastically, "What? Planning to use force again to drag me to the company? But Jordan Hawthorne, did you forget? You were the one who kicked me out of the company first!

I did what I was supposed to do, why should I clean up someone’s mess? What do you take me for? A dog that comes when called and leaves when shooed?"

Jordan Hawthorne’s brow creased even more.

He said coldly, "Sabrina Hayes, I’m discussing business with you right now, stop being emotional and throwing a fit! I told you the reason for leaving the company: Brooke’s capabilities are better than yours. For the R&D department to make breakthroughs, choices had to be made.

Also, what’s wrong with focusing on raising your child at home? You’re always distracted by Zara’s matters, can you really manage the department well?"

Sabrina only felt utterly exhausted inside.

She didn’t even want to remind him that when the department was doing well, it was through her efforts while raising a child.

But once prejudice sets in, one becomes completely blinded.

Saying more would only waste her breath.

She simply closed her eyes, suppressing her feelings of disappointment, and said, "I’m not interested in squabbling with you. In any case, I won’t get involved. President Hawthorne, please find someone else suited for the task!"

With those words, Sabrina immediately picked up Zara and returned to the children’s playground upstairs.

After entering, it took a long time for her mood to settle.

The man’s bias and every word protecting Brooke Sinclairs were like sharp knives, relentlessly tormenting her.

Even though she had decided to let go, her heart was still alive, still hurt.

Sabrina pressed her lips together, afraid of affecting Zara, and could only desperately digest these negative emotions herself.

At this time, the little one, always lost in her world, suddenly came over, snuggling softly against her and calling in a tender voice, "Mommy~"

Sabrina braced her emotions and gently asked, "What’s up, baby?"

Zara didn’t answer but opened her small hand towards her, saying in a voice full of sweetness, "Candy... Mommy eat... feel better."

Looking down, Sabrina saw in the little one’s palm a piece of her favorite milk candy.

Every time she comforted Zara, Sabrina would say this.

Little did she expect that Zara remembered and went on to comfort her back at this moment.

Sabrina felt a sting in her nose and hugged her tightly immediately.

In this moment, most of her disappointment and sadness seemed to be cured.

"Alright... Mommy will eat!"

She didn’t refuse, unwrapping the milk candy and quickly popping it into her mouth.

Leaning against her, Zara smiled with pursed lips, looking sweet and adorable.

Sabrina’s heart ached with love, and she hugged her even tighter.

Perhaps infected by the sweetness in her mouth, her mood gradually calmed.

Soon, Zara was back to playing with her Lego.

Only then did Sabrina recall that she forgot to remind Jordan Hawthorne to sign the papers promptly...

However, on second thought, there was no need to rush him.

Jordan would see them when he went back to his room.

He should be more eager to sign than she was.

After all, once divorced, he could be with his white moonlight!

Thinking of this, she dismissed the matter and turned to contact her close friend on her computer.

"Tessa, here’s the information I found online about that psychiatrist. See if you can look into their identity from a different angle."

Tessa Hughes replied quickly, "Sabrina, you’re amazing! Finding a way to investigate through the military forums! Don’t worry, I’ll handle it and let you know as soon as I have news!"

"Alright."

After the chat, Sabrina thought for a moment before opening her contact list and scrolling down quickly.

Nearing the end, her finger hovered over a name.

—Josee Sheffield.

She hadn’t contacted this person for more than four years.

If she reached out now, she didn’t know if he’d still be willing to respond.

After all, their last interaction hadn’t ended well.

His words filled with anger still echoed, "Sabrina Hayes, abandoning your career for a man and switching to a field you’re not skilled in, have you lost your mind? I’m telling you, if you really do this, then don’t contact me again in the future!"

Sabrina hesitated for a long time before finally dialing the number...

The call went through quickly, but it seemed like there was no intention of picking it up, as it got hung up the first time.

Sabrina thought maybe the person accidentally pressed the end button.

She dialed again.

This time, the phone rang for a long time before it was finally answered just as it was about to end.

Soon, a deep, cold, and slightly angry male voice came from the other end, "What do you want, Miss Hayes?"