Chapter 1534 Slander
What kind of a lifestyle is this?
Sasha did not know much about Sebastian’s work, but she could see how exhausted he was every single day. He would literally fall asleep as soon as he hit the bed. In addition, he always wore a frown any time of the day.
He also seemed to have gotten a lot thinner.
“How is it? Has he signed yours?”
“Not yet. It’s been two days, but I’m still queueing for my turn.”
Just then, she overheard some chatters outside of the office.
Tilting her head to take a peek, Sasha saw that two men dressed in suits were waiting in line to discuss business with Sebastian.
Their grim expressions said it all.
“Me too. Actually, I find it strange that we must all get his approval when he’s not representing the White House. Why must it be this way since he has decided to stay here instead of working at the White House?”
“Shh!” the other man gestured to the first guy to lower his voice.
“Beware, walls do have ears. It’s fine that you’re telling me this, but never say a word elsewhere.”
“I…”
“I know that you’re dissatisfied, but there’s no other way to get through this. He’s the man who has all the power—whatever he says goes. White House? Hmph! That’s just his marionette.”
Soon, more nasty things were said as the duo continued to gossip.
Hearing all those awful comments, Sasha felt a wave of fury surge within her. She clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
Marionette? He treats the White House as his mere puppet? How could they utter such nonsense? Ever since Grandpa’s retirement, he’s been shouldering all these responsibilities and careful planning to ensure that the foreign countries aren’t preying on us. Had it not been for his selfless love for the nation, he wouldn’t want to swamp himself with endless work!
Livid, Sasha was on the verge of bursting.
In the end, she suppressed her anger and remained inside the office to wait for Sebastian.
When he got back to the room, she started chatting with him.
“Sebby, how long do you plan to work? Ichika delivered a baby boy this afternoon. When are you free? Let’s go back to Avenport.”
“Oh, the baby has arrived?”
He was having a headache after back-to-back meetings.
Sasha replied, “Yes, Solomon posted some updates in the group chat. So, when will you have time?”
“Not now; I still have my hands full. Go ahead if you want to pay them a visit. I’ll get Mark to take care of all household matters in your absence.”
He doesn’t intend to stop working, does he? Even worse, he’s asking me to go back all by myself!
Finally, Sasha could not stand it anymore and erupted like a volcano. She stood up and strode forward to meet his eyes.
“Why are you so busy? Sebastian, you’ve lost your marbles. In the past, you were never like this. You could never be bothered about things that didn’t concern you. But, take a look at yourself now. You’re assuming all sorts of responsibilities and biting more than you can chew. Are you planning on resolving every single matter in this country before handing it over to someone else on a silver platter? Do people actually appreciate that?”
Her sudden outburst made him pause and put his pen down.
He lifted his head and looked at the woman who went ballistic. Shocked and confused, he definitely did not see it coming.
“Darling, you…”
Upon realizing her blow-up at Sebastian, she muttered, “I’m sorry. I just… I just feel that not everyone will be grateful for the things you do for them. We’re just ordinary people. There’s no need to push ourselves to the limit.”
She avoided his gaze. Her eyes were red-rimmed because of her rage and grievances.
That’s right. I think that it’s an outright humiliation when others insult his hard work poured out for the nation by doubting his motive and sincerity. This is unforgivable!
Sebastian understood where she was coming from. He put his pen down, rose from his seat, and went over to her.
“I’m sorry for putting you through these slanders.”
He hugged her from the back and rested his chin on her collar bone.
Slander?
Sasha’s heart skipped a beat.
“You… You know about it?”
“Of course, who did you take me for? Anyhow, don’t listen to any of the unwholesome talks. I’m doing all these to make sure that the earlier efforts put in wouldn’t go to waste. Think about how many lives had been sacrificed to get this nation to where it is right now.”
“Therefore?”
“Therefore, I must create a strategic plan and set up defenses. At the very least, I need to ensure that those who have been eyeing to get a slice of the pie won’t stand a chance to do so in the absence of Jonathan when we leave this place. What do you think?” he explained gently.
Then, he turned her around and planted a kiss on her lips.
He seldom did that because Sasha was always the smart and rational one. She must have lost her patience today.
As expected, her mood got better after being consoled by her husband.
“But you must have your guard up. There have been too many rumors and slanders lately, and these aren’t working to your advantage. What if the people at the White House pick it up? Will they suspect you or be displeased at what they might hear?”
“Does he have the right to do so?”
Suddenly, his expression turned cold and aloof again.
“It’s been a while since Jonathan relinquished his position, and look at what’s going on in the political scene now. If he thinks for himself, he’d better sit quietly and enjoy the results I bring him. Otherwise, he will be the first on the list to be replaced!”
At that moment, a figure appeared outside of the office and then went out of sight in a flash.
