Chapter 103: Bianca's Voice Broke Thick with Emotion

“I gave your mother my word that I would protect you, yet I…” Bianca’s voice broke, thick with emotion.

Vanessa stared at the angry red mark on her hand before lifting her gaze. Her agent, always so composed, now had tears welling in her eyes. Vanessa’s composure shattered. She slid to the floor, a graceless collapse.

“Bianca, I never meant to lash out. I’m just… terrified. I know my place in the Bennett family is temporary. I needed to build my own career, my own security, before they cast me aside. I wanted to earn my own fortune. Why is Sienna so determined to ruin me? She has everything! The Bennett empire, more wealth than she could ever spend, even Lucas Harrington himself. Why can’t she just leave me alone? She won’t be happy until I’m completely destroyed!” The words spilled out, venomous and raw with a pain that cut deep.

Bianca sank down beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Vanessa, not everyone possesses a heart like yours. Sienna targeted you from the beginning. This was a calculated move. We didn’t lose to her; we simply underestimated her ruthlessness. Promise me you’ll pull yourself together. Go home. Rest. I will find another way. I promise you.” Vanessa could only nod, her body wracked with sobs. She leaned heavily against the cold wall, utterly defeated. The situation was dire. The humiliation would follow her for years. The mocking whispers were already beginning.

Watching her, Bianca’s heart ached. “Should I call Derek? His company might distract you.”

At the mention of Derek Prescott, a flicker of life returned to Vanessa’s eyes. Over the past few days, he’d been feeding her stories about Sienna’s attempts to seduce Lucas. But the news of their actual marriage was a blow she still couldn’t process. Lucas Harrington would never marry a woman with a tarnished past, a woman who had supposedly lost a child.

Aside from the Harringtons, Derek was the most handsome, powerful man she knew. The nation’s most coveted bachelor. Securing him would be her ultimate victory over Sienna. She gave a weak nod. “Yes. Let him come. There are things we need to discuss.”

“Alright.” Bianca made the call, then helped Vanessa to her feet. She gently cleaned her smudged makeup and reapplied it with practiced hands.

Vanessa glanced again at her injured hand, regret washing over her. “Bianca… I’m sorry. I lost control.”

“It’s alright, dear. No apologies needed. I made a vow to your mother. I owe her everything. Without Lydia, I wouldn’t be here today.” Bianca’s gaze was filled with unwavering devotion.

Years ago, a young and naive Bianca had been brutally attacked and left for dead in a gutter. It was Lydia Bennett, Vanessa’s mother, who found her, saved her, and became her protector. Even later, Lydia continued to be her guardian angel. The last message Bianca ever received from her was clear. [I’ve never asked you for anything. Please, watch over my daughter.] Bianca had dedicated her life to that promise. Vanessa was her daughter in all but blood. Her success was Bianca’s success. Her pain was Bianca’s pain. No one would harm her.

“Remember your greatest asset is that beautiful face. When Derek arrives, don’t let him see you broken. Hold onto him. He is your safety net. At the very least, you will become Mrs. Derek Prescott, a respected name in high society.”

“I won’t fail. Besides, Derek has a plan. A way to destroy Sienna completely, beyond any recovery.” Vanessa’s expression turned serious, determined. “Leave Derek to me. You focus on Sienna. Watch her every move. We need to find the perfect moment to strike back. This time, we leave no trace. No evidence.”

“Understood.”

Outside, the summer sky had darkened. Thick, ominous clouds rolled in, and the wind began to howl. A storm was coming.