Chapter 107: Sienna Responded to Noah

“Alright,” Sienna responded to Noah.

Lucas carried the boy and stepped outside. The storm raged violently. Lightning flashed across the sky, followed by deafening thunder. Though it was daytime, the heavy clouds made it feel like dusk had fallen early. Sienna watched the door close. Silence enveloped her. Peace returned, but a strange emptiness settled in her chest.

The meat on the table continued to sizzle. The warmth had vanished from the room. Exhausted, she slumped into a chair. Her appetite was gone. Disgust for Vanessa and Derek churned inside her. She loathed the man from that night five years ago. They had ruined everything. If only she had met Lucas first. Things would be different. But now, she distrusted all men. For years, her sole focus had been revenge. That was her only purpose. She closed her eyes, trying to adjust to the crushing quiet.

Suddenly, the front door burst open. Lucas rushed back inside, Noah still in his arms. Her eyes widened in shock. “Why did you come back?”

“You said only for business. I’m here as the CEO of Harrington Global. To discuss a professional matter.” He set Noah down and approached her, handing her a contract.

She took it. It was a modeling contract for a car show. Harrington Corp and Crestline were co-hosting a major national auto event. Thirteen new models were launching, including a limited edition gold sports car. All participating models were elite, seasoned professionals with years of experience. He was offering this to a newcomer like her?

“Lucas, is this an abuse of power?”

“Ms. Bennett, you misunderstand. My duty is to hire the best talent. You are currently the industry’s brightest rising star. Securing you would be an honor for the company. Furthermore, Vanessa Bennett is also hired for this event. She will be in a supporting role to you. Still not interested?” His expression was utterly serious, all business.

She glanced at the model list. Vanessa’s name was there. Her endorsement was for the lowest-tier car, positioned in the farthest corner of the hall. He knew her too well. He understood her desires perfectly. Her entire reason for returning was to crush Vanessa. To destroy her modeling career utterly. Only when backed into a corner would Vanessa’s true, vile nature show. Then the Bennett family would finally see the truth. Anything that displeased Vanessa pleased her immensely.

Making Vanessa play a secondary, supporting role was the perfect humiliation. Sienna picked up a pen and signed her name with a sharp, elegant flourish. A faint smile touched Lucas’s lips as he carefully stored the contract. “As business partners, sharing a meal to celebrate is acceptable, yes?”

“Of course! We have many details to discuss!” Noah chirped, not waiting for her reply. He scampered to the table and resumed eating his interrupted meal.

Lucas sat across from her, pouring wine for them both. He raised his glass. “Ms. Bennett. To a successful collaboration.” She narrowed her eyes. These two were like persistent kidnappers she couldn’t shake. Yet, watching them, feeling the warmth from the food, the earlier emptiness began to fade, replaced by a reluctant contentment.

Fine. She would play along for now. As long as the job proceeded smoothly. The thought of Vanessa being her accessory made her lips curve into a smile. She could already picture Vanessa’s furious expression. The day of the auto show would be a glorious spectacle.