Chapter 139: Vanessa's Voice Grew Raspy from Sobbing

Vanessa’s voice grew raspy from sobbing. Tears streamed down her cheeks without pause. Her delicate frame trembled violently, as if she might collapse from the emotional turmoil. The spectators watched the scene unfold with rapt attention. Some found the entire situation unspeakably messy. Others harbored doubts about the authenticity of her display. Yet many were completely swayed by Vanessa’s performance. Their hearts ached for her apparent distress. Helena felt a similar pang of sympathy.

She helped Vanessa to her feet, offering comfort. “Vanessa, please stop crying. This is Tessa’s fault, not yours. You misjudged her character. You trusted her as your top agent. She’s utterly heartless! I will find you a better agent tomorrow. Please, dry your tears.”

“No, it’s my failure. I failed to supervise my agent properly. That’s why she could commit such a terrible act. The blame lies with me…”

Vanessa pushed Helena away gently. She turned to face the eleven models, her expression contrite. “I am so sorry. Truly, I apologize. My agent is the one who poisoned you all. I am the cause of your suffering…” She bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle. Her voice was thick with remorse and hoarse from crying. She then turned toward Sienna.

She bowed again, even deeper this time. “Sister, I beg your forgiveness. I am deeply sorry for your prolonged imprisonment. It breaks my heart… My failure to uncover the truth sooner allowed you to endure such pain… I apologize on my own behalf, and on Tessa’s as well. You may hit me. You may kick me. Do whatever you need to do…” Her crying intensified as she spoke. Tears flooded her face, her demeanor utterly submissive. She even grabbed Sienna’s hand, attempting to force Sienna to strike her.

A flicker of cold mockery passed through Sienna’s eyes. This woman was attempting to play the victim yet again. Did she truly believe Sienna would fall for such an obvious act? Sienna had a particular distaste for those who feigned victimhood. She raised her hand swiftly. She delivered a stinging slap across Vanessa’s face. The force of the blow sent Vanessa stumbling to the floor. Helena rushed to Vanessa’s side immediately.

She helped her up, glaring furiously at Sienna. “Sienna! How could you be so cruel! Tessa is the one who framed you! Vanessa is your sister! She has been defending you this whole time! She apologized to you! How could you strike her!”

“Mother… It’s alright… Really, I’m fine… I’m not hurt…” Vanessa clutched her reddening cheek, tears still flowing. “It is my fault. I failed to see the truth sooner. I failed to control Tessa. I share the blame. If she wishes to hit me, she may. I deserve it. It might ease my guilt…”

Her portrayal of distress and remorse instantly won the sympathy of the crowd. Mutterings began to spread through the onlookers.

“Poor Vanessa. She was dragged into this by her own agent.”

“Sienna is too harsh. Look, Vanessa’s lip is bleeding. Look at those finger marks on her face. Tsk, tsk…”

“She was only locked up for a few days. It’s not like she suffered greatly. Vanessa has apologized profusely. Why hit her with such force…”

Sienna’s gaze remained icy. In this world, those who cried often received what they wanted. But Sienna was not a crier. Was she meant to play the villain simply because she refused to shed tears? No. She might not have the power to defeat every evil, but she certainly knew how to handle those who pretended to be victims. She looked at Vanessa with undisguised scorn.

She let out a cold, derisive laugh. “Alright, that’s enough acting. My friend still possesses a complete record of your conversations with Tessa. If you continue this charade, I will not hesitate to ensure you join her in prison.” Vanessa’s face froze instantly. The tears that had been welling in her eyes stopped falling abruptly. Sienna had a copy of her chats with Tessa! This… This was catastrophic! This would utterly destroy her!