Chapter 212: Derek Spun Toward Vanessa

Derek spun toward Vanessa. “Apologize. Now. To Sienna.”

“Apologize? Derek? Are you serious? You want me to apologize to her?” Vanessa’s face drained of all color. She could fake remorse and play the victim on any other occasion. But not this one.

This was Sienna’s doing. These were clearly her traps, her schemes. And now she was supposed to apologize? Derek used to loathe Sienna just as much as she did. Why was he suddenly demanding this? His gaze was unyielding. “Yes. When you make a mistake, you apologize. We shouldn’t be together. Let’s end it, right here, right now, in front of Sienna.” This was the only way to salvage the wedding. The only way to control the damage.

He turned back to Sienna. “It’s true. Vanessa and I made a terrible mistake. I am deeply sorry. If you’re concerned about your assets, we can sign a prenuptial agreement immediately.” Madam Prescott elbowed him sharply. “Don’t be a fool, Derek! What are you saying? Sienna will forgive you once you’ve shown true remorse. We’re about to be family. Families don’t keep score like this. You’ll only make things more difficult. Isn’t that right, Sienna?” She offered Sienna a strained, hopeful smile.

Sienna’s expression remained cold. “Haven’t I been clear? I said I will never forgive you! I want nothing more to do with any of you. Ever!” Vanessa felt pure hatred burn through her. She wanted to lunge at Sienna and silence her forever. Derek and his mother were already begging. Why was she still so arrogantly stubborn? Did she get off on torturing everyone? What more did she possibly want?

Flustered, Madam Prescott turned to Helena. “Helena, please, talk some sense into your daughter. There’s no need to destroy our families’ bond over this. What good will it do? Think of the media frenzy. The headlines will be brutal.” Helena and Philip Bennett were seething. They couldn’t accept that their seemingly pure daughter was actually this deceitful and vile. Yet, they had to consider the bigger picture. If the wedding was truly called off, the fallout would be catastrophic. The family’s reputation was on the line.

Helena grasped Sienna’s hand, her voice pleading. “Sienna, your sister is absolutely at fault here. You can punish her any way you see fit. But there are too many reporters here today. Please, reconsider. Take back what you said.”

“You must understand you represent the entire Bennett family,” Philip added sternly. He shot a disgusted glance at Vanessa. “If the alliance with the Prescotts is broken, the consequences will be severe. And yes, Vanessa made a colossal error. We will deal with her ourselves. You can oversee her punishment. But she is still family. If the world shames her, they shame all of us. Only your public forgiveness can limit the damage.”

Vanessa listened in stunned disbelief. They weren’t concerned for her. They were worried about the stain she would leave on the family name. They were handing her over to Sienna for punishment. Sienna had already engineered her complete humiliation. Was she now to be Sienna’s plaything? To be tormented and degraded at her whim? Vanessa was utterly powerless.

Helena was now clutching Sienna’s arm, her desperation palpable. “Sienna, I’m begging you. Please. Remember I’m your mother. Remember I saved your life. Please, let this go. Let the wedding continue. Just tell everyone you forgive her. Please.” Sienna was the last thread holding the Bennetts and Prescotts together. Vanessa was already a lost cause. If Sienna refused to forgive, the familial bond would shatter, incurring immense costs. Furthermore, without Sienna’s public declaration of forgiveness, Vanessa would be torn apart by the court of public opinion. Her career would be over.

Helena was using the life debt as her final bargaining chip. Sienna frowned, watching her mother debase herself for the sake of damage control. Correction: mostly for Vanessa’s sake. Ultimately, even though Helena was heartbroken, it was because Vanessa faced global scorn. A stark contrast to five years ago, when Sienna was publicly vilified. Back then, Helena had remained completely silent.