Chapter 435: The Crowd Closed in Around Gregory

The crowd closed in around Gregory, Sophia, and Amelia. Whispers spread like wildfire through the onlookers. Camera phones were raised, capturing the tense moment. Sophia immediately shielded her face with her sunglasses. She had no choice but to concede publicly.

"We'll handle her discipline properly," she stated through gritted teeth.

She linked arms with Gregory and steered him away. Amelia burst into loud, frustrated tears.

"Why are we leaving? They're the ones who—"

"Enough," Sophia cut her off sharply. "You're a Harrington. Act like it."

Amelia swallowed her sobs, feeling utterly betrayed. Not even her mother offered comfort. Gregory patted her shoulder reassuringly.

"Daddy will find out who she is," he promised in a low voice. "This isn't over."

His expression darkened as he pulled out his phone. A quick text message was sent to his assistant.

[Track the woman and the boy. Now.]

Sienna walked away from the arcade with Noah. She had come to Prescott Plaza for a specific reason. Her target was nowhere to be found. Had Derek broken his old routine after all these years? Just as doubt began to creep in, she saw them. A group of serious-looking men in suits emerged from the elevator. They moved with an air of importance, following one man. Derek Prescott led the pack, listening to reports as he walked. A faint smile touched Sienna's lips. Some habits never die.

He still conducted his monthly inspection on the tenth. Vanessa would know this schedule too. If Sienna remembered correctly, Vanessa would be here today. Vanessa's public image had been carefully rebuilt. But it was a facade, purchased with money and lies. Sienna knew the truth. She was here to shatter that illusion. Right on cue, a figure in a hat and mask appeared. Vanessa slipped into Derek's private office. Sienna knelt down to Noah's eye level.

"Sweetheart, I need your help with something important."

Noah nodded eagerly, his small face serious. "I can do it!" She whispered her instructions quickly. He listened intently before marching off with determination. Sienna watched him go, her eyes narrowing. The game was finally turning in her favor. It was time for Vanessa to face the consequences. Derek returned to his office after the rounds. He found Vanessa waiting for him on the sofa. She wore an elegant white dress, her hair tied back simply. She looked every bit the refined socialite. He ignored her and walked straight to his desk.

"What are you doing here?" His voice was cold.

He sat down and began reviewing documents, dismissing her presence. She noticed his new assistant was not Harrison. Another clear sign of his distancing. Vanessa remained calm. She stood and quietly closed the office door.

"Get out," Derek growled without looking up.

He was sick of her manipulations. He never wanted to see her deceitful face again. Vanessa's composure cracked slightly. Her eyes reddened with unshed tears.

"After ten years, Derek? This is how you treat me?"

Her voice trembled with feigned hurt. "I've given you everything!" He finally looked up, his gaze icy.

"Helped me?" He let out a cold, harsh laugh.

"Stop the act, Vanessa. I know every single thing you did was for yourself."

He leaned forward, his words cutting deep.

"You're a nobody with a fabricated past. You clung to the Carlisles out of desperation."

His eyes bore into her. "You tried to use me in your pathetic schemes against Sienna."

"Did you really think I wouldn't discover the truth?"