Chapter 46: Derek Stared in Stunned Silence

Derek stared in stunned silence as the truth struck him. “Sienna…you own Aurelia Gems?”

“Correct,” she answered with crisp finality.

Sienna removed her wide-brimmed hat. Dark waves tumbled down her shoulders. She shook her hair back with a careless flick. “Is there an issue?” Jaws dropped throughout the boutique. Disbelief painted every face. Sienna Bennett owned Aurelia Gems? She was the legendary founder? No wonder she had watched their petty insults with such cool amusement. No wonder their threats left her utterly unfazed. They had mocked her for not affording a ring…while standing in her own store. The irony was crushing.

Confusion and shock warred on every feature. The three women looked utterly defeated. The orphan they despised, the charity case they pitied, was their superior in every way. It was a devastating blow. Vanessa’s fists clenched. Bitter envy coiled tight around her heart. Sienna observed the range of humiliated expressions. A cold smile touched her lips. “Do you still wish to purchase the ring?” Purchase it? That meant handing their money directly to Sienna. Vanessa felt like she’d swallowed something vile. The humiliation was a physical ache.

Helena was reeling. The girl she considered worthless was the mastermind behind her favorite brand. The injustice was unbearable.

“Never!” Helena spat, her voice trembling with rage. “If we’d known this was your pitiful shop, we would never have entered! What do you have to be proud of? You’re just a leech! Using Harrison Vale’s diamonds. Have you no shame?”

Sophia’s face flushed a mottled red. “Sienna, I command you! Return this store to Prince Harrison and Princess Eliana immediately! You have no right to what isn’t yours!” Sienna let out a derisive laugh. “And who are you to command me? Why would I ever listen to you? Furthermore, what proof do you have these diamonds aren’t mine?”

“Yours?” Sophia sneered, her contempt dripping. “A penniless orphan? How did you get them? By selling yourself to the Diamond Prince? By wrecking his marriage for money?”

Helena’s fury boiled over. “Sienna, remember your place! I am your adoptive mother! You will obey me! Never forget I saved your wretched life!” Sienna ignored their screeching. She moved deeper into the store, the velvet box still in her hand. She opened it, placing the rings on the display counter. The three-carat ruby glowed with a fierce, inner fire. It captured the light, scattering bloody sparks across the room.

The sight of such treasures belonging to Sienna was too much for Sophia. Jealousy overrode all sense. She lunged forward, grabbing at Sienna’s arm. “Are you deaf, you ungrateful brat? These aren’t yours! You earned them on your back! If you have any dignity left, you’ll return them to Prince Harrison!”

“Must you buzz like an irritating gnat?” Sienna’s voice was ice. “If you’re not a paying customer, get out.”

Sophia’s face twisted into an ugly mask. “You’ve asked for this! I’ll teach you some respect!” One hand yanked viciously at Sienna’s hair. The other swung high, aiming a sharp slap at her face.

“A lesson?” Sienna’s lips curved into a dangerous smirk. “Let me demonstrate how it’s done.”

She moved with blinding speed. Her hand shot up, catching Sophia’s wrist in a vice-like grip. She twisted, hard. A sickening crack echoed in the stunned silence. Sophia’s arm hung limp and useless at her side. Dislocated. Completely powerless.