Chapter 140: Vanessa's Entire Body Went Rigid

Vanessa’s entire body went rigid. A heavy silence fell over the room. Muttered whispers began to ripple through the crowd. Why had Vanessa suddenly stopped crying? She was sobbing hysterically just moments ago. Did she feel guilty now?

Seeing the situation shift, Bianca stepped forward. “This is my fault. It has nothing to do with Vanessa. She has always taught me to be a better person and repeatedly told me not to harm Sienna. But you’ve all witnessed how vicious Sienna can be. She never treated Vanessa like a sister. She either hit her or verbally abused her constantly. I acted out of momentary rage. There’s no point in explaining further. Arrest me. Charge me. I accept full responsibility.”

Bianca’s performance seemed utterly sincere and believable. Yet everyone had seen Vanessa’s reaction. Her sudden silence was deeply suspicious. Wasn’t she clearly guilty too? Bianca was obviously taking the fall for her! An officer finally spoke. “Alright, Sienna is free to go. Vanessa and Bianca, you will both remain to give your official statements.” Sienna’s handcuffs were removed. Another officer moved to detain Vanessa.

Vanessa’s face had lost all color. The suspicion in the room was palpable. She didn’t dare play the victim again after Sienna’s sharp accusations. She had no choice but to go with the officers.

“Wait.” A cold, commanding voice cut through the noise.

Sienna’s gaze locked onto Vanessa. “There is a signed agreement stating the responsible party must pay each model ten million dollars. Vanessa, since you’ve essentially admitted fault, shouldn’t you be the one paying this sum on your agent’s behalf?” Vanessa froze. Eleven models. One hundred and ten million dollars total. There was no way Bianca could ever afford that. Bianca was her closest ally and was sacrificing herself for her. Whether out of friendship or to ensure Bianca’s silence, Vanessa had to pay. She was trapped.

But Vanessa didn’t have a diamond mine like Sienna. All the money she’d earned modeling had been spent on her lavish lifestyle and currying favor with the Bennett family. She held family shares, but they were untouchable. Liquidating them was impossible. Paying 110 million dollars would completely wipe out her entire savings. She would be left with nothing. The eleven affected models immediately began to protest.

“Yes, the agreement was signed! We must be paid!”

“I can’t believe we were manipulated like this. It’s disgusting! It feels like swallowing a fly!”

“Pay up now! If you won’t, then Bianca must! The agreement states payment is due today! I want nothing more to do with any of you!”

The demands from the crowd grew louder. Influencers broadcast the scene live. Reporters’ cameras flashed relentlessly in Vanessa’s face. Humiliation washed over her. She desperately wanted this to end so she could escape. She had no other option. She pulled out her phone to transfer the funds to each model in full view of everyone.

Helena rushed over, trying to stop her. “Vanessa, don’t be foolish! Bianca is your agent, but this is her mistake! You shouldn’t have to pay for it! A hundred and ten million is an enormous amount of money! I can’t let you do this!” Vanessa wanted to strangle her. Was Helena an idiot? Couldn’t she see the position Vanessa was in?