Chapter 193: A Vintage Photo Accompanied the Post

A vintage photo accompanied the post, capturing Derek and Sienna's hands intertwined. Though only their clasped hands were visible, everyone instantly recognized them. (That's definitely Sienna's hand! I'd know it anywhere! No one else has hands that exquisite!) (Didn't Derek and Sienna just have that massive century bet recently? How are they a couple now?) (Wait, what? This doesn't add up. Isn't Derek with Vanessa? Why is he chasing after Sienna now?) (Rumor has it Derek and Sienna were together five years ago. They were even engaged!) (Seriously? A long-lost reunion then?)

(Probably!! Looks like they're going public!) Netizens exploded with theories and speculation. Both Derek and Sienna's names shot to the top of Pulse's trending list.

Inside The Palace Heart.

The living room air was thick with tension. Lucas sat rigidly on the ornate European sofa, his expression dark and unreadable. Noah was pouting beside him, his small face a mask of clear unhappiness. After a long silence, the boy finally looked up. "Daddy," he asked, his voice small, "do you think Mommy is falling for that bad man? She always replies or says something clever before." In the past, Sienna would have immediately posted something sharp, like 'Reunite? Never in a million years!'

Today, there was only silence. His monitoring software even showed she had logged into Pulse an hour ago. Lucas said nothing. His expression grew even stormier. Click. The front door opened. Sienna walked in.

"I'm back," she announced cheerfully, as if completely unaware of the atmosphere.

"Mommy!" Noah jumped up, ready to run to her.

Lucas's voice cut through the room, low and firm. "Noah, go to the study and finish your homework."

"Hmph..." Noah pouted but obeyed, trudging away on his little legs. He glanced back over his shoulder several times.

Sienna finally sensed the heavy mood. Once Noah was gone, she turned to Lucas. "What's going on?" Lucas remained seated, his intense gaze fixed on her. "What is happening between you and Derek Prescott?" His voice was deep, magnetic, and laced with unmistakable displeasure and jealousy. Understanding dawned on her. He was making a big deal out of this Derek nonsense? She slipped off her shoes and walked toward him. "I gave him one month to pursue me. How do you think Vanessa will feel watching her precious darling shower me with attention?"

So, it was all to provoke Vanessa? Lucas's expression softened a fraction. "And after the month is over?"

"After a month?" A cold, calculated smirk played on her lips. "The real show begins then! I'll agree to marry him. On our wedding day, they will finally return what they stole from me five years ago!"

Her words were bold and carried a chilling edge, despite the summer heat. Lucas's tightly drawn brows relaxed slightly. It always took just a few words from her...

"Get some rest," he said, his voice now low and calm. "I'll call you when dinner is ready."

"No, I'm fine. I'll go keep Noah company," Sienna said, heading for the study. She was worried the news had upset him; she couldn't risk him getting sick again.

She entered the study to find Noah intently reading a report. It was about Valerie Duval! The document was incredibly detailed, covering her biography, her habits, her preferences... everything. Sienna frowned. Why was there such a comprehensive dossier on Valerie in Lucas's study?