Chapter 195: Vanessa's Video Failed to Gain Significant Traction on Picshare

Vanessa's video failed to gain significant traction on PicShare. The new account struggled to compete against the platform's overwhelming content volume. At Prescott Industries... Harrison Caldwell presented a bound document to Derek. "Mr. Prescott, this relationship proposal was developed by a certified intimacy coordinator. Following this protocol for thirty days guarantees Miss Bennett's emotional investment." Derek skimmed the contents, his stomach churning at the prescribed rituals: mandatory morning and evening texts, daily floral arrangements, chauffeur services...

The proposal detailed shared meal preparation, pet ownership bonding exercises, and curated couple's retreats. Memories of performing these actions organically with Vanessa soured his mood. Reducing romance to checklist items felt degrading, especially when targeting someone like Sienna. His expression darkened as he circled acceptable tasks before shoving the document back. "Use my burner phone. You're handling these."

"Sir? This approach seems... inadequate," Harrison hesitated.

Though aware of Derek's asset acquisition motives, such perfunctory execution felt reckless. Sienna Bennett wasn't some naive socialite to be manipulated through textbook gestures. Derek's glare sharpened. "Problem?"

"No, sir. Immediate implementation." Harrison retreated swiftly.

Derek's gaze lingered on the discarded proposal, frustration tightening his features. Delegating half the tasks provided minimal relief—the remaining requirements still demanded personal involvement. He'd monitor Sienna's reactions before committing further. Both anticipated sarcastic rejections or deliberate complications. Neither predicted her unsettling compliance. Despite ignoring ChatLine messages, she accepted every delivered gift. Gourmet meals, designer outfits, rare delicacies—all received without protest. Mid-month, Sienna updated her private feed: Revisiting the past sometimes brings unexpected clarity. Accompanying screenshots displayed Derek's daily texts and all accumulated gifts. The narrative suggested genuine emotional impact.

A cold smirk touched Derek's lips. Women truly were predictable creatures. A few baubles and perfunctory attention melted all resistance. Now to finalize arrangements with both families. The Jordan family monitored Sienna's private account, including Vanessa among her "close friends." Vanessa reclined on her veranda, cucumber mask obscuring her features as she scrolled. Penelope dug planting beds nearby, burying vegetable seeds. Vanessa avoided Pulse to escape Sienna's professional triumphs, only to confront her personal life here. Derek had been sending Sienna daily affirmations? Purchasing exorbitant gifts? He belonged to her!

No. Composure was essential. One more month of performance remained. The internet's scrutiny demanded her silence, but watching Sienna flaunt stolen affections sickened her. Her parents must be equally disgusted. Her thumb hovered over Joey's contact when Derek's name flashed across her screen. He was calling? After days of impersonal texts, this sudden direct contact sparked wild hope. Had he finally remembered her?