Chapter 202: Inside the Box Lay a Bridesmaid Dress

Inside the box lay a bridesmaid dress, custom-tailored just for her.

It was a strapless silk gown, the fabric so delicate it seemed to float on air. Yet it was crafted in a pale coffee-brown shade—Vanessa’s least favorite color. This particular tone of brown had a way of casting a sallow, sickly pallor over the skin. Anyone wearing it would look washed out and utterly common. Vanessa understood now why Sienna had been unusually kind. She intended to dress her bridesmaid in something hideous. Still, how could Vanessa pass up a chance to land on the front page?

She put on a show of gratitude, eyes glistening. “Thank you, Sienna! You’re so thoughtful. I’ll be your bridesmaid tomorrow and give you my full blessing.”

“Hmph. If that’s all, I’ll see you at Grand Meridian Hotel. Nine sharp,” Sienna replied.

Helena had asked Sienna to come to the Bennett Manor so she could tell Vanessa she was forgiven. That way, Vanessa would never return to those dark places. Hearing Sienna’s agreement pleased Helena greatly.

“You sisters should always support each other like this,” Helena said warmly. “It keeps the gossip at bay.”

“Oh, and Sienna—since so many entertainment industry elites will be at your wedding, remember to introduce them to your sister.”

Vanessa’s career had been struggling lately. Without Tessa to secure roles, many opportunities were snatched by others. Even though her PicShare following was growing, she was far from her former glory. Sienna’s lips curved slightly. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to help Vanessa tomorrow.” Her words carried a double meaning no one caught. Though Vanessa sensed something odd, she brushed it off. She would stay alert during the ceremony. Sienna wouldn’t dare try anything obvious.

Besides, even if Sienna didn’t help her, she could seize opportunities on her own. The Harrington men were drawn to Sienna—perhaps they could be drawn to her instead… Each of them was lost in their own schemes. The wedding day arrived amid great anticipation. Grand Meridian Hotel was packed with guests even early in the morning. Security teams maintained order while reporters weaved through the crowd, filming and live-streaming. The hotel lobby was transformed into an enchanted forest dreamscape. Flower arches lined the path. Lush greenery and white jasmine blooms created an ethereal, breathtaking scene.

It wasn’t Sienna’s preferred style—it was Vanessa’s favorite. Vanessa had imagined her own wedding to Derek countless times. It always included jasmine flowers, a towering champagne fountain, an exquisite wedding cake… She never dreamed she’d see it come to life at Sienna and Derek’s wedding. When she arrived with Helena and the others at the hotel entrance, she was stunned. A red carpet ran beneath nine jasmine arches stretching all the way to the doors. The setting was opulent and gorgeous.

Envy clawed at her, threatening to drive her mad. Paparazzi swarmed around them, hurling questions.

“Mr. Bennett, is this sudden wedding between Sienna and Derek a business arrangement?”

“Ms. Vanessa Bennett, you were with Derek for five years. How do you feel today?”

Though such questions were asked, the reporters Vanessa had pre-arranged quickly shifted the focus.

“Ms. Vanessa, is it true you traveled to the Cotswolds Countryside to aid the villagers?”

“Based on your posts, are you atoning for what Tessa did?”

“Did you expect to gain seventy million followers in just a month?”

“Your fans have nicknamed you the ‘Country Angel.’ What are your thoughts?”

All attention was on Vanessa, as if she were the star of the show.