Chapter 383: His Eyes Burned with Pure Venom

His eyes burned with pure venom. Derek turned to Vanessa. "Go select some jewelry. I'll handle the payment."

"Of course... I'll make sure to look perfect for you. I won't disappoint." Vanessa gave a knowing smile before walking away.

Derek sank into the plush sofa. He opened ChatLine, searching for Sienna's contact. He considered messaging her there, but remembered all his previous attempts had been blocked. He switched to standard text messaging instead.

[Stop spreading lies online, Sienna. Don't force me to release these photos!]

He attached a picture of Sienna wearing a provocative nurse uniform.

Five years ago, she had been blindly infatuated with him. She followed him everywhere, desperate to give him everything, yet he never gave her a second glance. In her pathetic attempts to gain his attention, she had dressed in all kinds of revealing outfits. If these images got out, the scandal would be just as damaging as Vanessa's nude leak.

At Willowcrest Estate. Sienna was finishing a game of checkers with Noah. So engrossed in their game, she didn't notice her phone lighting up on the nearby sofa. Lucas, working on his laptop nearby, picked up the vibrating device.

[Stop spreading lies online, Sienna. Don't force me to...]

The lock screen prevented him from reading the full message. He glanced at Sienna, completely focused on teaching Noah. He could easily bypass her security, but... He decided against it. Respecting her privacy mattered. He stood and brought her the phone. She took it, seeing the message from 'Waste of Space' on the lock screen. That was her saved contact name for Derek. Why was he texting her now, right before his wedding? Unlocking the phone, her grip tightened. Her brows furrowed deeply.

There it was. A photo of her on her knees on a bed, wearing that nurse costume, looking as seductive as possible. A memory from five years ago flashed. After turning eighteen, she had lamented to Vanessa: "Do you think Derek even likes me? He never lets me near him." Vanessa's reply had been cunning. "Don't be silly! Derek is just reserved. You need to take charge. Be bold! I'll get you some special outfits. Surprise him."

Young and foolish, Sienna had believed her. She dressed up like an idiot, hoping to finally capture his attention. Instead, it made him despise her more. The Bennett family found out, branding her a shameless disgrace. It shocked her that Derek still possessed this photo. And now he was using it to threaten her... Lucas, standing beside her, saw the image. His expression darkened instantly, a storm gathering in his eyes. He never knew she had that side. That she had shown it to another man.

Sienna felt the air grow thick with tension. She looked up, meeting his intense gaze. "What? Disappointed?" The words escaped, laced with defensive bitterness. Disappointed she had been that kind of woman. Disappointed in her past shame. Knowing Lucas, he must be disgusted. His response stunned her. A single, low word. "Furious." Not disappointed. Furious. Furious that she had been such a fool. An idiot who poured her heart out trying to please a man like Derek. Who offered everything and received contempt in return.

And now, that man used her moment of vulnerability to threaten her. He weaponized her naive love. His face a mask of cold anger, Lucas pulled out his own phone. His fingers flew across the screen. [If this photo is leaked, Prescott Industries will cease to exist.] He showed her the sent message. "It's handled. Don't worry." Sienna stared, speechless. Even after seeing such an embarrassing, scandalous photo from her past, he didn't turn away. He didn't leave. He stood by her and fought back against Derek without a moment's hesitation.