Chapter 386: Takashi Yamamoto's Message Glowed on the Screen

Takashi Yamamoto's message glowed on the screen. [Don't worry. I have no intention of disrupting your wedding. I simply desire five photographs of you. Similar in nature to the one that gained such notoriety.] Vanessa Bennett's face paled. Her mind flashed back to the leaked nude. The viral scandal. A cold dread seized her. She could still feel the stares. Everywhere she went. Burning into her. Some men even had the audacity to ask for more. Those images were a permanent stain. A brand on her reputation. They would follow her forever.

And now Takashi wanted his own private collection? He had to be joking. She was finally marrying Derek Prescott. Her wedding was so close. Why was he demanding these photos? Photos that could obliterate everything she had built. Her fingers trembled as she typed a reply. [Mr. Yamamoto, I must apologize. I am to be married. This is simply impossible. Please. Ask for anything else.] His response was immediate. Cold. [I want nothing else. If you cannot provide this, then our arrangement is terminated.] Terminated? No. He couldn't do that.

This deal was everything. Her entire plan hinged on using Takashi to control Caleb. To secure the remaining family shares. It was the most critical piece. The cornerstone of her strategy. She typed frantically. [Mr. Yamamoto, there must be another way I can repay you. Please, reconsider. My brother idolizes you. He dreams of learning from you.] His answer was a lesson in cruelty. [There are no free meals in this world, Ms. Bennett. I'm certain a woman of your standing understands that basic principle?]

[I understand perfectly,] she wrote back, desperation clawing at her. [Name your price. Anything else I can offer. Let us negotiate.]

[I lack for nothing,] he replied. [I merely admire your… beauty. Do not fear. I swear a solemn oath. I shall never leak the images. If I break this vow, may lightning strike me. May my future crumble to dust. May I never father a child.]

Vanessa read the deadly vow. Her fierce glare softened slightly. The words were persuasive. The last leak was Charmine's fault. Sienna's doing. This was different. Takashi just wanted a private collection. A personal trophy. And he had sworn such a severe oath… Another message arrived. [I will be frank with you, Ms. Bennett. I possess a collection. Photos of other female celebrities. If any of it were ever exposed, my own reputation would be utterly destroyed.]

[It is merely a hobby. I enjoy collecting images of beautiful women. Send me the photos, and I will speak to Caleb. I will teach him my finest techniques. He may even come to study with me in Lakeshore.]

Study with me in Lakeshore. The words captured her complete attention. If Caleb left… her plan would proceed flawlessly. She had already begun to win back a sliver of Derek's affection. Securing more shares would be the ultimate victory. Her eyes darkened as they lingered on the screen. A decision solidified within her.

[Very well,] she typed. [I will send them now.]

Approximately ten minutes later, Vanessa emerged from the washroom. Derek had already settled the bill. "Let's go," he said, his tone flat. "I will take you home."

"Of course. Thank you, my dear Derek." Her voice was sugar and submission.

He looked at her, this picture of meek devotion. "Do not trouble yourself with the online rumors," he reassured her. "I have taken care of everything. Your only task is to prepare to be my beautiful bride." Vanessa nodded, a shy, demure gesture. With Derek handling the scandal, her scheme was safe. Once those photos of Sienna and Lucas were revealed, McKenzie and Lucas's parents would make Sienna's life a living hell. At Willowcrest Estate… Sienna Bennett was sketching a new design when her phone vibrated. She answered promptly. "Hello?"

"Ms. Bennett? This is the Lakeshore Memorial Gardens. Due to recent restructuring within the cemetery, we are required to relocate the remains of Ms. Giselle Marchand. May I inquire as to when you might be available to come and oversee the process?"

Sienna's brow furrowed. When she first returned to Kingsport, she had visited Giselle's grave. But her work had consumed her since. She had not found the time to return. Giselle was the only one who had shown her genuine kindness during her years with the Bennetts. She needed to see this for herself.

"Understood," Sienna replied, her voice firm. "I will be there shortly."

Outside, the sun beat down relentlessly. A single cloud drifted across its face, offering a moment of reprieve. In that temporary shadow, the plot continued its inexorable unraveling.