Chapter 4: The Boy at Her Door

The last of the guests departed. Only the Bennett family remained in the gardens. Henry Bennett, weary from the day's festivities, retired to his chambers. The moment he was gone, Helena Bennett's venomous gaze locked onto Sienna.

"You vile, ungrateful wretch," she seethed. "Vanessa protected you, loved you like a real sister. How could you betray her like this?"

Sienna remained unflinching. "I did nothing. Did I force her to purchase a counterfeit gem?" Her calm defiance enraged Helena further. "She was deceived! You could have warned her! Instead, you humiliated her publicly! Is this how you repay familial kindness?"

"Remove her from the premises," Philip Bennett commanded his security team. "The Bennett name tolerates no such disgrace."

Guards moved to seize her. Sienna brushed them off with a cold glare, straightening her jacket. "Don't bother. I'll see myself out." Staying here held no appeal for her anyway.

"Sienna, where will you go?" Vanessa feigned concern, a perfect mask of sisterly worry plastered on her face. "Mother and Father's anger will pass. Just apologize. The thought of you on the streets breaks my heart..."

Her performance was flawless, but Sienna saw the triumph hidden beneath.

"Unnecessary," Sienna stated flatly. "I recently acquired a portfolio of properties. Twenty villa blocks, to be precise. Collecting rent keeps me rather occupied."

A faint, mocking smile touched her lips. She produced a heavy ring laden with hundreds of keys. They jangled loudly with every step as she turned to leave. The family stared, utterly dumbfounded. Such wealth? Where did a mere adopted daughter get that kind of money? Sienna paused beside Vanessa, their shoulders almost touching. She lowered her voice to a deadly whisper.

"Hello, fraud. Get ready."

Her tone was ice. "I'm back now. Everything you stole from me? I'm taking it all back. And everyone who wronged me? They should start praying to whatever god they believe in." Her smile was serene, but her eyes held the promise of a predator lurking in the shadows. Lethal. Vanessa paled, her legs trembling. This wasn't the timid, shy girl she used to torment. This woman radiated terrifying power. Sienna walked away, head held high.

[She's finally gone!]

Outside, Sienna secured her helmet and mounted her motorcycle. Her grand return wasn't meant for tonight. Staying would only invite more abuse for being 'the adopted one.' Only Grandpa Henry ever showed her genuine kindness.

She returned for vengeance, not their scorn. Her official homecoming would be a spectacle. A celebration where they'd have no choice but to welcome her. The powerful bike roared to life, carrying her from Kingsport's heart toward the secluded villa district. The road grew quieter. Her phone buzzed. Pulling over, she answered. Heavy breathing came first. "Miss Bennett! You've returned! Why didn't you inform us? We could have arranged proper transport. The boss has prepared a five-star suite—"

"Unnecessary," Sienna cut him off. "This is a private matter. I won't be staying long."

"But—"

"Contact you when it's settled. If you're idle, assist me with a task. Investigate every guest at Grand Meridian Hotel on Valentine's Day, five years ago. Focus on all men present on the top floor that night."

That hotel. That night in 2015. It ruined her. She lost everything. She would find the man responsible. And make him pay.

"Understood, Miss Bennett. I'll begin immediately," Miles Reed replied.

Call ended, Sienna revved the engine and sped off. Her mind was consumed with strategy, completely unaware of the dark van tailing her from a distance. The villa sat just 800 meters outside Kingsport's boundary, isolated and private. Usually, no outsiders came here. It happened in a flash. A deafening engine roar erupted behind her. BAM! The van slammed violently into her bike. The impact launched her into the air. She crashed hard near the edge of a steep, treacherous slope.

Dazed and wounded, Sienna squeezed her eyes shut, scrambling for purchase on the loose gravel. It was useless. She tumbled down the sharp incline, rocks tearing at her clothes and skin. No trees broke her fall. Below, her motorcycle lay shattered and smoking. The van's driver jumped out, peering down the dangerous drop. His phone was already at his ear as he scanned the area where she vanished.

"Miss Bennett. Sienna went over the cliff. She fell."

"Find her! Now! I want her body! Dead or alive!"

Pain radiated from every part of Sienna's body at the bottom of the ravine. She needed a moment. Just a moment to breathe. But noise from above shattered that hope. They were coming for her. Anger flared, hot and sharp, cutting through the agony. She forced her mind to focus, scanning her surroundings with desperate urgency. There. A cave, almost completely hidden by thick brush. She dragged herself toward it, every movement pure torture. Inside the cool, dark silence, she collapsed against the rough wall, exhaling shakily. The quiet was suddenly broken.

A soft, boyish voice called out, "Mommy? Mommy!" Before Sienna could process it, a small, warm, mud-caked body crashed into her arms. She looked down. A small, round face stared up at her. Wide, watery doe eyes blinked.