Chapter 421: Henry Bennett Held Affection for Sienna

Henry Bennett held affection for Sienna, but he also cared deeply for Vanessa. She was his biological granddaughter, after all. He had placed great hopes in her future. That was why he allowed Philip and Helena to transfer their shares to her. Even knowing it threatened his own controlling stake. To him, Vanessa's past mistakes were common among ambitious women. What woman didn't fight for status and love? The important thing was her genuine desire to change. To uphold the family's honor. Her scandal with Derek's assistant shocked him deeply.

She had Derek, yet she betrayed him with his own staff. Vanessa destroyed the Bennett family's reputation. They became the laughingstock of high society. Henry felt utterly devastated. To him, this granddaughter was already dead. Vanessa approached him despite his visible anger. She stood directly before him.

"I came to discuss something important."

"I heard you plan to revoke my shares?"

"That's correct." His expression remained stormy. "After such a disgrace, you deserve nothing. The Bennett legacy will not be destroyed by you."

Tears welled in Vanessa's eyes instantly. They streamed down her cheeks in practiced sobs.

"Grandfather... I'm your real granddaughter! I was set up! I'm completely innocent!"

"Set up? Our investigation found no evidence of drugging. Why persist with these lies?"

"No one drugged me... I drugged myself."

Henry's frown deepened at her unexpected confession. What did she just say? She drugged herself? Vanessa met his gaze with a bitter smile.

"You have no idea the torment I've endured."

"Since Sienna returned, she systematically destroyed my modeling career."

"She ruined my public image."

"Yes, I deserved some of it. But I had no other choice!"

"I truly loved Derek. Because of that love, I made terrible decisions."

Her voice cracked with manufactured emotion.

"Grandfather, do you realize how incredible Sienna became after Africa?"

"Derek's heart changed. He promised to love me forever, yet he abandoned me for her!"

"We both made mistakes at their wedding, but only I faced consequences."

"He faced no backlash. He just pursued Sienna harder!"

"He told me never to contact him again."

"He demanded I help him win Sienna back!"

"Do you know how much that hurt?"

"Five years of love... utterly wasted!"

Vanessa clutched her chest as if stabbed. Her tears fell like a summer storm. Henry maintained his stern composure.

"None of that excuses sleeping with Harrison! Without that scandal, you'd be married to Derek now!"

"And why did he fall for Sienna? Because of your own actions!"

Vanessa seethed internally. Her own actions? Sienna forced her into every one! If Sienna hadn't schemed against her from the start... If she hadn't been pushed to the brink... Would any of this have happened? She swallowed her rage. Now was not the time for honesty. She needed to play the victim a while longer. She forced her voice back into a pitiful whimper.

"I never wanted any of it! I never wanted Harrison!"

"Derek made it happen!"

"You know I've been secluded lately."

"He refused to see me. Too busy chasing Sienna."

"I loved him too much. I couldn't live without him."

"I begged him to meet me at The Alder Club. To save our relationship."

"He didn't come. He sent Harrison instead...!"