Chapter 69: Sienna's Gaze Drifted Toward the Assistant Waiting

Sienna’s gaze drifted toward the assistant waiting by the entrance before she answered Vanessa. “There’s nothing wrong with clam chowder. But… this one isn’t for you.” She gave Vanessa a dismissive glance and turned to the assistant. “Since you’re here, why are you just standing there?” The assistant immediately stepped forward and placed the chowder in front of Sienna. “Ms. Bennett, this is for you,” he said respectfully. “Mr. Harrington spent three hours by the stove preparing this personally for you.”

Vanessa froze. The chowder wasn’t for her—it was for Sienna! How could a newcomer like Sienna have a chairman cooking for her? It was infuriating. Absolutely maddening! Whispers and mocking glances shot toward Vanessa while others looked at Sienna with clear admiration. Sienna accepted the bowl and took an elegant spoonful. The moment it touched her tongue, her taste buds were awakened by the fresh, perfectly balanced flavor. It was rich but not heavy, utterly delicious. She couldn’t believe Lucas—that powerful, commanding man—could cook like this.

Watching Sienna savor the dish, Vanessa burned with envy. Each spoonful felt like a slap. She forced her expression to remain neutral. “Sienna, dear, you accepted food from a stranger without even knowing who he is?” she said, layering her tone with sisterly concern. “You should know men always have hidden motives.”

“Accepting his food means accepting his advances. Once you do, he’ll never leave you alone. If you were hungry, you could’ve asked Tessa or Penelope. They can get you anything you want. Why take food from a stranger?” Vanessa’s voice was dripping with false worry.

Sienna smirked coldly. “Oh really? They can get me anything? In that case, can you have them get me ice cream from La Dolce?” Vanessa’s concerned mask slipped instantly. La Dolce was the most famous dessert shop in Kingsport. The lines stretched for hours. Hundreds waited daily just for one scoop. When Vanessa didn’t respond, Sienna raised a brow. “Cat got your tongue? You sounded so convincing earlier. Unless… you were just putting on a show?”

Vanessa’s face flushed deep purple under the stares of everyone around. She struggled to keep her composure. “Of course not! If that’s what you want, you’ll have it. Penelope, what are you waiting for? Go get it now.”

“Yes, Miss.” Penelope, who had been massaging Vanessa’s shoulders, pressed her lips together and hurried out.

‘This heat is unbearable. They’re trying to kill me making me stand in line for hours. That cunning Sienna knows how to make life difficult,’ Penelope fumed silently.

••• After Penelope left, Vanessa turned back to business. “Sienna, since you’ve accepted the chowder, shouldn’t you at least find out who this chairman is? You should thank him properly. It’s basic manners.” This mysterious chairman had helped Sienna twice now. She needed to uncover his identity! Sienna’s lips curved into a captivating smile. “You would need to thank him. But I don’t.” Her eyes shifted to the assistant. “After all, he’s Harrison Vale’s assistant. Since Harrison works under me, I don’t need to thank the assistant of my subordinate.”

Her tone was cool and arrogant. Sienna was lying, but it was for Lucas’s protection. If Vanessa found out it was him, she would latch onto him and never let go. Vanessa’s gaze turned icy. She stared at the assistant in disbelief. “You’re Harrison Vale’s assistant?”