Chapter 153: Care

“What?”

Care? Protection? Vanessa had encouraged laziness since childhood, ensuring Sienna would never amount to anything. She pushed for outrageous fashion choices, praising cheap and tasteless outfits. Vanessa systematically molded her into the family’s black sheep. Was this the care Walter spoke of? Sienna remained utterly unfazed. “Who’s the real monster here? Who harmed countless people just to get to me, then played the innocent victim? Vanessa Bennett, you should be an actress, not a model.”

“Your performance is Oscar-worthy. Should I record this and post it online? You’d go viral.”

Vanessa’s face tightened. Sienna was cornering her! The sheer audacity! She masked her rage with a wounded expression. “Sienna, what will make you believe me? If Mother hadn’t stopped me, I would have died crashing into that wall. But she was right. What would happen to her if I died? She raised me all these years. I can’t let her suffer that loss.”

“I’ll swear it, okay? I swear to God: If I had any part in this, may my parents disown and despise me. May I die a lonely, abandoned orphan!” Vanessa vowed, pouring every ounce of fake sincerity into her trembling voice.

The room fell silent. The oath was brutal. Pity for her apparent anguish filled the air. Even Walter’s stern gaze softened slightly. Had he misjudged her? Sienna watched the theatrics with cold amusement. A cruel vow? She was already an orphan her real parents never wanted. Vanessa continued her lament, playing the misunderstood, unloved daughter.

‘If she loves acting so much, I’ll give her a standing ovation,’ Sienna thought, a sharp smile playing on her lips. “I might have believed you. Sadly, I have proof.” She flung a stack of photos at Vanessa.

The images were from the Crestline Motors Show backstage. One captured a knowing glance between Vanessa and Bianca. Another showed Vanessa’s venomous stare directed at her agent. A third clearly displayed a money transfer from Vanessa to Bianca. The amount was $19,500. The exact price Silas the dealer quoted for the halophilic bacteria. The transaction date matched Bianca’s court testimony perfectly. Shocked gasps echoed through the room. Disbelief was etched on every face.

“My God! How could Vanessa be so wicked?”

“The evidence is undeniable. She’s clearly involved.”

“What did Sienna ever do to deserve such hatred? She looks murderous!”

“Heavens! And she put on that whole show! Smashing her head! That horrible vow! Unbelievable!”

“This is terrifying! I always thought she was so kind. But look at her in these photos… She’s a monster!”

The room erupted into chaos. Helena, who had been holding Vanessa, slowly pulled her hand away. Her voice shook. “Vanessa… What is this?”