Chapter 178: Sienna Felt the Last Thread of Connection Snap

Sienna felt the last thread of connection snap. Helena’s trust was gone.

“You won’t even let me explain? You’ve already decided it was me?” Her voice trembled with raw hurt.

The memory of their recent understanding hung between them, fragile and already broken.

“Explain what, Sienna? I saw everything. What could you possibly say?” Helena’s words were sharp, laced with disappointment.

“You think I’d be that stupid? If I wanted revenge, I have enough evidence to ruin her forever. Pushing her into a pool? That’s beneath me.” Sienna’s laugh was cold and hollow.

Her gaze swept over Vanessa, icy and furious. She turned away without another word. She walked back to the shaded bench, alone once more. Whispers started among the crew.

“Sienna wouldn’t do that. It doesn’t make sense.”

“What would she gain? It’s too messy. Too public.”

“Don’t be naive. People hide their true selves well.”

“Remember how Vanessa defended her before? It feels like an act now.”

Opinions were shifting. Vanessa’s innocent image was cracking. People were seeing the calculated moves behind her tears. Yesterday’s conversation had changed everything for Helena. Sienna had shown mercy. She held power but didn’t use it to destroy Vanessa. That act of restraint now made Helena doubt her own eyes. Seeing Sienna walk away, alone and accused, twisted something in Helena’s chest. She had chosen to believe the spectacle over the person. Guilt began to prickle at her. She turned to Vanessa. “Let’s go. You need dry clothes.”

“You believe her, don’t you? Mommy, I can’t even swim! Why would I do this to myself?” Vanessa’s voice was a desperate, pitiful whine.

“I know you wouldn’t, darling. But I don’t think she meant to push you. If she truly wanted to hurt you, she had far worse options.” Helena’s tone was firm, final.

She took Vanessa’s arm and led her away quickly, avoiding the growing crowd. Vanessa seethed internally. Helena’s faith in her was crumbling. Sienna was winning too easily. Rage burned hot and vicious under her skin. At home, Penelope helped her change.

“The video! Show me the video now!” Vanessa demanded the moment Helena was out of sight.

Penelope flinched, handing over the phone with shaking hands. The footage showed Sienna brushing cake off Vanessa’s dress. The crucial moment—the push—was completely missing from the angle. Her perfect plan was ruined. She needed that clip for social media. For Helena. Nothing.

“You useless idiot!” she screamed. “These angles are worthless! Get out! Get out of my sight!”

Blind fury took over. She hurled a vase against the wall. It shattered into a thousand pieces. She grabbed a lamp and threw it next. The room became a target for her uncontrollable rage. Penelope shrank into the corner, terrified and small.