Chapter 19: Derek Declares War

Inside the Bennett Manor…

Vanessa Bennett collapsed onto the sofa, trembling uncontrollably.

‘How did this happen? Everything was perfect… How did it all go so wrong? Why would Professor Zero destroy my reputation like this if he claimed to be my fan? And he published that clip!’ Her thoughts spiraled into chaos.

Just then, Derek Prescott entered the room, dressed in a flawlessly tailored suit. “Vanessa, what’s this about the pho—”

“It’s all lies! Complete nonsense!” Vanessa snapped, cutting him off mid-sentence.

Derek froze. He had never seen Vanessa in such a state before. Realizing it was him, she quickly composed herself and rushed to his side, her voice trembling with feigned distress.

“Derek, my love, I didn’t mean to shout. I’m just so hurt by Sienna.” She let bitterness seep into her tone. “I’ve always treated her well, except for that one incident five years ago. I never imagined she could be so vicious. Who knows what she’s been doing in Africa all this time? Making money, buying properties, even befriending Professor Zero. She probably paid him off to fabricate that analysis. We both know nothing about photo forensics. He could say anything and get away with it!”

She trembled as she cried, making it seem as though Sienna had committed an unspeakable betrayal. “Derek, we’ve known each other since childhood. Do you really believe I’m capable of such things? Why would I ever sabotage my own reputation?” Her performance was so convincing it was almost flawless.

“Please, don’t cry. I trust you completely.” Derek pulled her into an embrace, gently rubbing her back. “I can’t believe Sienna Bennett has turned so malicious in just five years.”

Vanessa pushed him away gently, feigning fear. “Yes, and she’ll come after us for revenge. After all, I did accidentally push her down the stairs, and you… you kicked her. With the power she has now, she’ll stop at nothing to destroy us.”

“Ha! She won’t stand a chance,” Derek scoffed. “Don’t worry about this. She’s wronged you twice now. I won’t let it slide.” After settling her comfortably on the sofa, he picked up his phone and logged into his Pulse account, which boasted millions of followers.

Over the past five years, Derek’s parents had retired and handed him the family business, making him the CEO of Prescott Industries. Originally ranked among the 'Top Ten Most Successful Companies' in the nation, Prescott Industries owned shopping malls, theaters, hotels, travel agencies, and more. Under Derek’s ruthless yet charismatic leadership, coupled with his savvy social media marketing, the company had climbed into the top five.

Even Henry Bennett admired his capabilities and approved of Derek’s relationship with Vanessa. However, they couldn’t officially get engaged until Sienna returned the engagement token, a fact that had fueled their resentment toward her over the years. Derek composed a post and tagged Sienna.

[Laughable. “Wait until tomorrow night”? Only a fraud like you would spout such nonsense! If you actually make it to the show tomorrow, I, Derek Prescott, will owe you 100 million! @SiennaBennett]

As the youngest, wealthiest, and most handsome CEO, he was dubbed the 'National Husband' by his over 40 million followers. Within seconds, his post garnered over 200,000 replies.

[Ahhh! My husband finally posted! So commanding and fierce!]

[Even our National Husband can’t stand that witch Sienna Bennett!]

[Rumor has it Derek Prescott is dating Vanessa Bennett. Is he defending her?]

[That’s irrelevant! Didn’t Sienna tell us to wait until tomorrow night? If she’s so capable, why is she hiding?]

[Haha! Serves the bitch right for being called out by our national husband. She’s probably crying in a corner right now.]

Unbeknownst to them, Sienna had long logged off her account and was working out in her private gym at Willowcrest Estate. As her agent, Owen Parker was tasked with monitoring the situation. After Professor Zero’s video went viral, he expected the hate toward Sienna to die down, but the attacks quickly resumed, especially with Derek’s involvement. He had no choice but to leave the sofa and bring this to Sienna’s attention.

In the gym, Sienna was dressed in form-fitting workout attire, relentlessly punching a heavy bag. Sweat glistened on her toned body, her damp skin highlighting her untamed beauty. Owen, like any man would, was momentarily captivated, but he quickly shook off the distraction. “Sienna, your ex-boyfriend just declared war on Pulse,” he said. “Do you have a moment?”