Chapter 196: Derek's Name Flashed on Her Screen

Vanessa's heart soared when Derek's name flashed on her screen. She answered with practiced sweetness. "Derek, my love..."

"Vanessa, how are you holding up out there?" His voice carried genuine concern.

She glanced around the mosquito-infested room, grimacing. "I'm perfectly fine, darling. Please don't worry about me. How are you doing?"

"I called because something important happened," Derek revealed. "Sienna made a promise to me half a month ago. She said if I pursued her for a full month, she'd agree to marry me."

"Marry you? Seriously?" Vanessa nearly shrieked, barely containing her excitement.

Though she despised Derek's courtship of Sienna, the marriage prospect thrilled her. Once wed, Sienna's stubborn pride would force her to abandon entertainment. She'd become a dull housewife, probably handing over all her assets to Derek willingly. When Vanessa eventually married Derek, she'd become the wife of the world's wealthiest man! Derek mistook her reaction for shared joy. "I have screenshots as proof. Her PicShare activity suggests she's genuinely moved."

"I need your help convincing your family to accept this marriage. I want to make this happen quickly."

Vanessa's enthusiasm dimmed. So this call was merely transactional? Their relationship felt increasingly superficial. She buried her disappointment, adopting a supportive tone. "Darling, you know I'll always support you. I promised to help you succeed, and I keep my promises. I'll call Mother immediately and persuade the family to approve this union."

"You're amazing, Vanessa. Once I secure her assets, I won't forget your loyalty," Derek cooed with artificial sweetness.

They exchanged more nauseating pleasantries before ending the call. The moment the line disconnected, Vanessa's smile vanished into a cold smirk. Derek used to promise, "Once I have her assets, I'll marry you properly with the grandest wedding. We'll have a future filled with love." Now it had dwindled to "I won't forget your loyalty." Had his marriage promise become mere obligation? Had his feelings changed? Clearly, Vanessa needed contingency plans. She retrieved a hidden diary from her suitcase, scribbling furiously with a pen. After documenting her thoughts, she dialed Helena.

Helena's anxious voice answered immediately. "Vanessa! Where have you been? Why haven't you called? Your father and I have been worried sick!"

"Mother, please forgive me for worrying you. I needed time alone for reflection and clarity. I'm perfectly safe and taking good care of myself," Vanessa reassured with saccharine sweetness.

Helena sighed heavily. "You've never been away this long. I fear you might do something drastic out there."

"Just come home. Everyone's moved past that incident anyway. Your grandfather forbade anyone from discussing it. No one blames you anymore."

No one blames me? Then why hasn't my ten percent share been returned? Vanessa seethed internally while maintaining calm composure. "I appreciate everyone's forgiveness, Mother, but I can't forgive myself yet. I need this full month of reflection. Please understand."

"Actually, I called hoping you could help rekindle things between Sienna and Derek."

"What? Vanessa, have you lost your mind? I thought you loved Derek!" Helena gasped in disbelief.