Chapter 206: Sienna Descended the Marble Staircase

Sienna descended the marble staircase, her wedding gown flowing behind her like liquid moonlight. Her breath caught in her throat. Lucas Harrington stood in the grand lobby, commanding the space with his mere presence. He wore a tailored suit more formal than his usual attire, the dark fabric accentuating his powerful frame. Her heart hammered against her ribs. Why was he here? If anyone discovered their connection... His gaze lifted, meeting hers across the room. For a moment, time stilled. She looked every inch the royal bride poised on that curved staircase. Elegant. Breathtaking.

The fitted bodice of her dress emphasized her slender waist, and his fingers twitched with the urge to pull her close. But Lucas was a master of control. He glanced away, his expression unreadable, and continued forward with lethal grace. The Bennett and Prescott families surged to their feet, their voices overlapping in eager welcome.

"Mr. Harrington! What an honor."

"We would have prepared a more suitable venue had we known you were coming."

"The private lounge is this way, sir. Much quieter."

"May we offer you a drink? Coffee? Tea?"

They tripped over themselves, anxious to please. Lucas's voice was a low, enigmatic rumble. "No need. I've collaborated with Ms. Bennett before. I'm merely here to offer my congratulations." Sebastian stepped forward, presenting an exquisitely wrapped box. "A gift for the happy couple from the Harrington family. May they treat each other with the utmost sincerity and respect." Sincerity and respect? An unusual blessing for a wedding. Confusion flickered through the crowd, but no one dared question a word from Lucas's representative.

Madam Prescott accepted the gift, her face flushed with delight. "Thank you, Mr. Harrington! Thank you! Please, right this way." She gestured toward a secluded area sectioned off by an ornate silk screen. Lucas moved, his hand resting on Noah's small shoulder. The boy's eyes had instantly found Sienna on the stairs, his little body tensing to run to her. A subtle squeeze from Lucas stopped him. He scooped the boy into his arms, settling him on his lap. A single, stern look communicated the plan, and Noah stilled, obedient.

As they took their seats, a hushed murmur swept through the guests. All attention was riveted on Lucas. Paparazzi lenses itched to capture him, but every professional knew the unbreakable rule: no published photos of Lucas Harrington. They could only watch, frustrated. A collective gasp echoed through the hall. All heads turned. Sienna was completing her descent, a vision in white. Every step was measured, regal. A subtle, practiced smile graced her lips. The train of her gown flowed behind her like a river of pearls. She was both princess and queen.

The crowd was mesmerized. The paparazzi snapped back to reality first. Their cameras erupted in a frenzy of flashing lights, devouring the image of the world's wealthiest bride. Since Lucas was off-limits, she was the prize. They swarmed her, microphones thrust forward.

"Ms. Bennett! What prompted your marriage to Derek Prescott so soon after your return?"

"You're at the pinnacle of your career. Won't this union hinder your professional trajectory?"

"How do you intend to balance your corporate responsibilities with your new duties as a wife?"

Sienna had rehearsed her answers, but a searing intensity from behind the silk screen pierced her composure. That familiar gaze unraveled her. She took a steadying breath, forcing a serene mask. "My feelings for Derek are genuine. I am prepared to step back from my career to focus on being a devoted wife," she stated, her voice clear. "And, in time, a dedicated mother." A wave of shock rippled through the audience. Step back? The formidable Sienna Bennett? The indomitable CEO? Abandon her empire to become a... housewife? For Derek Prescott?