Chapter 239: Sienna Bennett's Phone Buzzed Softly on Her Lap

Sienna Bennett’s phone buzzed softly on her lap. A new message glowed on the screen. Lucas Harrington: (Focus on your awards. I’ll handle everything else.) Her brow furrowed slightly. How had Lucas discovered what was happening? Three more notifications chimed in quick succession. Lucas: (If I fail to save your brother, you may take my life.) Lucas: (Trust me.) Noah: (Don’t worry, Mommy! Daddy and I will deal with the bad people. We’ve got your back! Bring home lots of trophies—Noah wants to see them!) A wave of emotion washed over Sienna.

No one had ever stood behind her like this before. Not in her entire life. It felt… good. Really good. If Lucas said he would handle it, he would. There was nothing Lucas Harrington couldn’t solve. She typed a quick reply: (Okay.) Then she settled back into her seat. Outwardly, she was the picture of calm.

Meanwhile, in a private hospital room…

Vanessa Bennett had the awards ceremony streaming on the television. Helena Bennett had stepped out briefly. Half an hour ago, Celeste Duval’s assistant had informed her—the plan had failed. Worse, unless something major derailed the event, Sienna would soon be on that stage. Accepting awards that should have been Vanessa’s. That stage was hers. The spotlight was meant for her. Yet here she was, trapped in a hospital bed, humiliated and in pain. Sienna didn’t deserve any of it. If Vanessa couldn’t have it, neither could Sienna.

Driven by bitter rage, Vanessa had paid men to kidnap Caleb Bennett. She’d waited for Sienna to panic and rush out of the ceremony. She knew Sienna better than anyone. Cold on the outside, but fiercely protective of the Bennetts. Why else would she have returned to torment Vanessa? Vanessa eagerly anticipated the moment Sienna would flee. She imagined Sienna being shoved off a cliff by those hired men. The thought brought a twisted smile to her face. But Sienna hadn’t moved. Why wasn’t she leaving? Had the kidnappers failed?

She snatched her phone and texted them: (What’s happening? Why is she still there?) (How should I know? The bitch isn’t responding. I’ve got the guy and sent the message. Now pay up!) Vanessa’s jaw tightened. (Keep messaging her! Don’t stop!) Back in the auditorium, Sienna’s phone lit up repeatedly. Email after email flooded her screen. (Sienna, if you don’t come now, I will kill him!) (This is not a joke! I’ll make sure no evidence is left!) (Look at this deep water! Don’t you think your brother is scared?)

(You have fifteen minutes! I’m not bluffing!) Isabelle glanced dismissively at the screen. A strange, unwavering faith had taken root inside her. She trusted Lucas completely. If he couldn’t save Caleb, her presence would change nothing. Lucas Harrington was the most capable man in the world. On stage, the host’s voice boomed through the hall.

“The next award is for 2020’s Most Popular Supermodel. The nominees are Giselle Marchand, Sofia, Sienna Bennett…”

Ten names were announced. Their portraits flashed across the massive screen. In her hospital bed, Vanessa clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Why? Why was Sienna still sitting there? Why didn’t she care about her brother? Watching Sienna win on that stage would be a fate worse than death.

“And the winner is…” the host paused for dramatic effect, “Sienna Bennett!”

The name ‘Sienna Bennett’ illuminated the screen. Thunderous applause erupted throughout the venue. Every spotlight and camera lens swiveled to focus on her.