Chapter 273: She Had Been Gone from the Estate for Barely

She had been gone from the estate for barely half a day. And he already had another woman in his home. As Sienna processed the scene, Noah quickly clarified, "Mommy, it's not Daddy's fault. Grandfather and Grandmother sent Aunt Valerie. They said she must spend three hours with us every day from now on." Three hours. That could only mean one thing. The Harrington elders were determined to matchmake Lucas and Valerie. They weren't wrong in their choice. Valerie Duval stood at the pinnacle of Kingsport's elite. Her family background was impeccable.

Her medical and business skills were unparalleled. She outshone every other woman in the city. A woman like her was truly worthy of Lucas. Sienna's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. She looked down at Noah. "Alright, sweetheart. Mommy will leave now. I'll visit you another day."

"No!" Noah insisted, clutching her hand. "I want to stay with you. She's leaving in twenty minutes anyway. Mommy shouldn't have to leave because of someone like her! Come with me—I'll show you a secret place."

He led her to a narrow, hidden passageway. It was a spiral staircase barely half a meter wide, winding upward through the walls. Sienna frowned slightly. Where was he taking her? She feared no one, least of all Valerie Duval. She knew she could easily rival the other woman in any competition. Yet deep down, she acknowledged the truth. She would never be with Lucas. She wanted to avoid unnecessary complications. If Valerie discovered her presence, things could become messy. While lost in thought, Sienna found herself in a small attic space.

Noah placed a finger to his lips, signaling for silence. Sienna realized they were on the ninth floor, peering through a small window in the door. Below them, the main lobby was visible. Lucas sat on an ornate European sofa, conducting a meeting with several blond businessmen. They seemed to be discussing something important. Valerie sat patiently on a nearby sofa, occasionally checking her wristwatch. Her elegant face showed clear signs of displeasure. Sienna felt a flicker of surprise. Had Lucas really scheduled meetings for the entire three hours of Valerie's mandated visit?

"Ha!" Noah whispered triumphantly. "Only twenty more minutes! Then we won't have to see her anymore!"

"Why don't you like her?" Sienna asked gently.

This woman would likely become his stepmother. Noah pouted. "I don't like her at all. I only want you as my mommy. Anyone else is just pretending! And nobody is as beautiful as you!" Sienna couldn't help but smile at his words. Objectively, Valerie was just as beautiful as she was. This child certainly knew how to charm. Down in the lobby, Valerie finally reached her limit. She approached the group of businessmen and addressed them in flawless French.

"Excuse me, gentlemen. I need to speak with Mr. Harrington regarding urgent matters concerning our future together. Please resume your discussions another time."

The men exchanged reluctant glances but eventually departed. Now only Lucas and Valerie remained in the spacious lobby. Valerie seated herself elegantly opposite Lucas.

"Lucas," she began, her voice soft and persuasive. "I understand your reluctance. But this is your parents' decision. I genuinely wish to help you raise Noah. Every child deserves a complete family."

Lucas remained impassive. He stood abruptly. "Noah and I value our peace above all else." The dismissal was clear. He turned to leave without another word. Valerie moved quickly, grasping his wrist to stop him.

"Lucas," she said, her tone turning urgent. "We've known each other for years. I am your best option. No other woman in the world matches your status. Whatever you dislike about me, I will change."