Chapter 286: Giselle Lay Deathly Pale on the Hospital Bed

Giselle lay deathly pale on the hospital bed. Her sunken eyes remained shut, her complexion ashen. Her three-year-old daughter clung to the bedside, her small face swollen from endless tears. The little girl tugged weakly at her mother’s limp hand. “Mommy, why did Daddy leave us? Was I bad? I can be better, I promise…” Her tiny voice cracked. “Mommy, please wake up. I don’t want to be alone. I miss your hugs…”

The heartbreaking pleas echoed through the sterile room. Giselle’s eyes fluttered open. Tears welled and spilled over, tracing paths down her hollow cheeks. She pulled her daughter into a trembling embrace. Their shared sobs shook the narrow bed. The scene was devastating. A video of their grief spread like wildfire online. Sympathy poured in from thousands. The mother and daughter duo trended worldwide. (My heart is shattered! That innocent baby doesn’t deserve this!) (The other woman should rot in hell! She deserves the cruelest punishment!) (Why did Sienna save Aurora? They’re both monsters!)

(Celeste is a true friend. Warning her customers about this scandal? She’s taking a stand against Sienna and Aurora! Respect!) (They should beg for forgiveness at Giselle’s bedside and then disappear!) Netizens unleashed a torrent of hatred. Their words were knives aimed at Sienna and Aurora. Celeste, however, was celebrated. She was hailed as “The Most Ethical CEO” and “The Entrepreneur with a Conscience.”

Inside the Harrington Estate…

The pythons had been relentless. They chased Lillian through the halls until Lucas himself intervened. He commanded order. The snakes were returned to their enclosures. Then came his decree. “Remove her from the estate.” Lillian froze. Dread washed over her. He was exiling her? “Mr. Harrington, why?” she cried. “I’ve done nothing wrong!” Lucas didn’t bother to look back. A cold scoff was his only reply. His presence was absolute as he walked away.

Dominic dragged her out of the main hall. “The boss isn’t stupid,” he hissed. “You know exactly what you did. Get ready to live on the streets.” He threw her out past the iron gates. His final words were a death sentence. The Harrington family’s protection was gone. No one would ever hire her again. Betraying Lucas Harrington always ended in ruin. Back inside the estate, in the kitchen… Sienna had disposed of Lillian’s phone. She returned to preparing the lobsters.

Noah stood beside her, confused. “Mommy, how did the snakes get out? Why were they chasing her?” Sienna’s eyes darkened. The truth was simple. Lillian had planted a pouch of pheromone powder on her. A scent designed to enrage the pythons. A quick flick of her wrist had sent the powder right back into Lillian’s own pocket. But Noah didn’t need to know the cruel calculations of adults. “Perhaps she annoyed them,” Sienna said softly. “Or did something she shouldn’t have. Don’t worry, sweetheart. If you’re good, you have nothing to fear.”

She turned to the stove. “Now step back, my love. The oil might splash. I’d be heartbroken if you got hurt.”

“Okay, Mommy!” Noah’s worry vanished. The promise of lobster made him retreat with a happy smile.

Sienna cranked the flame to high. Oil shimmered in the wok. She tossed in garlic, scallions, and dried chilies. The air filled with an aromatic sizzle. Then came the lobsters. They hit the hot oil and turned a brilliant crimson. They looked utterly delicious. Her phone rang sharply. She answered. Owen’s voice was tense and direct. “We have another problem. The organizer of the Starlight Gala is causing a scene at Summit Media. You need to get here now.” Another issue? What now?