Chapter 359: Derek's Gaze Sharpened at Valerie's Proposition

Derek’s gaze sharpened at Valerie’s proposition. Could she truly deliver what he desired? Was that substance… some kind of love potion? As if reading his thoughts, Valerie clarified, “This isn’t just any ordinary aphrodisiac. I spent a decade perfecting this pill. She doesn’t even need to swallow it—skin contact is enough. Then you can have your way with her.” Derek stared at Valerie, both impressed and unnerved. What a ruthless innovator. She actually invented this. Still…

“Why help me?”

“You don’t need to know. Lucas will be at the Harrington Estate in ten days. That’s your only window.”

Valerie rose gracefully, her crystal heels clicking as she exited the office. Derek’s focus remained fixed on the pill bottle, his mind racing. Ten days?

Outside, Vanessa hid behind a large potted plant, holding her breath.

Once certain Valerie hadn’t spotted her, she relaxed slightly and gestured to Harrison beside her. “You. Go talk to Derek.”

“Yes, Madam.” Harrison understood and entered the office.

He noticed the pill bottle in Derek’s hand and frowned. “Mr. Prescott, what is—”

“Clear my schedule for the next ten days,” Derek ordered.

Harrison grew more concerned. “So you’ve decided to pursue Ms. Bennett? What about Vanessa? If she finds out, she’ll be devastated…”

“She’s reasonable. She’ll understand,” Derek replied coolly.

Vanessa, eavesdropping outside, clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white. Was she doomed to remain his secret mistress forever? Forced to watch him chase another woman, all because she was ‘reasonable’? Even Harrison felt a pang of sympathy. A woman of Vanessa’s caliber deserved better. Summoning his courage, Harrison pressed further. “What… what happens after? Even if you succeed with Ms. Bennett, she’s not easily manipulated. Divorcing her later could be complicated. Securing her assets won’t be simple…” Derek’s eyes narrowed. Divorce? The word left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Sienna was powerful, resourceful, incredibly wealthy. Why would he ever divorce her?

“Harrison, you’re overstepping.”

“My apologies.” Harrison bowed his head and turned to leave.

But after a few steps, he couldn’t help asking, “If you don’t divorce Ms. Bennett, what becomes of Vanessa? What kind of life will she have?” Vanessa held her breath, waiting for his answer. They had been together for years. Surely he cared about her future? After a tense silence, Derek finally replied, “I’ll ensure she’s financially secure.” Financially secure… Ha! ‘Financially secure’? That meant he had no intention of marrying her. Vanessa’s heart shattered. Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably.

She had devoted years to Derek, supported him wholeheartedly, helped him build Prescott Industries. And her reward? ‘Financial security’? Derek once promised to love her forever. Then it became ‘I won’t let you down’. Now it was ‘financial security’. Ha… ha… ha… Harrison asked nothing more. He left the office, closing the door quietly behind him. Vanessa remained hidden behind the plant, sobbing silently. Moved by her distress, Harrison instinctively reached to wipe her tears. But Vanessa stepped back, composing herself instantly. “Harrison, know your place.”

Her tone was cold, defensive, leaving no room for pity.