Chapter 378: Lucas's Voice Was Impossibly Soft

Lucas's voice was impossibly soft. His eyes held a gentle glow, filled with undeniable affection. Caleb frowned deeply. Was Lucas being kind only because he was Sienna's brother? Was Sienna really just his secret lover? Something felt off. Very off. Warmth spread through Sienna's chest at his words. Right then, she made a firm decision. In two days, once she had a moment, she would help Lucas investigate the incident from five years ago. She needed to find out who he had slept with that night.

Meanwhile…

The Bennetts and the Prescotts finalized the wedding plans. Time was tight. Most luxury venues were fully booked. They eventually settled on Grand Meridian Hotel. It was the same hotel where Derek and Sienna had held their engagement party. A five-star establishment, but not the absolute pinnacle of luxury. When the families announced the news online, it exploded across social media. A former top supermodel. The so-called 'National Husband'. Their scandal was still fresh in everyone's minds.

#Vanessa-marrying-Derek instantly trended at number one.

(Is Vanessa actually marrying Derek?!) (Didn't he just propose to Sienna at the Night of Glory gala?) (Her nudes leaked, then she slept with him at his wedding to Sienna, and now this? Marriage?) (That's all history! They're perfect for each other! They have a five-year history!) (He proposed to Sienna and failed. Now he's marrying Vanessa? Who does he actually love? Both?) (Sienna hasn't taken any modeling jobs since the wedding. She's stepped back from the spotlight. Probably heartbroken.) (It must destroy her, watching her ex marry her sister…) (Sending love to Sienna.)

(Sending love to Sienna +10086) Despite being the bride, Vanessa's name was overshadowed. Sienna's name was searched more frequently. Netizens dredged up everything: the leaked photos, the plots against other models, the betrayal with her almost brother-in-law. The comment section was a warzone. Vanessa had just returned home. She was in her room, reviewing her schedule, when she saw the comments. Her fists clenched until her knuckles turned white. This was Sienna's doing. It had to be! Sienna pretended to be so magnanimous in front of their grandfather. She acted supportive of the wedding.

All while scheming behind the scenes to sabotage it. How utterly vicious! After a moment's thought, she called Derek. He answered after a few rings. His voice was flat. "Yes?" All the previous gentleness was gone. There was no joy about their impending marriage. Vanessa's grip on the phone tightened. "Derek, have you seen the news online? It's horrible… Someone is behind this. You have media connections. The wedding is so soon. Can't you have them take it down?" Derek was in his office. He absently rolled a small pill bottle between his fingers.

This should have been his wedding to Sienna. Everything was supposed to go according to plan. Instead, he was stuck marrying Vanessa. Her stake in Bennett Holdings was pitifully small. How could she possibly help him?

"Ignore them," he said, his tone devoid of emotion. "Clear your head. Focus on being a bride. Don't waste energy on this."

Vanessa's face darkened. Clear her head? Everyone was tearing them apart! How could she possibly ignore it? If this wasn't stopped, she would have to endure their judgmental stares on her wedding day. Was he looking down on her because of her small share percentage?