Chapter 39: Sienna Noticed Lucas and Noah Carrying Several Shopping Bags

Sienna noticed Lucas and Noah carrying several shopping bags. She had no alternative but to enter the control room and press two red buttons. The security gates at the main entrance retracted smoothly. Lucas stepped inside the manor, holding Noah's hand. He placed the grocery bags on the table. When Sienna came downstairs, she found her table covered with packages, including multiple bags filled with sanitary pads. An involuntary smile touched her lips. "Why so many?" There were enough pads to last an entire year.

"I wasn't sure which brand you preferred, so I bought one of each," Lucas stated bluntly, his expression neutral.

"How much do I owe you? I'll transfer the money."

"Mommy, these are for you! Daddy got them specially! But if you really want to repay him, you could just hug and kiss me," Noah chirped, stepping forward with his chubby arms outstretched.

Sienna initially intended to refuse, but his adorable pouting face melted her resistance. She bent down and lifted him into her arms. "Sweetheart, you shouldn't be so wasteful. Money doesn't come easily, and I need to reimburse him."

"But you're my Mommy, and we're family! It's perfectly fine," Noah insisted cheerfully.

Sienna gently stroked his cheek and spoke softly. "Darling, I know you care about me, but I'm not actually your mother. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, Mommy," Noah replied casually.

She decided to drop the subject, reasoning that their interactions would be limited anyway. Turning to Lucas, she said, "It's getting rather late. You should take Noah home to rest. He's at a growing age and needs proper sleep." Lucas's brow furrowed. He had come specifically to look after her, and she was dismissing him already? A sudden idea sparked in his eyes. "Noah, come here." Lucas reached for the boy. "We're leaving now."

"No! I only want Mommy to hold me! I want to stay with Mommy tonight!" Noah clung tightly to Sienna's neck.

Lucas's expression tightened. "Don't be difficult."

"But I just want to be with Mommy!" Noah gripped even tighter.

Lucas's elegant features darkened immediately. "Come here this instant." He seized Noah's arm. "What was our agreement before we left home today? Have you forgotten already?" His voice sharpened as he delivered a firm smack to the boy's rear. Smack! A loud slap echoed through the room, followed by Noah's pained sobs.

"Sniff... sniff... It hurts... Stop hitting me...!"

Lucas's handsome face grew colder. "Stop crying immediately. Big boys don't cry." He raised his hand threateningly for another strike.

"Waa... Mommy! Help! Save me!" Noah cried hoarsely, tears streaming down his face as he blinked desperately.

Sienna could no longer remain silent. She swiftly pulled Noah away from Lucas, glaring at him angrily. "Mr. Harrington, I don't mean to interfere, but this is no way to discipline your son! He's just a child! This kind of treatment could traumatize him!"

"He disobeyed me first," Lucas reasoned impassively.

"Waa... I didn't do anything wrong...!" Noah whimpered again. "I just want to be with Mommy. I miss Mommy! I've never had the chance to sleep with Mommy... I don't want to sleep alone in the children's room... I want Mommy's hugs! I want to be with Mommy..."

His tears flowed freely down his cheeks like waterfalls. Sienna's heart melted with compassion. "Sweetheart, don't cry, don't cry," she soothed gently. "You can stay here tonight. I'll protect you."

"Really?" Noah stopped crying instantly, a radiant smile spreading across his face.

"My apologies for the inconvenience, and thank you for your understanding, Miss Bennett." With those words, Lucas walked to the door and closed it firmly behind him.

??? What just happened?