Chapter 86: Exhaustion Weighed Heavy on Sienna's Limbs After the Grueling

Exhaustion weighed heavy on Sienna's limbs after the grueling day. She craved nothing more than the oblivion of sleep. But the news Owen presented shattered any hope of rest. He remained silent, his expression grim. He simply extended his phone toward her. It was Vanessa’s Pulse feed. A new photoshoot dominated the screen. Vanessa, clad in striking crimson, mimicked Sienna’s signature poses with eerie precision. She had even replicated the iconic cover shot from Sienna’s portfolio.

In the image, Vanessa glanced over her shoulder, her gaze deliberately aloof. She sat with feigned confidence, one hand rotated forward, a shoulder dipped slightly, her head tilted. The provocative contour between her torso and arm was prominently displayed. The red dress seemed to erase any trace of her usual false modesty, presenting a calculated, dangerous image.

[Stunning!] [This red is everything!] [Vanessa, you own this look!]

Comments flooded the post instantly. Media outlets and brand sponsors were already swarming.

“She’s attempting to create a sensation by copying my aesthetic.” Annoyance flickered in Sienna’s eyes.

She knew the impact of her upcoming Valenne editorial would be diminished. Accusations of plagiarism would inevitably surface. A direct confrontation with Vanessa now could empower Vanessa’s fans to orchestrate her exile from the industry. Owen’s worry was palpable. “This is a disaster. The Valenne campaign is your second major project since your return. Its success was meant to solidify your position. The Glamorous Night Annual Dinner is next month. A triumphant Valenne release could have secured you ‘The Best Artiste’. Vanessa has effectively thrown a wrench into everything.”

“Relax. She won’t succeed.” A determined glint shone in Sienna’s eyes, her red lips curling into a sardonic smile.

“Where are you going at this hour?” Owen frowned as she slipped on her heels.

“This isn’t about Vanessa. Don’t worry. Let’s go!” She left him standing there, consumed by suspense.

A luxury car idled in the underground parking lot. Lucas Harrington sat in the passenger seat, a single earring resting in his palm. It was undoubtedly the one Sienna had lost in his car earlier. After putting Noah to bed, he had immediately ordered Sebastian to drive him here. Ding. “Lucas, look!” Sebastian exclaimed. Sienna and Owen emerged from the elevator side by side. Owen courteously opened the passenger door for her.

A sharp pang of something unpleasant twisted in Lucas’s chest. Sienna showed no reluctance around Owen. Yet, she consistently turned away from him when in his passenger seat.

“Who is he?” Lucas’s voice was low, his eyes glinting coldly.

“My investigations have yielded little. What I confirm is he returned from Africa with Sienna and currently manages all her professional affairs.”

Sebastian offered feeble consolation. “However, I can confirm they are not romantically involved.”

“Ah. But that describes the present, not the future, correct?”

A corrosive wave of envy washed over him, witnessing her easy, comfortable dynamic with another man.