Tyson led Sienna and Nathan into a private room. The atmosphere was eerily unsettling. Yvette, legs propped on the expensive mahogany table, leaned lazily in her chair, eyes downcast, playing Super Mario. Her worn canvas shoes starkly contrasted with the opulent surroundings; her posture mirrored the boss's.
Across from her, Damian sipped coffee, toying with a black gun, occasionally glancing at Yvette, lost in thought. The scene was undeniably strange.
Sienna immediately ran to Yvette, seeking comfort in her proximity. "Yve, I'm here," she said.
Yvette lowered her phone, maintaining her posture, her hand lightly resting on the armrest as she gestured to Sienna. "Have a seat," she said.
Sienna obeyed, glancing at Damian. She recognized his resemblance to the grandfather Nathan had described.
Nathan, frowning, noted Yvette's bold demeanor. He mused that only she would dare such defiance before her grandfather; anyone else would likely be swiftly punished.
Approaching Damian, Nathan bowed respectfully. "Grandpa," he said.
Damian's gaze, as he lifted his eyelids, was intimidating. Nathan's mediocrity, Damian reflected, was why he entrusted the Goodman family's public businesses to Nathan and their hidden power to Braydon.
"Have a seat," Damian said.
Nathan sat beside Damian, facing Sienna, gazing at her with an intensity that made her skin crawl; she regretted their involvement.
Damian, attempting to overawe Sienna with his presence—a common negotiation tactic—watched as she flinched and moved closer to Yvette. How could a young girl withstand a former underworld king?
Yvette's gaze sharpened. "Who do you think you're intimidating? Get to the point," she said, her voice low and chilling.
Nathan paled, remembering Yvette's previous gunshot, and fell silent. He knew she wouldn't hesitate, even before Damian. Hesitantly, he withdrew.
Damian smiled warmly, his gaze settling on Sienna's belly. "Hello, Sienna. I'm Damian Goodman, Nathan's grandfather. I understand you're expecting a child. I'll cancel Nathan's previous engagement. You can choose your wedding date. The dowry will be $300 million, plus ten properties from our global portfolio. After the baby's birth, you're free to decide about work; the Goodman family won't interfere," he said.
Each offer was designed to overwhelm any woman. He was certain of her acceptance; some conditions were added at Yvette's suggestion. Sienna alone wouldn't warrant such concessions.
Seizing the moment, Nathan declared, "Sienna, this is exactly what I want. Marry me, and I promise to treat you well. I'll sever ties with those you mentioned. Can you bear for your child to grow up without a father, ridiculed by others?"
Nathan and Damian exchanged a confident glance.
Yvette's eyes half-closed, her expression icy yet defiant. She casually glanced at them, tilting her head. "What do you think?" she asked Sienna.
Sienna fidgeted, then looked up, determined. "No. I refuse. Can't we just break up peacefully? You slept with your secretary, Linda, multiple times! You play the devoted lover while betraying me. Is this amusing?"
Turning to Damian, she continued, "I don't need your money or property. I achieve everything myself. Save it for Nathan's future wife—it definitely won't be me."
Damian's face darkened. He hadn't anticipated such indifference. Nathan, too, was taken aback by her unwavering refusal.
Panicked, Nathan stammered, "Sienna, it was only a few times! She initiated it. I'll fire her!"
Damian's patience stemmed entirely from Yvette's presence. Otherwise, a woman pregnant with a Goodman child wouldn't merit this much attention.
He said kindly, "Ms. Sterling, men have flings. As long as he cares for you, that's enough. No man loves only one woman his entire life. Don't be naive. Every wealthy family has its issues. Don't fuss, or you might never marry."
Sienna's anger flared at his shameless comments. Their shared thick-skinned nature shocked her. She decided to reciprocate his disrespect.
Fear vanished, replaced by a bright smile that baffled Damian and Nathan. Yvette smirked; Sienna, she thought, finally showed her claws.
Sienna retorted, "I don't need your concern about marriage. I'll marry a pig or a dog before I marry Nathan. As for the child, I'll terminate it tomorrow. I'm breaking up with Nathan, and I'm not afraid of your family's influence. If necessary, we'll both lose everything. No one gets a happy ending."
Damian, expecting a compliant girl, was stunned by her defiance.