Chapter 21
Sienna let out a soft, derisive chuckle, her eyes glinting with mockery. “Oh, what can I say? Just a little friendly nudge, that’s all. Deliberately stepping into someone else’s relationship speaks volumes about a person’s moral compass, doesn’t it? Even if you call it love, don’t expect anyone to applaud your actions. Especially considering Miss Chambers is in the public eye. Have you stopped to think what might happen to Mitchell Group if your affair comes to light? Do you really think the Bayside project will survive the fallout?”
Warren’s face darkened, his jaw tightening. Mitchell Group had only just regained its footing, clawing its way back from the brink. This wasn’t the time for slip-ups or scandals. The Sienna family’s abrupt withdrawal of their investment had already rattled the board members, leaving them teetering on the edge of mistrust. If his private life were to spill over and wreak havoc now, he would become the board’s scapegoat, the very face of the company’s crisis. His leadership would be hanging by a thread. This affair, though not catastrophic on its own, if exposed, could spark a wildfire of public outrage.
Warren’s brows drew together as he fixed Sienna with a piercing stare, a flicker of menace darkening his gaze. “Who exactly are you?”
Sienna’s lips curled into a sarcastic smile as she threw him a pointed glance. “Well, Mr. Mitchell, you’re certainly not proving yourself to be the sharpest leader in the business world. Can it be that you have no clue who your former investors really are?”
Her words cut cleanly, leaving no room for misunderstanding. As she finished, Sienna exchanged a meaningful glance with Vivienne.
Vivienne sighed softly, her calm tone carrying a trace of cool detachment. “Allow me to clarify: this is Miss Holt Holt.”
Warren’s face froze, the weight of the name hitting him like a stone dropped into still water. Sienna Holt. The realization sent a chill down his spine. His pupils narrowed, and the disbelief in his gaze was soon replaced by a searing wave of fury.
He turned his burning stare toward Vivienne, his voice taut with accusation. “So you were the one stirring the pot all along!”
Sienna’s voice broke through his accusation like a whip. “Not exactly. Let’s set the record straight—my decision to collaborate with Mitchell Group back then was entirely because of Miss Hayes. Now, I’ve decided to withdraw my support, simply because I can’t stand the brazen audacity of a side piece.”
Warren’s lips pressed into a grim line, his dark eyes locked on Sienna with unflinching intensity.
Sensing the mounting hostility radiating from him, Vivienne stepped slightly forward, positioning herself protectively between Sienna and Warren. Her eyes, sharp and unyielding, met Warren’s with an air of quiet authority. Her voice was soft yet cold, each word deliberate. “I’ve always conducted myself openly and aboveboard. If I wanted to strike back at you, there were countless opportunities to do so. But I’ve never stooped to dirty tricks. Not because I still care about you—I don’t—but because I refuse to waste energy on meaningless vendettas. That said, before I reconsider my restraint, take your companion and leave. Otherwise…”
Her gaze flicked to Natalie, her expression hardening. “I won’t hesitate to let the world see the both of you for what you really are—a tragic pair bound for ruin.”
Warren’s expression turned even darker, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint. His voice dropped to a low growl. “Are you threatening me?”
“She’s merely pointing out the obvious,” came a deep, commanding voice from behind.
The air in the room shifted as all heads turned. A man stood in the doorway, his features sharp and refined, his deep-set eyes gleaming with intelligence. Even the gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose couldn’t temper the underlying edge of his gaze. His long legs carried him forward with measured purpose, the hem of his black trench coat swaying with each stride, exuding an air of effortless poise and power.
Vivienne stood frozen, her blank stare fixed on Sinclair Sinclair, momentarily paralyzed by shock. Her single, pressing thought: Why was her uncle here?