Chapter 53

In the private room, Sienna sat across from the man. He stared intently, as if fearing she might vanish if he blinked.

“Sienna,” he began softly, “this is the third time we’ve met. That day at Bacchus Bridge, during Fiona’s memorial… You were there, weren’t you? You were wearing a mask.”

“I’m not here to talk about the past,” Sienna interrupted, her voice cold. “We’ve already met. Now, where’s the money? Did you bring it?”

He nodded. “I brought it. You’ll get it soon. But Sienna, it’s been so long. Four years ago, you left without a word. How have you been? How are things with Mr. Flynn?”

“Enough,” Sienna said sharply, cutting him off. Her tone remained calm, but irritation flickered in her eyes. “Do you really think these questions are yours to ask?”

The man looked conflicted, his expression a mixture of guilt and hesitation. “Why can’t I ask? Sienna, I care about you. Did Mr. Flynn… did he treat you badly? Is that why you suddenly need so much money?”

“Care?” Sienna laughed mockingly. Her eyes were full of sarcasm. “Caring now? Isn’t it a bit late?” She thought, Where was he when I needed him most? Where was his concern then? The cheapest thing in the world is affection past its due date!

The man hesitated, his face showing both conflict and pain. “Yes, it’s my fault. But Sienna, can you at least tell me what happened that you suddenly need so much money? Is Mr. Flynn treating you badly?” He remembered seeing them together recently. Josiah had seemed protective, but the fact that she had been sent abroad for four years spoke volumes.

“Sienna, please tell me…” his voice was soft, almost pleading.

Enough, Sienna thought, closing her eyes briefly to suppress her frustration. “If I don’t say anything, does that mean you won’t give me the money?” she asked bluntly.

“No, I didn’t mean…” he began, but his words were interrupted by a loud knock. Bang! Bang! Bang! The force was aggressive, as if the person outside wouldn’t hesitate to break in.

“Open the door!” a gruff voice demanded.

“Hurry up and open the door!” another voice barked.

“Police! Open the door immediately! Do you hear me?” The final shout came with unmistakable authority.

Sienna froze. “What’s going on? Why are the police here?” She glanced at the man. His face paled as panic set in. “Damn it,” he muttered, shooting to his feet. He thought, But today’s visit couldn’t be known—not to anyone, especially not my family.

Sienna caught his reaction. She thought, This man, always clamoring to love and care for me, but the moment trouble comes, his first thought is always himself.

“Sienna…” he started, his tone uncertain.

“What are you afraid of?” Sienna interrupted, raising an eyebrow coldly, her gaze piercing. “We haven’t done anything wrong,” she said sharply. “We can open the door and explain our relationship.”

The man hesitated, his reluctance evident. “Sienna, I…”

She smirked, her voice suddenly mocking. “Relax, I’m just teasing. Why are you so nervous?” Then, with a sudden shift in tone, she turned her back. “Go. Leave through the balcony.”

“Sienna…” his voice faltered.

“Go now!” she snapped, her patience wearing thin. “If you don’t leave, I’ll open the door! And if they take you to the station, you won’t be able to hide it from your wife.”

At her words, the man flinched. Without another word, he made a beeline for the balcony.

Sienna stood still, her back to him. She thought, What a joke. I don’t need this man anymore. A bitter smile flickered across her face. Taking a deep breath, she walked to the door and flung it open.

“Sienna!” The moment she opened the door, she came face-to-face with an enraged Josiah. His fury was palpable. For a split second, Sienna thought, He looks like a husband catching his wife red-handed in an affair. Ridiculous.

“Look what you’ve done!” Josiah sneered, raising his hand. At his signal, the officers behind him surged into the room. They searched thoroughly but found nothing.

“No one!” one officer said.

“Just her?” another asked.

Others were confused. “How is that possible?”

Josiah’s disbelief was evident. His eyes scanned the room like a hawk. Finally, after searching personally, he had to accept the truth: there was no one else.

“Where is he?” he demanded, turning to Sienna. “The man you were meeting—where is he?”

“What man?” Sienna let out a soft, sarcastic laugh. “Mr. Flynn, please don’t make baseless accusations.”

“Sienna!” Josiah snapped, suddenly grabbing her waist with a force that stunned her.

“Ah!” Sienna gasped as he pushed her backward onto the couch. His tall frame loomed over her, his grip unrelenting. “Speak. Where is he? Who did you come here to see?” His eyes bored into hers, his tone dangerously low.

“I…” Sienna’s face turned pale. Her lashes trembled as she whispered, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Josiah’s fury surged. His sharp voice cut through the air: “Fine! Let me ask you directly—did you sleep with another man?”

Sienna froze, utterly shocked. Did I hear that right? she thought. Her voice rose before she could stop herself. “What does that have to do with you?”

Josiah’s patience snapped. “I’m the one asking questions here!” he roared. “Answer me—yes or no?” His booming voice filled the room, his tone so menacing that it felt as if her answer might determine her fate. This is insane, Sienna thought. Absolutely absurd.

But she wasn’t one to back down. Straightening her spine, she met his gaze and enunciated clearly, “It is none of your business.” Josiah was momentarily stunned by her boldness. Then, his lips curled into a bitter smile. “Fine,” he said, stepping back.

For a brief moment, Sienna felt relief. But then—

“Hey, you!” One of the officers approached her. “You’re coming with us to the station!”

“What?” Sienna’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Why?”

The officer continued, “We suspect you’re involved in illegal activities. Come with us to clear things up.”

“Illegal activities?” Sienna’s voice cracked. What are they talking about? Do they think I’m selling something here? “No!” she exclaimed, shaking her head in panic. “I didn’t do anything!”

“Whether you did or not isn’t for you to decide,” the officer said coldly. “Take her.”

“No, wait!” Sienna tried to protest, but it was no use.

“Get a female officer to escort her,” the officer barked. “On it,” came the reply.

Outside the room, the club manager looked distraught. “Officers, there must be some kind of misunderstanding! Our establishment doesn’t engage in illegal activities, and this woman isn’t even one of our members.” “Her behavior has nothing to do with us,” the manager added, clearly exasperated. Who the hell reported us and caused this mess? he wondered. Who else could it be? Of course, it was Josiah. If they wouldn’t let him investigate, he’d simply use the police to do it instead.

Sienna turned her gaze toward Josiah, her eyes sharp with accusation. It was him. It must have been him. But why? Why would he target me? She thought, If he thinks this will break me, he’s wrong. I’ve done nothing wrong. Let them take me. I’ve survived worse.

“Wait!” Josiah suddenly spoke, his commanding voice cutting through the air. He strode forward to stand before Sienna. Leaning down, he whispered into her ear, his voice low and magnetic, “As long as you tell the truth, I promise they won’t take you away.”