Chapter 28
He saw it, his pupils contracting slightly, but the flash of guilt was immediately swallowed by roaring anger. “Did you do that on purpose? You knew she was emotionally unstable, and you deliberately provoked her p>
Sienna rubbed her aching wrist, lifting her eyes to meet his with absolute indifference. “I told you on the way here. You assume all the risks p>
She paused before adding, “Besides, I did exactly what you asked. I apologized to her p>
Ignoring Jarred’s murderous expression, she held up her hands and physically counted off her fingers. “I, am, so, sor, ry. I, hit, you, too, hard. Exactly nine words p>
She looked up, a sly, predatory grin curling the edges of her lips. “The extra commentary was completely free of charge p>
Jarred looked like he was genuinely about to pop a blood vessel. “You p>
But Sienna acted like she couldn’t even see the sheer rage radiating off him. She smiled brightly. “My part of the transaction is complete, Jarred. Don’t forget to wire the remaining balance. Thirteen million dollars. Don’t short me p>
With that, she turned on her heel and strutted toward the elevators without a backward glance.
Jarred stood frozen in place, watching her arrogant, retreating silhouette disappear from view, his face an impenetrable mask of fury.
The blazing anger in his chest entangled with an undeniable, suffocating pang of jealousy, knotting together until he could barely draw a breath.
“Declan,” he ordered the second she was out of earshot.
His assistant hurried over from the shadows. “Yes, Boss p>
“Investigate exactly why Sienna came to Germany.” Jarred’s gaze remained firmly anchored to the spot where Sienna had vanished. “I want every single detail. I need to know exactly what kind of situation warranted Maloney accompanying her p>
“Understood, Boss.” Declan nodded, suddenly remembering a pressing matter, and quickly added, “By the way, you need to report back for duty the day after tomorrow. There’s an emergency mission. I’ve already booked your flight back for tomorrow morning. Please ensure you’re on time p>
Jarred’s attention successfully pivoted, his eyes darkening instantly. “Is Sienna on the same flight p>
“And Maloney?” Jarred’s voice plummeted an octave.
“Neither is… neither is he Declan stammered, his words dumping a bucket of ice water directly over Jarred’s heart.
His expression completely blackened.
Intrusive, uncontrollable images flooded his brain.
Sienna smiling beautifully at Maloney in the restaurant, speaking to him with such effortless intimacy p>
His knuckles turned stark white as he gripped his phone. It felt like an invisible hand was brutally squeezing his heart, flooding his chest with a freezing, agonizing ache.
She was supposed to report back for the exact same mission, yet she was intentionally delaying her return p>
Even as a violent storm ravaged his insides, Jarred’s exterior remained an immovable wall of stone, completely devoid of readable emotion.
Seeing his prolonged silence, Declan cautiously prompted, “Boss, is there anything else you need? If not, I’ll get back to work p>
Jarred frowned deeply and waved a dismissive hand.
Just as Declan turned to leave, Jarred called out, stopping him in his tracks. “Wait p>
He looked visibly conflicted before finally forcing the words through gritted teeth. “What I just asked you to look into… forget it. Cancel the investigation p>
Declan blinked in surprise. Despite being utterly bewildered, he offered a respectful nod. “Understood p>
The following day, after securing her brother’s long-term medical care and quadruple-checking every logistical detail, Sienna finally climbed into the cab heading to the airport with Luna.
However, the car had barely merged onto the highway when a notification flashed on her phone: their flight had been delayed. The reason provided was simply… “Unknown p>
“Are you kidding me?” Luna instantly panicked, turning to Sienna. “What are we going to do? If you miss the mission the day after tomorrow, you’re definitely going to be penalized p>
Sienna’s brows knitted tightly together.