Chapter 646
“Mr. Sterling, do you want me to drive after them p>
“No need,” Jarred replied, his voice low and hoarse, his tall frame maintaining the inherent composure of a leader.
But only he knew that the hollow emptiness in his chest was slowly consuming all his emotions.
The Maybach glided through the traffic.
The gentle twilight painted the entire block as Jarred kept his gaze fixed out the window.
Suddenly, a familiar dessert shop caught his eye.
Exquisite, sweet pastries were displayed behind the glass, and he immediately spotted the champagne mousse cake right in the center.
“Pull over,” Jarred ordered softly.
He concealed the exhaustion in his expression, stepped out of the car, and walked into the shop himself, waiting patiently for a fresh cake to be boxed up.
When he emerged carrying the elegant velvet box, even his steps seemed unconsciously lighter.
Before long, the black sedan pulled into the gated community and came to a smooth stop outside the villa.
The gate, which usually opened automatically, remained shut today.
Declan got out to check, then jogged back with an awkward expression. “Mr. Sterling, it seems… the code is wrong p>
Jarred frowned, pushed the door open, and stepped out. He tried the facial recognition out of habit, but nothing happened.
He raised his hand and punched in the numeric code he knew by heart.
The security system remained unresponsive, only emitting a flat, mechanical voice: Access denied.
Jarred’s brows furrowed as he typed it in again, but the result was the same.
The system interface clearly indicated that all of his access privileges to the property had been completely wiped.
Even the automatic sensor linked to his car was now useless.
The tiny spark of joy the cake had just brought him was instantly doused in ice water, sinking to the depths of his stomach.
While he was frowning and trying to figure out why, the heavy villa gate slowly swung inward.
Mrs. Landry stood inside, looking entirely helpless. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she lowered her head and murmured nervously.
“Mr. Sterling p>
Just as Jarred was about to ask her what was going on, his gaze moved past the housekeeper and landed directly behind her.
Sienna stood quietly in the interplay of light and shadow, wearing a simple pale dress her expression as aloof and distant as ever.
Beside her stood Thea Stanton, her posture straight, holding a black briefcase with several documents neatly stacked on top of it.
Jarred’s eyes darkened, a strong wave of unease rising within him.
He realized almost instantly that Sienna had prepared for this thoroughly revaking his access was. by no means a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Seeing them enter, Thea whispered something to Sienna before turning to leave, giving them space to talk.
Jarred strode inside, his gaze locked onto Sienna’s calm, frosty features.
He suppressed the gloom in his eyes and lowered himself to a posture he never would have imagined taking.
“Regarding the board meeting today, no one will trouble you going forward. I’ve completely cleared away all the hidden threats p>
He wasn’t fishing for praise, simply informing her of the outcome.
It was the most secure protection he could offer her.
As he spoke, he held out the cake in his hand.
But Sienna merely lifted her gaze, her eyes clear and perfectly calm. She didn’t even spare a glance at the cake.
“Thank you for your intervention, Mr. Sterling. However, I stayed behind today because I have two things to make clear to you p>
Jarred looked at her in silence.
Sienna didn’t beat around the bush. “As you’ve seen, the matters in my hands can’t be handed over anytime soon.
This villa is your private property, and it’s inappropriate for me to keep crashing here.
From now on, I will pay you monthly rent based on market rates. I absolutely won’t take advantage of you p>
Jarred’s pupils contracted slightly, his heart suddenly plummeting.