Green Ville Villas
The smile on Sienna's face froze.
What is he doing here… in our house?
Her gaze slowly shifted to her mother—Selene.
Speechless.
She swallowed hard.
"What… a pleasant surprise. I didn't know you were coming," she said, forcing a smile to hide the fear clawing at her chest.
Why does he look so stormy… even with that handsome face? she thought uneasily.
How it all started…
Earlier that day, Mira—one of the house staff—had rushed into her room.
"Madam, you've got a visitor waiting downstairs!"
"Alright, I'm coming," Selene replied dismissively.
She had tried to guess who it was, but eventually gave up.
What's the point of guessing when I'll find out soon enough?
Now, she regretted it.
She shouldn't have come out.
It was too late to run.
"What a pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting your visit," Selene began, her voice slightly shaky as she tried to mask her fear.
Richard had already seen through her.
From the moment she stepped into the room—her expression tense, her proud stride reduced to cautious tiptoeing—he knew.
He simply pretended not to notice.
This only explains one thing, he thought, his gaze turning cold as it fixed on her.
Selene avoided eye contact, afraid that even a single glance would betray her.
She knows where Tania is, he concluded.
Her behavior had confirmed his suspicion.
But why?
"Son of a bitch," Sienna muttered under her breath.
Thankfully, Richard was too lost in thought to hear.
"What is he doing here?" she asked herself, handing her handbag to Mira, who stood nervously in the corner.
"And what are you still doing here? Leave before you do something stupid!" Sienna snapped.
Mira flinched and hurried out immediately.
"The nerve of him… barging into our house like this," Sienna hissed, her eyes narrowing at him.
His black suit fit him perfectly, his presence radiating a chilling authority.
But how did he get past security?
Then it clicked.
The black sleek car I saw earlier…
"Ah… what brings you here? Please, take a seat. We can discuss," Selene said, trying to ease the tension.
"But first, what can I offer you?"
Richard let out a soft chuckle.
"Mrs. Woods, no need to bother. I'm fine. And I won't be here long, so there's no need for hospitality."
"So why are you here?" a bold voice cut in from behind.
"Sienna!"
"My child, you're back," Selene said, quickly taking her hands.
"Mom, are you alright?" Sienna asked, concern lacing her voice.
"Yes, dear. There's no cause for alarm."
"But Mom… what is he doing here?"
Mother and daughter exchanged uneasy glances.
"I… I can't tell," Selene lied. "He should be the one to explain."
"You heard her," Sienna snapped. "Why are you here?"
"Your mother is the only one in the position to answer that."
The voice came from nowhere.
Stewardess Madeline stepped in.
"I told you to wait in the car," Richard said through clenched teeth, clearly irritated.
"I couldn't. We're wasting time," she replied sharply.
"And who are you?" Sienna shot back. "What gives you the right to speak to me like that?"
"Who I am shouldn't concern you," Madeline said coldly. "That's not why we're here."
"Oh… you've got quite the attitude," Selene said, feigning hurt.
"Do you mind telling me what this is all about?" she demanded.
"Oh, please spare me the act," Madeline snapped. "You're such a good actress."
"Enough!" Sienna barked, silencing the room.
She stepped toward Madeline, each step heavy with anger.
"How dare you barge into our home and insult my mother? Have you no courtesy—"
"Like mother, like daughter," Madeline cut in with a scoff. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Maybe you should ask yourselves that question. Have you no shame? Stooping so low as to—"
"What in heaven's name are you talking about?!" Selene exploded, losing control.
The tension thickened.
"Hello."
The sudden voice cut through the room like a blade.
Everyone turned.
Richard was on the phone.
"And who is he talking to?" Selene's voice trembled despite her effort to stay calm.
She turned sharply, panic rising.
"Look at you—shaking like a lizard," Madeline mocked with a laugh.
Oh no… Sienna's heart dropped.
I hope it's not what I'm thinking… If it is, we're finished.
"Now… are you ready to tell the truth?" Richard asked, phone still pressed to his ear, his free hand pointing at Selene.
"What truth?" she replied, rolling her eyes in feigned confusion.
If he stood any closer, he'd hear her heart pounding.
"Well… you leave me no choice."
"Hello, are you still there—"
"Wait!" Selene rushed. "The thing is… I—I have no idea what you're talking about!"
"You're still not ready," Richard said coldly, pushing her hand away.
"I've lost my patience. You can come in."
"Hey! Who did you just call?" Sienna demanded, grabbing his arm.
Before anyone could react—
SLAP!
The sound echoed.
Sienna staggered.
The burning pain spread across her cheek.
"Why did you slap me?!" she demanded, eyes blazing.
Her face flushed crimson, tears spilling uncontrollably.
"Sienna! My baby!" Selene cried in horror.
She lunged forward but Richard grabbed her arm tightly.
"Let go—you're hurting me!" she cried.
"Don't even think about it," he warned coldly.
Sienna, shaking with rage, grabbed a nearby stool—
But Richard's voice stopped her cold.