Riley stood there.
His usual relaxed expression was gone, replaced by something far more serious. His brows were drawn together, and his eyes were sharp, searching her face the moment he saw her.
"Sienna," his voice tight with restrained anger, "did he do something to you?"
The question came out fast, direct, without even a hint of hesitation.
Sienna's heart skipped, but she forced herself to stay calm.
"Of course not," she replied, almost too quickly. "Why would you think that?"
Riley didn't look convinced.
"Don't lie to me," he said, his tone dropping. "I know how shameless he can be."
There was no humor in his voice now. None of his usual teasing. Only anger.
"I will punch him in the face! How dare he—"
"Riley, please throw away whatever you thought now. Don't mess with him. He is our big boss," Sienna said worriedly.
But Riley ignores her. He took a step back, as if he had already decided to leave the meeting room.
"Don't worry," he added without looking back, "He didn't have the power to bully me."
Sienna reacted immediately. She reached out and grabbed his wrist. "Riley Davis!"
He stopped.
Their eyes met.
"I'm telling the truth," she said, her voice steady despite the tension in her chest. "He just asked me to stay and talk about Sterling Capital's CEO."
Riley blinked, clearly caught off guard. "The CEO?" he repeated.
Sienna nodded, holding his gaze.
For a moment, he looked genuinely surprised. Then confusion replaced it.
"Why would he talk to you privately about Zachary Sterling?" Riley asked, his brows furrowing slightly.
Sienna let go of his wrist and shrugged lightly.
"I'm not entirely sure. Maybe it's because I'm the PIC while he's here. You know Mr. Sterling is quite important. All his personal info, big or small, is kept confidential..."
Riley studied her face for a few seconds, as if trying to read between her words.
There was something in his gaze—concern, suspicion, and something deeper that he didn't voice, and Sienna could clearly see that.
Finally, he exhaled slowly, and his expression softened.
"You know," he said more quietly, leaning slightly against the doorframe, "you don't have to worry about Mr. CEO..."
Sienna's expression softened just a little. She understood what he meant; he always tries to humor her.
"I know," she replied gently. "But this is something I should put my mind to handling properly."
Riley shook his head slightly. "…You're terrible at lying," he said, a faint hint of his usual tone returning.
Sienna rolled her eyes. "I'm not lying, Riley!"
"Right," he muttered. "And I'm the CEO of Sterling Capital."
That earned a small laugh from her.
"Please," she said while punching his arm lightly. "With your salary?"
Riley laughed before saying in a face-annoyed tone, "Hey, don't attack me personally."
The tension between them eased.
"Alright, alright, let's go…" Riley said as he pushed the door open, glancing back at her. "Mia and Ava are already waiting."
Sienna let out a small breath before following him out of the room.
Her steps were steady, but her energy was not.
The moment she stepped into the hallway, the weight of everything that had happened began to settle on her shoulders again. Yesterday in Evercrest… the chaos, the fear, the betrayal. And today… Benjamin.
It was too much.
Her mind felt heavy, her chest tight, and for once, even the thought of spending time with her closest friends didn't bring comfort.
All she wanted now was silence.
And her bed.
By the time they reached their office, Sienna had already made up her mind.
She walked to her desk, quietly gathering her belongings—her bag, her planner, her phone, and her shoes—moving with a calm that hid how exhausted she truly felt.
Riley didn't say anything, but he watched her for a moment before leaning casually against the edge of a desk, waiting.
When she was done, she walked over to him.
Together, they headed toward the elevator, where Mia was already waiting with her phone in hand.
"There you are," Mia said, looking up. "Ava just texted me. She already picked a place—"
"I think I'm going to skip tonight," Sienna said. The words came out softly, but they were clear.
Mia blinked in surprise.
Riley turned to her immediately.
The elevator doors slid open with a quiet ding, but neither of them stepped in right away.
"What?" Mia frowned, stepping closer. "Are you okay?"
Sienna gave a small, apologetic smile as they finally entered the elevator together.
"I'm just… not feeling well today," she said, leaning lightly against the wall. "I think I need to rest."
The doors closed, and the elevator began its descent.
Mia's expression softened instantly.
"Then you should have said so earlier," she said, her voice full of concern. "You don't look well either. Your face is pale."
Sienna smiled, "Thanks, Mia. That really helps my confidence."
"I'm serious," Mia replied, reaching out to touch her forehead. "Do you have a fever?"
"I don't," Sienna said, gently pulling away. "I'm just tired."
Riley, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.
"I'll drive you home."
Both women turned to look at him.
"You don't have to—" Sienna began.
"I'm not asking," Riley cut in simply. "You're not taking a taxi, looking exhausted like this. Not on my watch."
Sienna paused. For a brief moment, she considered refusing. But she didn't.
Because she knew Riley. Behind his casual attitude and teasing nature, he was someone who cared deeply, even if he didn't always show it directly.
And right now, she didn't have the energy to argue. "…Alright," she said quietly.
Mia nodded approvingly. "Good. Good. Riley, you're such a sweet man," she said, then looked at Sienna again. "Go home and rest. I'll meet Ava myself."
Sienna felt guilty thinking Ava would be disappointed. "I'm sorry…"
"Don't be," Mia replied immediately. "Your health and well-being come first."
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped out into the staff entrance.
Mia waved them off before heading in a different direction, already typing a message to Ava.
Sienna watched her go for a second before turning toward the exit with Riley.