Ch. 821..830

Chapter 821

After getting into the car, Vivian slammed the door shut in frustration and snapped at the driver, "Why the hell aren't you driving yet? What, are you eating crap? You're as dumb as a brick." The driver hurriedly started the car.

Still seething, Vivian pulled out her phone and dialed Alex's number. As soon as Alex answered, Vivian's tone shifted dramatically to a sweet, flirtatious coo. "Alex, I miss you. Where are you? Can I come over?"

Molly scoffed and turned to stare out the window, her expression souring further.

The car continued heading toward Sienna's hometown. After several hours on the road, they finally arrived. Daniel popped the trunk and unloaded a duffle bag packed with Sienna's and his belongings. Noticing the items he had packed, Sienna asked, "Are you planning to stay for a couple of days?"

"Wouldn't you like that?" Daniel countered.

Tears filled Sienna's eyes. She desperately wanted to stay. She just never thought she could.

She was alone, and the house was empty. Although she longed to stay, she dreaded the loneliness, the sadness, and the silent tears from missing Shelly and Felix.

Fortunately, things had changed. She had a man by her side who brought warmth into her life. The feeling of coming home felt different to her now.

"Thank you, Honey," Sienna said, her voice filled with emotion.

Daniel remained silent. He simply held her hand and led her inside the house. He removed the plastic covers from the furniture, quickly cleaned up, and tidied Sienna's room.

Sienna sat in Shelly's room with her family photo in hand. Tears welled up as memories of the past overwhelmed her.

Her parents were no longer alive, and Felix was still in prison. All she could do was whisper to them in her heart, "Don't worry about me. I'm doing well. I've found the right person, and I'm truly happy."

After finishing his tasks, Daniel entered and sat beside Sienna. He took her hand in his, gently massaging it as he spoke in a soft voice, "Don't dwell on the sad things. Let's focus on the happy memories and look forward to the future."

Sienna sniffled and discreetly wiped her tears away before nodding her head.

"I'm sorry, Darling," said Daniel.

Confused, Sienna looked at him with teary eyes. "Why are you apologizing?"

"I couldn't secure Felix's release. Can you understand where I'm coming from?" Daniel felt dejected and carried a sense of guilt toward her.

Despite his deep love for her, there were certain boundaries he would never cross.

Sienna offered a calm smile. "Of course, I understand. Felix is imprisoned, not gone forever. We don't have to rescue him. He should serve his time and reform himself. He still has a future when he gets

out in a few years."

Daniel returned her gentle smile and hugged her. Getting someone out of prison was feasible for him, but he would never consider it as it went against his principles.

"I've already spoken with my friends about Felix. They'll ensure he's treated well and not suffering any injustice," Daniel said.

Sienna nodded and hummed in response.

"Let's go and see Felix after we visit your mother," Daniel suggested.

"Sure."

"Stay here and rest for a bit. I'll prepare lunch. We can head up the mountain once we've eaten."

Sienna placed the photo down, stood up, and took Daniel's hand. "Let's cook together. I really want to be in the kitchen now that I'm home." "Alright," Daniel said.

He held her hand as they left the room. All he wanted was to give her the freedom to do as she pleased, to help her reconnect with her old self and rediscover the feeling of home.

At Memorial Heights, a cool breeze whispered through the air. Sienna sat by Shelly's gravestone and gently wiped it clean with a damp cloth. She brought fresh flowers, lita candle, and murmured a prayer.

After Daniel offered a prayer for Shelly, he stepped aside and watched in silence. A wave of guilt flooded him.

Chapter 822

Chapter 822

Daniel could only whisper his thoughts to Shelly in the silence of his heart. "I'm sorry that I broke my promise. I've married Sienna. I hope you can forgive me.

"I'm sorry. I just couldn't let her go. I know what I did was despicable, and I've gone too far, but my love for her is genuine.

"I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I ask for your blessing for us. She won't suffer or be harmed as long as I'm with her. I promise to protect Sienna with everything I have.

"If you bless our marriage, please visit Sienna's dreams and encourage her to live a full and happy life with me."

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the bushes. White clouds drifted across the sky while the serene Memorial Heights basked in an unexpected warmth from the sunlight.

On their way home, Sienna stopped by her old favorite snack shop and bought an assortment of local treats.

She was in high spirits. Gesturing toward the distant mountains, she said, "Do you remember? You used to love taking me hiking back when we were dating."

Daniel gave her a small smile and nodded his head.

"Why did you like to take me hiking on our dates? It was always so exhausting."

"It was quiet up there. We could kiss and hug without anyone around to watch us. Everywhere else was just too crowded," Daniel answered.

Sienna smiled awkwardly, feeling a warm blush spread across her cheeks. "How typical."

"Didn't you ever think of it that way?"

"Honestly, it never crossed my mind."

...

That night, Sienna and Daniel slept in her room. Nestled in his arms, Sienna pulled out some old photos that had been long stored away. She shared them with Daniel and recounted tales from her childhood as they looked at each photo.

Although her stories spoke of poverty and monotony, the memories shone beautifully. What had once been bitter experiences now appeared vibrant and sweet in retrospect. Gradually, she drifted off to sleep in Daniel's embrace.

In the middle of the night, Sienna suddenly began to cry and murmur, "Mom... Dad..."

Startled awake, Daniel reached over and switched on the nightlight. Noticing that Sienna was still asleep, he gently pulled her into his arms and held her close before turning off the light.

He kissed her forehead and whispered, "Don't cry, and don't be afraid, Sienna. I'm here with you."

The next morning, Sienna woke to find that Daniel had already prepared breakfast and arranged her toiletries.

"I'll make the bed. Why don't you freshen up first then eat?" Daniel suggested.

He walked over to the bedside and gazed at Sienna, who wore a drowsy expression. Her soft features and slightly grumpy demeanor were charmingly adorable.

Sienna got up, knelt on the bed, and wrapped her arms around Daniel's waist. Resting her face against his chest, she murmured in a sleepy voice, "Honey, I had a dream last night." Daniel kissed her head and asked in a warm smile, "What did you dream about?"

"I dreamed of my parents. They were

hand in hand with a little girl when they came to see me." Sienna's voice cracked as tears began to well up. "They said so much to me, but I couldn't remember any of it when I woke up."

Daniel stroked her hair as he reassured her. "It's okay. The exact words aren't important. What matters is that you saw them."

Sienna hummed in response and sniffled. With a touch of sadness in her voice, she asked, "Do you think they had another daughter up there?"

"No, they wouldn't. Your parents love you deeply. You'll always be their only daughter."

Sienna's mood lifted instantly at Daniel's words. She distanced herself from his arms, got out of bed, and hurried to the bathroom. "I'm going to freshen up. Let's go visit Felix after breakfast."

Chapter 823

Chapter 823

When Daniel and Sienna visited Felix, they were struck by how much he had changed. He seemed like a completely new person.

Felix was visibly stronger and more upbeat, no longer as sad and depressed as before. He had been promoted to team leader, now overseeing kitchen operations. He enjoyed good meals and received kind treatment from the prison guards.

These improvements had started suddenly a few months earlier. On the day Sienna brought Daniel to visit him, everything became clear to Felix. It turned out that someone had been looking out for him. Sienna and Felix began to catch up. When she passed the phone to Daniel, Felix greeted him with a warm smile, "Dan, it's been too long."

The familiar nickname moved Daniel deeply. Overwhelmed by emotion, he offered just a few words of encouragement. "Stick to the rules, focus on your rehabilitation, and aim for an early release." "Alright," said Felix.

"Look me up when you're out of prison."

"Thanks, Dan." Felix felt hopeful once more. The days ahead didn't seem as daunting.

Daniel was like a beacon, brightening everything around him wherever he went. He brought joy to Sienna's life, and Felix was discovering the right direction under his influence.

Felix might not have fallen into the abyss if he had someone like Daniel guiding him from the start.

After visiting Felix and visiting her parents' graves, Sienna was free of worries. She returned to Phoenicia with Daniel.

The blissful days slipped by quietly. Sienna took up driving lessons and dedicated herself to mastering the skill. Besides writing, she filled her free time by watching dramas at home, gardening, or shopping with her sisters-in-law whenever she felt bored.

As spring gave way to summer, Daphne welcomed a baby boy into the world. The Morrisons celebrated this happy occasion with great joy and offered their congratulations to Duke.

The baby boy was Gary's fifth grandson, whom they named Noah Morrison. The name was a playful pun on "No more son," hinting humorously that they hoped he would be the last boy in the family.

A sip-and-see party was held to celebrate the newborn. Unfortunately, Nathan and Mila, who were busy and stationed far away on the frontier, couldn't attend.

They sent their two-year-old son, Jasper, in their stead. He was looked after by Cole and Phoebe throughout the event.

The day of the celebration was filled with a lively, festive atmosphere. Sienna beamed as she cradled

Noah, seemingly reluctant to let him

go. Her maternal instincts were fully awakened.

With Noah in her arms, she leaned against Daniel and tentatively asked, "Honey, look at the baby. Isn't he adorable?"

Unconcerned, Daniel replied, "He's adorable, but you're even more adorable to me."

Sienna frowned in displeasure and glanced at Daniel before asking softly, "When are we going to have one of our own?"

"We'll talk about it next time," Daniel whispered back.

Following the sip-and-see party, Sienna frequently visited Daphne at Magnolia Villa to learn about baby care from the maternity nurse.

Whenever Daniel returned from work

and couldn't find Sienna at home, he

would head straight to Duke and Daphne's home. Sure enough, he always found her there, gently

soothing the baby.

Occasionally, Daniel would catch Sienna staying up late, absorbed in parenting books. He asked, "Are you really that fond of kids?"

"Aren't you?" Sienna questioned.

"I am, but I'm not ready to start a family yet. I'd rather focus on us for now," Daniel said.

Sienna was confused. "We're going to have them eventually, so why delay?"

Daniel kissed her without saying a word. He was afraid their future child might divert the scant affection Sienna had for him and consume all her time and energy.

Perhaps he was selfish, but unlike other couples who seemed fulfilled by their children, Daniel cherished the undivided attention he and Sienna shared when they were away from work.

Sienna's novel was on the brink of a new life as a TV series, with filming set to start at the film studio. The project was under the management of Tobias' production company.

Chapter 824

Chapter 824

As the original author, Sienna was actively involved in discussions about the script and adaptation adjustments with the director and actors.

Sienna showed up on the first day of filming. The opening ceremony buzzed with activity though it was lengthy and steeped in tradition. After the ceremony, the entire cast and crew gathered for a group photo. Numerous filming locations were found at the film studio, where crews and actors were bustling around.

After completing her work, Sienna left alone with her bag in hand. She hadn't gotten far when Vivian blocked her path.

Clad in an elegant, ancient costume for her scene, Vivian braved the summer heat with an umbrella in one hand and a small electric fan in the other, cooling herself off.

"Oh my! I never expected such a distinguished romance writer to resort to dirty tactics to seduce men," Vivian exclaimed.

Baffled by her accusations, Sienna regarded Vivian with a frosty gaze and wondered if Vivian had lost her mind. Without a word, Sienna ignored her and walked past as if Vivian was invisible.

"Do you really think it's something to be proud of, seducing a blind police officer who's still hopelessly in love with his ex? You even turned it into a book. How shameless can you get?" Vivian snapped. Sienna stopped dead in her tracks.

With a smirk, Vivian closed the distance between them and taunted, "I heard your last book caught the attention of some big-shot film producer and it's getting adapted into a film. The male lead is based on Daniel, isn't it? And the female lead is you."

Sienna clenched her fists, feeling a wave of unease wash over her. The characters drew inspiration from real people, but the story remained purely fictional. The content became so sensational that it even made her feel embarrassed to read it.

"Has Daniel read it?" Vivian asked.

"What do you want?" Sienna asked anxiously.

Vivian's excitement grew as she noticed how anxious Sienna looked. "Looks like he hasn't read it yet. He doesn't know how scheming you are, does he?"

Sienna clenched her fists tighter, her expression turning grim.

Vivian stood before Sienna, smugly holding the electric fan that directed a breeze onto her heavily powdered face. Her smile widened triumphantly. "Unless I'm mista my manager had delivered the book to Daniel this morning."

Sienna's eyes dropped to Vivian's fingers, where a familiar ring caught her attention. It looked just like ring that had left a significant

impression on her. Suddenly, a net

thought flashed through her mind, and she looked at Vivian with

widened eyes.

Vivian laughed heartily, thinking Sienna's silence was out of guilt and fear. "Are you afraid now? Do you think Daniel would regret marrying you if he knew the real you?"

Sienna stayed quiet. Her face was darkening and a chill ran down her spine as she gazed at the ring on Vivian's finger.

Pleased with herself, Vivian's grin widened as she walked away.

Sienna's fear of Daniel reading her book stemmed purely from embarrassment. She harbored no dark secrets. Besides, the tales within its pages were merely figments of her imagination.

The title of her book was "Unsuccessful Rivalry". The male lead of the story was a police officer who had sustained severe injuries that left him both crippled and blind. He was devoted to his first love.

The female lead, a nurse responsible for caring for the male lead, fell for him at first sight. During her time as his nurse, she tried to leverage the situation to her advantage.

She used a range of methods to seduce him and even resorted to dirty tactics to undermine his relationship with his first love. The female lead was obsessed with the male tead, but his heart belonged unwaveringly to his first love.

One day, the female lead took advantage of his drunken state to force herself on him, subsequently using her pregnancy to force him into marriage.

In a tragic turn of events, the female lead sacrificed both herself and her unborn child to save the male lead. Yet, in the end, he married his first love.

It was a novel that depicted a heart-wrenching story with uncommon story tropes.

Sienna arrived home in the evening. She dropped her bag and burst into the study with a loud bang as she swung the door open.

Daniel was reading a book on the couch when Sienna suddenly pounced on him.

 

Chapter 825

Chapter 825

The book was abruptly pulled from Daniel's grasp, and Sienna stumbled into his arms. Startled, he furrowed his brows as he steadied Sienna. "What's wrong?" Daniel asked.

Panting, Sienna asked, "How much have you read?"

Daniel's voice softened, though his face remained tense. "Almost all of it. Can you change the ending?"

"No, it's already set in stone," said Sienna. Her cheeks felt warm.

"Maybe a spin-off, or a sequel?"

"The female lead's already gone. Even a sequel wouldn't bring her back."

Daniel let out a long sigh, feeling a heavy weight settle in his chest that he knew wouldn't lift anytime soon. He pulled Sienna into his lap and murmured, "Why end it so tragically?"

Sienna hung her head in silence. Back then, she was convinced that Daniel was devoted to his first love. Therefore, ending the story as she had was fitting.

Gently playing with her hair, Daniel looked at her blushing face and asked, "Darling, is it true what's written in the book? Did you fall for me at first sight?" Sienna nodded shyly.

Daniel's face broke into a bright smile, his voice filled with excitement as he asked, "So, those flirtatious moves you described the female lead using on the male lead-were you thinking of trying them on me?" Feeling embarrassed and awkward, Sienna closed her eyes and nodded cautiously. She wished she could just vanish.

"Why didn't you?" Daniel asked.

He felt a pang of regret for the time wasted. If Sienna had been bolder, like her character in the book, and used those moves to seduce him, he would have fallen for her at the very first move.

"I couldn't possibly do that," Sienna replied with a bashful smile. "How could a decent girl like me do such things? They're just fantasies for my books."

Daniel gave a wry smile, pulling her closer and nuzzling her neck. He took in the scent of her skin and whispered, "You wrote about the male lead getting drunk and the female lead forced herself on him. Why does that plot sound so familiar?"

Feeling guilty, Sienna squirmed out of his embrace. "Let's go out for dinner, Honey."

Yet, Daniel held onto her and refused to let her go. "Are you feeling guilty? What are you trying to avoid?"

"I'm not avoiding anything. I'm just hungry."

"Let's talk first."

"Let's eat first."

Daniel flipped over and pinned Sienna down on the couch with a playfully stern expression. "Have you ever done something unspeakable to me before?" Sienna blinked her big, clear eyes nervously. "I didn't."

"If you don't come clean, I might just have to bite you," Daniel threatened, trying to intimidate her.

Sienna knew that when he said

"bite", he wasn't referring to a regular

bite. It meant teasing her most sensitive and ticklish spot, which was pure torture for her.

"I really didn't do anything," Sienna insisted.

Daniel playfully tugged at her clothes and leaned in closer.

Sienna recoiled in fear, her voice trembling with embarrassment. "P-Please don't... I-I'll confess... I secretly kissed you."

Pleasantly surprised, Daniel looked up and smiled. He gently placed a kiss on her lips. "Did you really fall for me from the start? And you secretly kissed me?" Sienna's face flushed and she nodded shyly.

Daniel frowned in frustration. "How did I never notice your feelings for me?"

Leaning close, Sienna whispered in his ear, "Because you were blind back then!"

Indeed, his blindness had likely

even

caused him to miss many of her emotions and expressions. He didn't know what she was up to most of the time. He could only hear her votee.

เอนไ

Daniel felt somewhat disappointed. He touched Sienna's forehead, ran his fingers through her hair, and kissed her deeply. His kisses wandered down to her neck and his hands were exploring her body. They awakened a desire within her.

Chapter 826

Chapter 826

Sienna pulled away shyly. "Honey, we're in the study. It's hardly the place for this."

Daniel removed her clothing, lifted her, and settled her onto his lap. He cradled her face and tilted his head up to kiss her.

"Though we've missed some time together, it's fine because you're here with me now and I can feel your presence so strongly. You're right beside me, and in the end, I never missed having you by my side," Daniel murmured.

The rays of the sunset streamed into the dimly lit study through the window. The soft, amorous glow added to the passionate atmosphere surrounding them. Their hearts raced.

Daniel lifted his hips to remove his pants. Cupping Sienna's face, he kissed her deeply and passionately. Utterly infatuated, he longed for the most intense connection to feel her presence.

He felt a void in his heart after reading her book and was deeply saddened by the fate of the characters. He immediately needed something passionate to fill his emptiness. Now, making love to Sienna seemed the perfect way to satisfy that profound need.

His hands slid down from Sienna's cheeks, caressing her soft body before settling on her slender waist. With his strong arms supporting her, he began to move his body.

Daniel leaned close to Sienna's ear and nibbled her earlobe. With a husky voice, he said, "Sweetheart, it's your turn now."

Sienna wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder. Her breaths were hot and quick and her moans were soft and shy.

They surrendered to their intimacy without restraint. Their heavy breathing echoed in the dimness of the study.

Sienna lay exhausted on Daniel's chest, nearly falling asleep.

He gently ran his fingers through her long hair and murmured, "Promise me you'll stop writing such a heartbreaking novel. They sour my mood." Sienna hummed in a sleepy tone.

"Did you go to the opening ceremony today?" Daniel asked.

Sienna made another hum and said, "Unfortunately, I ran into Vivian again. Her way of speaking is still as infuriating as ever."

"Don't let someone like her get to you. She's not worth your anger," Daniel said.

Suddenly, Sienna remembered something. She broke away from Daniel's hold, straightened up, and said anxiously, "Honey, I saw Vivian wearing a ring that looks jus like the one you have."

Daniel looked puzzled. "What ring?"

"The ring given by the mastermind as a token for his chosen sexual partners, which also grants access to his ship," Sienna explained.

"Are you sure you didn't mistake it for something else?" Daniel asked, clearly shocked.

"I couldn't be mistaken. That ring is unique enough for me to recognize it instantly. There's no way I could confuse it with anything else," Sienna replied earnestly.

Daniel pulled Sienna into his arms and held her tight. He whispered, "Okay, I got it. You shouldn't go out alone anymore, and definitely not to meet her by yourself." "I'll cut back on my outings," Sienna said. Curiously, she added, "Does this mean she's met the mastermind in person? Is that how she got the ring?" Daniel's expression grew serious. "Yes, she likely met him, and there's a good chance she even slept with him."

Sienna was astonished. "Could it be true that the mastermind swings both ways?"

Daniel couldn't provide a definite

answer. Feeling helpless, he said "

can't say for sure what he's like since haven't met him. But one thing's certain. He's ruthless and dangerous."

"Honey, please remember to be careful," Sienna said worriedly. "Life should always come before work, and safety should be our priority in everything we do."

Daniel pecked her lips and softly

ve

you

said, "I've become terrified of death since I've been with you. I promise never to leave you alone or let become someone else's wife."

 

Chapter 827

Chapter 827

Daniel took Sienna's advice seriously. The next day, he returned to the police station and immediately asked his superior for permission to enlist his most trusted colleague in tracking down and investigating

Vivian.

Ryan was curious about why he was chosen.

"You're the one I trust most, and the big catch is about to surface," Daniel explained.

Ryan's interest peaked immediately. "Where did this lead come from? Can we trust it?" "I'm not sure," Daniel said.

"That's..."

Eventually, it was decided that Daniel and Ryan would take charge of tracking and investigating Vivian. In the following days, they took turns working 24-hour shifts. To prevent leaks within the police force, they ensured only a select few were aware of the operation.

Vivian's daily activities primarily involved filming and then returning to her hotel. Occasionally, she would attend events and accept gigs.

Daniel and Ryan continued their surveillance for several days but made no progress. Daniel hadn't been home for some time and could only keep in touch with Sienna through texts and calls.

After ensuring Vivian was asleep late at night, Daniel and Ryan took turns going home to shower.

Every day, Daniel would quietly return home, steal a glance at Sienna without waking her, and leave just as silently.

Early in the morning, Sienna woke up in bed to find the spot beside her still empty. A wave of loneliness washed over her, but she reminded herself that Daniel was a police officer.

Silently, she wrestled with her feelings, doing her best to understand and support him even though she deeply missed him.

Sienna got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Suddenly, her stomach churned. Clapping a hand over her mouth, she dashed to the toilet and retched violently. Despite the discomfort in her stomach and heaving for a while, nothing came up.

She took deep breaths to calm herself before going to freshen up. She thought her discomfort might have been due to the late-night snack she had enjoyed the previous night.

After freshening up, Sienna went to have breakfast. Gloria served her a tuna melt sandwich and a salad. However, Sienna couldn't help but cover her mouth and retch upon catching a whiff of the food. Startled, Gloria anxiously asked, "Ma'am, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Sienna forced a smile and explained, "I think I might have eaten something bad last night. My stomach isn't feeling quite right today. The sandwich smells a bit fishy. Please take it away."

Gloria couldn't understand Sienna's reaction. After all, the tuna melt sandwich smelled good and was one of Sienna's favorites. Gloria stared at her with confusion before taking the sandwich away. When Gloria returned to the dining table with two fried eggs, Sienna covered her mouth again as if she was about to retch.

"Ma'am, do you need to go to the hospital?" Gloria asked.

Sienna managed a weak smile and shook her head. "I'm fine. I'll just take some antacid later."

Alarmed, Gloria quickly said, "Ma'am, please don't take any medicine. You should go to the hospital." "Why?"

"You might be pregnant."

The word "pregnant" echoed through Sienna's mind, stirring her emotions like crashing waves in a vast ocean,

It suddenly clicked in her. Ocean

Tears

welled up in her eyes as she excitedly placed her hand on her

lower abdomen.

Was she really pregnant?

With no prior experience of pregnancy, she anxiously asked, "Gloria, does being pregnant cause retching in the morning?"

"It varies for everyone, but your symptoms seem similar. You could get a test strip to check," Gloria suggested.

Sienna stood up excitedly. "I'll go get one now."

"No, no." Gloria quickly stopped her

before removing her apron. "I'll Ma'am. You should stay home. I'll be

back soon."

Sienna happily nodded. "Thank you, Gloria."

go,

Half an hour later, Sienna came out from the bathroom with the test strip. Unsure of the result, she sought out Gloria. "Gloria, you've

been through this before. Can you

help me read this?"

Camille also hurried over. Together with Gloria, they examined the test strip in Sienna's hand.

"It's showing a faint positive."

"Yes, it looks like you're pregnant."

"Congratulations, ma'am. You're going to have a baby!"

"Yes, ma'am. You'll be having a baby soon!"

Chapter 828

Chapter 828

Sienna's hands trembled and tears welled up in her eyes. With a shaky voice, she asked, "A-Am I really pregnant? What if this test strip is wrong?" Camille nodded and said, "It's unlikely to be wrong, but there's still a chance. If you're unsure, a blood test at the hospital can confirm it." With a smile, Gloria suggested, "Ma'am, I can go with you."

"No, I'll go alone," Sienna replied. She clutched the test strip, her emotions in turmoil. She lowered her voice and added, "Let's not tell my husband just yet."

"Alright."

...

After breakfast, Sienna caught a taxi alone to the hospital for urine and blood tests. The results confirmed she was four weeks pregnant.

A wave of excitement surged through her. She couldn't wait to share the joyous news with Daniel.

But her enthusiasm dimmed as she recalled Daniel's hesitations about starting a family so soon. He hadn't seemed eager about the idea of having a baby.

Sienna left the hospital and waited by the roadside for a taxi. Gazing at her medical report, she felt a mix of happiness and concern swirling within her.

Suddenly, a sleek luxury car pulled up before her. She stepped back as several men in sharp suits emerged. Their stern, intimidating expressions made them seem like predators closing in.

In a panic, Sienna quickly pulled out her phone. She pressed and held the volume button on it.

Before long, one of the men pulled out a handkerchief. Fear spiked through Sienna as she pleaded, "Please, there's no need to knock me out. I'll come quietly."

The man poised to knock her out was visibly surprised. He stood stunned.

Despite her panic, Sienna maintained a composed façade and walked toward the luxury car, sliding into the backseat.

The men exchanged quick glances before following her inside.

Once seated, Sienna set her bag down and asked cautiously, "Who are you? Where are you taking me?"

The men remained silent. One of them produced a black cloth, blindfolded Sienna, and warned, "Stay quiet."

Sienna hummed and nodded in acknowledgment.

The car then accelerated and sped away.

Meanwhile, Daniel and Ryan were in their car, closely following Vivian. Suddenly, Daniel's phone lit up with an SOS signal, and his expression shifted drastically.

Anxiety washed over him as he said, "Something's happened to my wife."

Shocked, Ryan kept his eyes on the road. "What happened to Sienna?"

"She triggered the emergency alert. Her location and distress message were sent to my phone," Daniel explained.

"Maybe it was a mistake. Try calling her," Ryan suggested.

"We can't risk it. Her phone's

F

location keeps moving, and if she's really in danger, calling her might give her away." Daniel reasoned, placing his phone on the dashboard mount. "We need to follow this location."

"But we're still on Vivian's trail," Ryan said.

"My wife comes first!" Daniel snapped.

Ryan continued driving. After a moment, he added, "It looks like they're headed in the same direction."

Daniel scanned the road ahead

before checking the location on his phone again. He rested a hand on his cheek, feeling a heavy weight pressing against his chest that made it hard to breathe. Tension and agitation were written all over

his face.

"Drive faster," Daniel growled.

Witnessing Daniel's panic and restlessness for the first time, Ryan pressed the gas pedal to the floor, accelerating toward the location as quickly as the car would allow.

After about half an hour, they arrived at the docks.

Daniel exited the car, phone in hand, and followed the location signal to a nearby parking lot. They discovered the vehicle they were searching for was empty, except for Sienna's bag left behind. "She must be nearby. Let's look around," Ryan suggested as he scanned the area.

Daniel's heart thudded wildly. His breathing became erratic, and his face grew increasingly pale with worry. He felt a deep unease settling in.

The duo hurried from the parking lot

toward the docks where several yachts were moored, but one cruise ship stood out distinctly. They caught a fleeting glimpse of Vivian disappearing into the ship cabin.

Ryan pointed at the ship and asked, "Could she be on that ship?"

Chapter 829

Chapter 829

Daniel swiftly took off his wedding ring and removed a ring pendant from his necklace, slipping that ring onto his finger instead.

Curious, Ryan asked, "What's that?"

Feeling agitated, Daniel replied, "It's my ticket onto the ship."

"It's just a ring. What do you mean, a ticket?" Ryan looked bewildered. "Are you planning to board the ship?"

Daniel scanned the surroundings cautiously and gave Ryan a firm instruction. "Call for backup now. We need the Coast Guard and Navy to track this ship. When I signal, board with a team for a search and arrest operation."

"Who's on that ship?" Ryan was utterly baffled. He hadn't spotted Sienna or any other clues, and he couldn't fathom why Daniel was so convinced that the ship harbored something sinister.

Daniel patted him on the shoulder and simply said, "A drug lord."

Then, he quickly boarded the ship.

From the dock, Ryan watched in astonishment as Daniel breezed through security, the ring on his finger allowing him easy passage without any questions.

Trusting Daniel's instincts, Ryan didn't hesitate to call for backup immediately.

Sienna was enveloped in darkness. And the sound of chaotic footsteps drew nearer. She thought there must be several people.

Suddenly, her blindfold was removed. Narrowing her eyes against the sudden brightness, Sienna found herself in a spacious, stylish room. Two women lounged on a leather couch. It was Vivian and her friend, Alex.

Sienna recognized them from a previous encounter at a five-star restaurant, where she had intentionally spilled coffee on Vivian's evening gown, resulting in damages costing several hundred thousand dollars to the designer brand.

Scanning around the room, Sienna found four bodyguards in suits standing guard by the door.

Alex ran a hand through her shoulder-length hair and casually rested her arms on the couch. Her eyes, half-lidded and dreamy, swept over Sienna from head to toe. A faint smile spread across her face. Sienna sensed the commanding, masculine presence that Alex exuded. The intensity of desire in Alex's gaze was daunting to her. Sienna swallowed hard and shifted her focus to Vivian.

Vivian leaned softly against Alex, her gaze icy as she stared down Sienna. She was the first to break the silence. "Why aren't you saying anything? Aren't you curious or scared?"

Sienna offered a faint smile. "You captured me but didn't kill me immediately. So, there must be a reason. I'm waiting for you to explain."

Alex chuckled, clearly amused by Sienna's composure.

Visibly annoyed, Vivian snapped, "Don't you realize you're on the brink of death?"

"I do," Sienna replied.

"Yet, you remain so calm?" Vivian questioned.

"What should I do instead? Cry and scream for help? Would that change your plan to kill me? Would anyone even come to save me?" Alex burst into laughter, her eyes scrutinizing Sienna with a hint of admiration. "Daniel's woman is indeed courageous. How interesting."

Vivian's face flushed with anger, a sickly green tint coloring her jealousy, and hatred toward Sienna. With Alex showing interest in Sienna, the situation threatened to become even more complicated.

Seizing the moment, Vivian spoke sweetly and coquettishly, "Alex, she's Daniel's wife, so she must be mentally tough. Shouldn't we just kill her now for safety sake?" Alex caressed Vivian's cheek, her voice deep and husky. "And how would you suggest we do that?"

"Let's have some men torture her in

bed, film it, and send the video to Daniel. Then, we can inject her with drugs to get her addicted. The pain that would inflict on Daniel would be far worse than if we simply killed him."

Sienna felt a chill run down her spine, her heart pounding with fear.

Alex's laugh was chilling as she pinched Vivian's cheeks. "My dear, you truly know how to torment Daniel."

Vivian grinned triumphantly. "I

understand Daniel well. If the woman he loves is tormented and becomes a drug addict, it would devastate him. He would break down without us having to do much more."

Chapter 830

Chapter 830

Alex found the situation intriguing. She brushed Vivian aside and approached Sienna with one hand in her pocket while the other gently traced Sienna's face. Admiring Sienna's beauty, Alex's gaze drifted down to her fair neck. The slightly loosened collar of her clothing revealed her alluring collarbone.

"You're so beautiful. It would be a waste to simply destroy you," Alex remarked.

Sienna felt a wave of goosebumps spread across her skin. Her stomach churned with revulsion, and she recoiled inwardly from Alex's touch. Despite feeling miserable, nauseous, and fearful, Sienna maintained a composed exterior. She was determined to survive.

Having already sent a distress message to Daniel, all Sienna needed to do was stall for time. She asked, "Vivian is your lover, right?"

Alex nodded in response. "Yes. Why?"

"She's using you to get revenge on her ex. That means she hasn't moved on from him. Are you okay with being used like that? Doesn't it make you angry?" Sienna questioned.

Alex was taken aback.

Infuriated, Vivian sprang to her feet. "You're lying. I didn't!"

Flustered and agitated, she added, "Alex, don't listen to her nonsense. I'm not using you to get back at Daniel. I'm helping you take him down."

Sienna scoffed, her voice icy, "If you want to kill my husband, why not just shoot him or make me do it? You could even take us both out.

"What's the point of humiliating me and getting me hooked on drugs? Isn't that just a waste of Alex's resources and a way to fulfill your twisted grudge?" Vivian's face turned pale.

Alex's eyes were sharp, her gaze filled with admiration as she gazed at Sienna. "You're so calm. Aren't you afraid of dying?"

"I'm afraid. I'm terrified right now. But does being scared mean I won't die?" Sienna replied calmly.

"Have you been with Daniel so long that you've adopted his fearless and composed demeanor?" Alex asked.

"Alex, do you know my husband?" Sienna asked intentionally.

"Who in our line of work wouldn't know Daniel after that missile launch that shook the nation two years ago?"

Two years ago, Daniel had been brutally tortured, left disabled, and for dead by the drug lords. In a fit of rage, Nathan launched a missile that obliterated the entire island used for drug cultivation.

The incident caused a massive uproar, resulting in the deaths of many drug lords and traffickers.

Internationally, it was dismissed as a missile malfunction that veered off course. The public remained unaware of the truth, but those in the underworld knew.

That was why Alex had refrained from causing any trouble for Daniel over the past two years. She was afraid to provoke him again.

However, Daniel had relentlessly

pursued her, disrupting her business

operations, capturing her trusted subordinates, and steadily uncovering her identity. She was running out of places to hide.

Knowing that acting first was her only chance to survive, Alex had no choice but to use Vivian to eliminate Daniel. But Alex hadn't expected Vivian to be unable to get close to Daniel, let alone kill him.

With Daniel married now, targeting Sienna seemed a simpler way to kill him.

"If you kill my husband, aren't you worried that his brother will retaliate against all of you again?" Sienna asked.

With a half-smile, Alex said, "I'll handle it so discreetly this time that no one will suspect anything. Daniel will meet his end in what seems to be a crime of passion." Alex shifted her gaze to Vivian.

Vivian trembled, her face draining of color as she realized she was just a pawn in Alex's scheme. She had been too trusting.