Page 77

‘Your woman is drunk off her ass at the Blue Orchid bar.’

There was no reply.

But fifteen minutes later, the bar door slammed open. Adrian stormed in, his presence electric, eyes scanning with cold intensity. His tall frame, sharp suit, and barely restrained fury made the music feel like background noise.

Larry, lounging on a couch with his friends and a drink in hand, raised an eyebrow, then casually pointed toward the counter.

Adrian’s eyes followed the gesture, locked on Sienna, and immediately strode over.

Sienna, barely upright, reached with trembling fingers for another glass. Before it touched her lips, Adrian snatched it from her hand and slammed it down onto the counter.

Glass clinked.

She flinched, blinking slowly as she turned to look up.

“Send the bill to my office,” he told the bartender without glancing at him.

Then he picked her up in his arms.

"Hey!" she protested, smacking his back and squirming, trying to wriggle out of his grip. "Put me down!"

But Adrian’s hold only tightened. He adjusted her easily, securing her against his chest like she weighed nothing, and strode out of the bar.

He struggled a little to get her into the passenger seat, but once she was buckled in, he sped off toward his place.

By the time they arrived, Sienna had already passed out. Adrian carried her inside effortlessly.

In the bedroom, she stirred. Her eyes blinked open just as he sat on the edge of the bed, holding her in his lap. Her head rested on his shoulder, her arms loosely wrapped around his neck, legs curled across the sheets.

"Why did you drink so much?" he muttered, his fingers cupping her cheek firmly, tilting her face toward his.

His voice was deep, rough, laced with irritation and concern.

Sienna blinked up at him slowly, then slapped his hand away weakly with a pout.

But Adrian didn’t let her go.

His grip on her waist stayed firm as his voice dipped low. “Is it because of Theo? His business?”

“Yeah.” Sienna mumbled, glaring up at him through hazy eyes. “I’m going to help him. No matter what happens, I’ll stand by him.”

“No, you won’t.” His voice darkened, and his hold on her tightened. His gaze sharpened like a blade, cutting right through her. “Your family already cut ties with the Montgomerys. They’re not backing his business anymore. And your share? It’s tied to the Donovans business. You won’t be able to give him a cent.”

Sienna’s eyes widened in disbelief. The haze faded from her drunken stare as she jerked away from him. Panic flickered across her face as she scrambled off his lap, her bare feet fumbling on the hardwood floor.

“I… I’ll talk to my parents,” she stammered, staggering toward the door, her steps unsteady.

Adrian stood up immediately, his voice loud and commanding. “It’s no use. Your family has to protect themselves. They can’t afford to go down with the Montgomerys.”

Sienna froze mid-step. Her fists clenched tightly by her sides as her chest rose and fell rapidly. Her voice cracked as she whispered, “How did things fall apart this fast? Everything’s collapsing in just a few days…”

Adrian walked up to her, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. His sharp eyes didn’t leave her face for a second.

“You were born into luxury, Sienna. You’ve never known what it feels like to be broke. Theo has nothing now. And still, he wants you to stay. Do you really think he still deserves you? There’s no balance between what you’re giving up and what he can offer you.”

She stormed back to him and slammed her hands against his chest, shoving him roughly. Her voice was fierce. “Yeah, I’ll still stay with him. He’s a good man. I won’t turn my back on him!”

Her voice dropped, frustration leaking through. “But I don’t understand who keeps attacking the Montgomerys? Even after Theo stepped down, someone’s still sabotaging their every deal. Why?”