Chapter 5 - Sienna's Revenge
A cornered animal is the most dangerous kind, and Sienna Blake was thoroughly cornered. Bankrupt and humiliated, she sought out the one thing that could hurt Dante Ferraro: a scandal that would destroy his mother’s fragile peace and ruin Elena’s reputation forever.
It happened during the annual Ferraro Charity Gala, a massive event held on the estate grounds. Elena looked radiant in a deep red gown, Dante’s hand resting securely on the small of her back as they greeted the mayor. Rosalind was seated in a velvet armchair, smiling happily as she watched them.
Suddenly, the ballroom doors swung open. The music screeched to a halt. Sienna walked in, accompanied by two men in cheap suits—tabloid reporters. She held a thick manila folder high in the air.
“Such a beautiful love story!” Sienna shouted, her voice echoing off the marble. “Too bad it’s a total fraud!”
Dante stepped in front of Elena, his hands curling into fists, but Sienna was already throwing the papers across the nearest table. Bank statements. Hospital bills. The contract Dante had his lawyers draft to pay off Elena’s debt.
“She’s a gold digger!” Sienna screamed to the horrified crowd. “She’s a maid who owed two hundred grand. Dante bought her to play nursemaid for his crazy mother because nobody else could stand the old bat. It’s a transaction. She doesn't love him, and he doesn't love her!”
Whispers erupted like wildfire. Cameras flashed. Elena felt the blood drain from her face. She looked at Rosalind. The old woman looked terrified, the loud noises and flashing lights triggering a severe panic attack. Rosalind began to weep, clutching her chest.
Elena didn't think about the cameras, the scandal, or the money. She pushed past Dante, past the mayor, and dropped to her knees in front of Rosalind, ignoring the reporters snapping photos of her.
“Rosalind, look at me,” Elena said firmly, taking the old woman’s shaking hands. “Focus on my voice. You are safe. You are in your home. Dante is right here.”
“They said you were bought,” Rosalind sobbed, looking at Elena with heartbreaking clarity. “They said you don't love us.”
The entire ballroom went dead silent, waiting for the maid to defend herself.
Elena smiled gently, tears tracking down her own face. “I came here for a job, Rosalind. But I stayed because I found a family. I love your son. I love him enough to walk away right now if it means protecting you.”
Dante moved. He didn't signal security. He walked directly to Sienna, took the remaining files from her hands, and dropped them into a nearby champagne fountain.
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“I did buy her debt,” Dante announced, his voice vibrating with absolute authority, silencing the room. “Because it was the only way I could keep the most incredible woman I have ever met under my roof long enough to make her fall in love with me.” He turned to Sienna, his eyes like black ice. “You have exactly ten seconds to run before I show you how Chicago’s darkest family handles rats.”
Sienna fled. The reporters were physically dragged out by security.
