Begging for a Second Chance (Sienna Sloan and Jarred Sterling) novel Chapter 152

Maloney let out a soft sigh. "Grandpa showed signs of waking up in the early hours of the morning. The whole family rushed back. Jarred has probably been upstairs by his side this entire time."

Sienna froze.

During Arthur's coma, the Sterlings had hired the best medical team to care for him at home, but his prognosis had always been grim.

If he was actually showing signs of waking up... that was monumental news.

"I'm sorry. I... I had no idea."

Her voice dropped as she hastily tossed the unlit firecrackers into a nearby trash can.

"Well, now you know," Maloney said gently. "Go on in. Grandpa wants to see you too."

Upstairs.

Jarred stepped out of Arthur's room.

His first instinct was to find his phone and explain the situation to Sienna.

Declan, who had been waiting in the hallway, hurried over. "Boss."

"Did Sienna call?"

"...She did." Declan shot him a nervous glance. "But she called my phone."

Jarred raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased with that answer.

Declan quickly lowered his head. "Celeste mentioned she forgot her phone earlier and borrowed yours. I checked afterward, and it seems... Sienna never called your number."

A flicker of irritation crossed Jarred's eyes. He shot Declan a heavy, meaningful look before taking his phone and dialing Sienna's number directly.

"Grandpa is awake. He wants to see you," he said in a low voice. "Where are you? I'll come pick you up."

On the other end of the line, Sienna's voice was perfectly calm. "No need. I'm already here."

Already here?

Jarred's gaze darkened.

He turned his head just in time to see Maloney walking up the stairs, with Sienna right beside him.

"She's already surrendered the family crest. She's no longer a Sterling. Get her out of here!"

Before the bodyguards could make a move, Arthur's weak voice drifted from the bedroom. "Is that Sienna? Let her in!"

The command sent a shockwave through the hallway.

Eleanor's face turned livid.

Helena furrowed her brow, glaring at Sienna with pure malice.

Marcus stood off to the side, his expression polite but distant; he didn't speak up, but he didn't intervene either.

Jarred leaned against the wall, an unlit cigarette pinched between his fingers. His predatory eyes were half-closed, drifting between Sienna and Maloney with a mocking glint.

"Dad, you just woke up. Having too many people in the room will ruin the air quality," Helena was the first to react, trying to intervene.

"The doctor said I shouldn't have too many people staying in the room, not that I can't see anyone!" Arthur's irritated voice pierced through the heavy oak door. "Let Sienna come in alone. The rest of you wait outside."

The doctor stepped forward on cue, giving a respectful nod. "Mr. Sterling is correct. Post-operative recovery requires a quiet environment without large crowds. As long as he isn't overly stimulated, it will be perfectly fine."