Begging for a Second Chance (Sienna Sloan and Jarred Sterling) novel Chapter 267

Sienna took a deep breath, suppressing the sheer disgust clawing at her chest.

Logic dictated that she couldn't let a personal vendetta tank a project her entire team had bled for.

She looked up, shooting Jarred a glacial glare, and reluctantly extended her hand.

The touch was icy and fleeting. Like a dragonfly skimming the surface of a pond, she pulled away before he could even register the contact.

Jarred's fingers closed around empty air.

The phantom chill of her skin lingered on his fingertips, leaving an hollow ache in his chest.

He looked up just in time to see her turn her back on him. Face entirely impassive, she led the way into the conference room.

She didn't spare him a single glance.

Everyone took their seats, and the meeting quickly commenced.

Jonathan stood at the front, breaking down the project's data and projections.

Sienna stared intently at the projector screen, fighting with everything she had to ignore the scorching gaze glued to the side of her face.

Just as the presentation hit a critical point, the screen on Declan Ward's phone lit up.

It was on silent, making no sound at all,

yet the sudden glow drew everyone's attention in the quiet room.

Declan stepped aside to answer it, his expression dropping into immediate panic.

Ignoring all professional decorum, he rushed over, leaned down to Jarred's ear, and whispered frantically.

The composed, arrogant demeanor on Jarred's face shattered instantly.

His eyes, usually gleaming with cynical amusement, turned terrifyingly cold.

He stood up so fast his chair scraped loudly against the floor. Without waiting for anyone to react, he strode toward the door.

"Apologies, the meeting is over," Declan said, bowing quickly to the stunned executives before rushing after his boss.

Sienna was entirely baffled, having no idea what had just happened.

But right now, the panic in his eyes was barely contained.

She struggled hard, trying to pry his fingers off. "Jarred, where are you taking me?"

Jarred finally spoke, his voice hoarse and ragged. "Grandpa collapsed. Clayton said it's bad."

"What?"

Sienna went rigid, utter disbelief flashing across her face.

She had just visited Arthur at the manor over the weekend.

He had been in great spirits, soaking up the sun in his wicker chair in the courtyard, chatting with her for ages.

His condition had been steadily improving, and all his vitals were better than they had been in months.

He was even able to walk on his own. Sure, his steps were a bit shaky, but it was leaps and bounds ahead of being bedridden.

How could he just suddenly collapse?