Begging for a Second Chance (Sienna Sloan and Jarred Sterling) novel Chapter 426

Supported by a maid, the matriarch also stepped forward slowly.

The older woman's face was stern, her tone sounding magnanimous but practically suffocating with authority.

"Sienna, death clears all debts. Whatever history or friction you had with Celeste, the Sterling family will wipe the slate clean and not hold you accountable.

All we ask is that you show a shred of decency, leave her to rest in peace from now on, and let this go."

Listening to these wildly twisted accusations, the smile on Sienna's face didn't fade; in fact, it deepened.

"Well, Ms. Carlyle did pretend to be my family for years. It's only right that I come light a memorial candle for her."

Her eyes sharpened slightly as her gaze swept right through the two women, easily piercing their fragile facade.

"Yet the shrine is right here, and I'm being blocked at every turn just trying to pay my respects.

Matriarch, Helena... guarding it this fiercely, could it be that you're hiding some dirty little secret and are terrified I'll expose it?"

The matriarch's eyes narrowed.

Helena's expression turned even uglier.

She opened her mouth to argue, but a sharp look from the matriarch shut her down instantly.

"You may pay your respects," the matriarch finally conceded after a few seconds of tense silence.

But the narrative shifted instantly, her voice dropping a few octaves, laced with a blatant threat. "But if you dare use this as an excuse to cause a scene and disturb the dead...

Don't blame the Sterling family for throwing courtesy out the window and dealing with you ourselves."

Sienna just smiled faintly, not saying a word.

The matriarch stared at her for several long seconds, seemingly trying to gauge whether her intentions were genuine or hostile.

Finally, the matriarch looked away and jerked her chin toward the young maid standing behind her. "Assist Ms. Sloan with the tribute."

The maid on standby quickly stepped up, respectfully handing over a lit memorial candle.

Sienna's expression remained perfectly serene. She held the base of the candle lightly between her fingers, her posture impeccably straight, and bowed to Celeste's portrait.

Her movements were strictly proper, leaving absolutely no room for criticism.

The room was dead silent, every single eye locked intensely onto Sienna, highly alert to her every move.

The three bows were completed.

The young maid stepped forward, reaching out to take the candle from Sienna's hands.

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