Begging for a Second Chance (Sienna Sloan and Jarred Sterling) novel Chapter 464

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Celeste affectionately wrapped her arms around Helena's, leaning in close with a saccharine tone.

"Helena, the matriarch isn't a petty woman. Have you ever known her to demand a gift back?

Besides, you know how much she loves seeing an investment grow.

If she finds out you leveraged her gift to secure an even higher-tier, museum-grade masterpiece, she'd probably praise your brilliant business sense. Who knows? She might be so thrilled she gifts you something even better."

Tristan offered a perfectly timed nod. "Exactly. An unparalleled masterpiece like this holds its ground in any high-society setting."

Helena was utterly swayed, her eyes practically emitting sparks of greed. "Right? I always knew I had the best eye for value in the family."

Sienna didn't utter another word. She sat quietly, taking a leisurely sip of her tea, though her gaze drifted lazily over Celeste.

Celeste caught the look.

There was something in Sienna's eyes that sent an icy shiver straight down her spine.

It wasn't a warning. It wasn't a threat. It was a suffocating, omniscient calmness—a condescending certainty that left Celeste with absolutely nowhere to hide.

Beneath the flowing sleeves of her dress, Celeste's fists clenched involuntarily.

The transaction was finally sealed.

Helena handed over her authentic, priceless heirlooms, topped off with a hefty check to cover the "difference."

In return, she received the so-called one-of-a-kind sapphire necklace.

She cradled it in her hands, grinning like a child who had just robbed a candy store.

"Now this is a true treasure," she murmured, holding the sapphire up to the chandelier to admire its facets. "You young people simply haven't seen enough of the world to appreciate something of this caliber."

Sienna remained seated on the sofa. Unnoticed, Silas had stepped up directly behind her.

He leaned down, his voice dropping to a low, intimate murmur meant only for her ears.

"Entertaining?"

Sienna didn't turn to look at him. "You knew perfectly well I wouldn't step in to stop her. So why drag me here to watch?"

"Because..." Silas straightened up, his tone dripping with a lazy, venomous delight. "I absolutely love watching your mother-in-law act so smug in front of you. It's incredibly poetic.