Begging for a Second Chance (Sienna Sloan and Jarred Sterling) novel Chapter 73

By the time the plane touched down, it was already late afternoon.

Sienna did not waste a single second. Dragging her exhausted body, she headed straight for the hospital.

The moment the elevator doors parted, a tall, tailored figure hurried toward her.

Maloney wore a sharp, dark suit, his features carrying their usual calm, gentle demeanor.

Seeing how utterly drained Sienna looked, his brow furrowed in concern.

“Breathe. Owen is safe.” Maloney gently steadied her. “I’ve replaced his attending physician. Professor Krueger is handling the surgery himself, and they can start at any moment.”

A lump formed in Sienna’s throat, leaving her at a loss for words. “Thank you, Maloney.”

They walked to the hospital room together.

Professor Krueger and his medical team were fully prepped and waiting for Sienna to sign the consent forms.

After listening to the professor outline the risks and protocols, Sienna signed immediately and followed them as they wheeled Owen into the operating room.

The grueling ten-hour wait that followed was pure torture. Every second stretched into an eternity.

Just as dawn was breaking, the surgical light finally clicked off.

Sienna’s heart leaped into her throat.

Professor Krueger stepped out, pulling down his mask with a relieved smile. “The surgery was a massive success. Owen is doing wonderfully.”

Tears spilled from Sienna’s eyes in an unstoppable flood.

She stood up, her lips trembling, but she couldn't vocalize a single word.

All she could do was bow repeatedly, over and over, until Maloney gently grabbed her arms to stop her.

“The professor said Owen needs to stay in the ICU for a few days for observation. Once he’s stable, he’ll be moved to a regular room.” His voice was incredibly soft, as if he was afraid of startling her. “He’s safe now. You can finally breathe.”

Sienna nodded through her sobs, the tears continuing to streak down her face.

Sienna’s throat felt tight. “I’m always dragging you into my messes…”

Seeing the dark clouds of worry still haunting her features, Maloney’s frown deepened.

He had a strong feeling that Sienna was trapped in a terrifying nightmare, likely being blackmailed or manipulated.

But she was hopelessly stubborn, never one to willingly show her vulnerabilities. If she didn't want to talk about it, he wouldn't force her.

The door opened, and Quentin Peters stepped inside.

His eyes darted to Sienna before shifting away. He looked entirely on edge. “Sir, a word in private, please.”

Maloney frowned.

Before he could say anything, Sienna took the hint and headed for the door. “You two talk. I’m going to get some fresh air.”

Quentin stepped closer, his voice laced with panic. “Sir, I just got word. Ms. Sloan set a fire at Sterling Manor. She injured the matriarch, Helena, and Celeste, and then made a run for it.”