8. Unspoken anger
948 Words
The room went dead silent after the glass shattered.
Alexander stepped right up to Sienna, cornering her against the wall.
The glare in his eyes was lethal—not like an angry businessman, but like a man used to wipe out anyone who crossed him.
"Are you insane?!" Alexander slammed his hand against the wall right next to her head.
"Is your mind completely out of order? You really think you're that smart, playing games with me?"
Sienna pressed herself flat against the wall.
"We’ve been running around like damn fools for days!" he snarled, leaning in close. "My reputation, my power, my family's whole legacy is on the line, and you casually drop a detail like that now? You think this is a joke?!"
Julian quickly stepped between them, pushing Alexander back. "Alex, back off! That’s enough!"
Alex snapped, shoving Julian away. "Get out of my way! She kept a critical info from us while our name is about to be dragged through the dirt!"
"She was terrified, Alex! Look at her!" Julian shouted, standing his ground.
"Screaming at her won't fix this. Let it go for tonight."
Alexander glared at Julian, his jaw tight. He slowly adjusted his suit jacket, his hand lingering for a second near the heavy gun hidden inside his holster.
"Get out of my sight," Alexander said, his cold eyes locking onto Sienna. "Go to your room. Right now."
Sienna’s chest heaved as she stared back at him. Her hands were trembling, but she forced her voice out through her throat.
"I didn't hide it on purpose," she whispered, "I didn't even know what that word meant until tonight."
Alex didn't answer.
Realizing it was pointless to argue, Sienna turned and ran out of the room as fast as she could.
The study incident left Sienna with her blood boiling.
She wasn't just terrified anymore—she was furious, humiliated, and deeply offended by the way Alexander had cornered and insulted her.
She slammed the heavy door shut behind her, standing tall in the dark room as her breathing finally leveled out.
About ten minutes passed. A soft, hesitant knock echoed against the door.
She kept her posture straight. "Who is it?"
"It’s me, Julian," a quiet voice came from the other side. "I brought you some water."
Sienna took a slow breath, unlocked the door, and stepped back without a word.
Julian walked in carrying a crystal glass of cold water, his eyes scanning her tense face.
"Here," Julian said, handing her the glass. "Drink this."
Sienna took it from his hand, her grip steady and firm, and drank a few gulps before setting it down.
"Thank you."
Julian watched her, taking a small step closer. His tone was soft, "Look... Alex was out of line tonight. But you have to understand the pressure he's under."
He paused, looking straight into her eyes. "Are you sure there's nothing else, Sienna? No other detail, no matter how small, that you might have forgotten to mention downstairs?"
"I swear, Julian. That’s everything. I didn't even realize how important that word was until your uncle said it."
Julian studied her face for a long momemt.
"I see," he said slowly, keeping his distance. "You look exhausted, and honestly, you’ve been locked in this gloomy room for days."
He turned slightly and pointed down the main hallway toward the grand staircase that led to the ground floor and out to the courtyard.
"The night air is clear," Julian offered softly. "Would you like to come to the garden ? To get some fresh air and clear your head?"
Sienna looked at the doorway, keeping her arms crossed.
She didn't want to stay trapped in this room feeling like a prisoner. And stepping outside sounded much better than sitting here in anger.
"Okay," she replied quietly, "Lead the way."
Sienna and Julian walked down the quiet hallway, their shoes barely making a sound against the marble floor.
The cold night breeze brushed against them as soon as they stepped out into the dark garden.
A large wooden swing sat under a cluster of white roses.
Julian gestured toward it.
"Have a seat," he said softly.
Sienna sat down on the bench, pulling her arms close to her chest.
Julian pulled an iron patio chair over and sat right in front of her.
The silence between them felt thick, but it was far better than the heavy walls of her room.
"I know this house feels suffocating," Julian started, resting his elbows on his knees as he looked at her.
"And I know Alex came off like a monster tonight."
Sienna looked down at the soft grass beneath her feet. "He didn't just come off like one, Julian. He acts like he owns everyone around him."
Julian gave a faint, tired smile. "He’s been trained to control everything since he was a kid. Uncertainty drives him crazy."
He paused, watching her closely.
"How are you holding up?
"I’m angry," Sienna admitted, her voice low but steady. "I came here for justice, not to be treated like a suspect in a crime I didn't commit."
Before Julian could answer, footsteps echoed behind them.
Alexander stepped out into the night air, loosening the top buttons of his shirt. He was still fuming from the confrontation in the study, needing the cold wind to clear his head.
He took a few steps into the garden ..and froze.
Through the dim moonlight, his sharp eyes locked onto the scene under the rose arch, Sienna sitting on the swing, and Julian leaning in from his chair, talking to her in the quiet dark.
Alexander’s eyes narrowed, a sudden stillness settling over him.
- Writer
