THE CEO'S UNTAMED LOVE

Chapter 3: Cornered Fates

Sienna pushed through the bank doors, her heart hammering. The sleek lobby felt cold, judgmental, like everyone could see her panic. There were few scratches on her hands. She approached the loan officer, a stern woman with sharp glasses and a tighter smile.

“I need to mortgage my grandmother’s house,” Sienna said, voice steady but shaky at the edges. “It’s urgent. It's a matter of life and death.”

The officer, Mrs. Hargrove, raised an eyebrow.

“Proof of ownership, financial statements, and a credit check—now. We don’t move fast on big loans without guarantees.”

Sienna fumbled in her bag, pulling out documents, but her hands trembled.

“Please, it’s life or death. My grandma’s in the hospital.”

Mrs. Hargrove’s eyes didn’t soften as she typed into the computer.

“We can’t rush this. You’ve got no steady income, Miss Frederick. Your family’s name doesn’t help—rumors of instability there. And who’s been paying for those kids’ school fees? That’s a hefty expense for someone unemployed.”

Sienna froze. The kids—local orphans she’d been secretly supporting, tutoring, and funding out of her small savings. She couldn’t say no when they needed books or uniforms, but it had drained her. Now, it was a weapon against her. Her chest tightened, tears threatening, but she bit her lip, thinking hard. She couldn’t cry here—not when she needed to convince this woman.

“I can explain,” she said, forcing confidence.

“I’ve been unpaid at the family company for years, but I’ve kept things running. The house is ours, free and clear. Check the records.”

Mrs. Hargrove tapped her keyboard, unimpressed. “We’ll see. But if there’s any lien or family claim, you’re out of luck. Come back with solid proof, or there's really nothing we can do”

Sienna’s knees weakened, but she nodded, stepping back. Her phone buzzed—Aunt Maya. “Sienna, the hospital says two hours. If we don’t pay, they might not operate. She’s dying.”

Sienna’s vision blurred, but she held it together, rushing out. She couldn’t break, not yet.

Meanwhile, across town, Lucien Lewis paced in his sleek office at Lewis Enterprises, jaw tight. His team had just reported on the girl from the accident—Sienna Frederick.

“She’s connected to the Fredericks, sir,” his assistant said, nervous. “Rumors say they’re shady, always chasing deals. She’s been working for them, no pay, but there’s talk she’s been spending on charity—kids’ education, mostly.”

Lucien’s eyes narrowed. Charity? From someone who smashed his windshield?

“Find out more,” he barked. “I want to know everything. She’s reckless, but there’s something off.”

He thought of his grandfather Harold’s latest demand—marry someone useful, like a Sinclair heiress. Lucien’s fists clenched. He wouldn’t be a pawn like his father was. Look where it landed him.

“Drive me to that bank ” he told his assistant. "What for sir?" He gave him a cold look before replying nonchalantly “I need air.”

The car sped toward downtown, Lucien staring out the window, plotting.

Back at the bank, Sienna stood outside, mind racing. How could she prove ownership? Her family might’ve already claimed the house—she wouldn’t put it past them. Her phone buzzed again, but she ignored it, fighting tears. She had to think, not cry.

Just then, a black car pulled up, and Lucien stepped out, tall and imposing. His suit was crisp, his eyes cold, scanning the crowd. He spotted Sienna—pale, frantic, clutching her bag—and recognition hit.

“It’s You,” he said, voice sharp as he closed the distance.

“The girl who wrecked my car and ran.”

Sienna turned, startled, she said lowly to herself "what now..." then glared.

“Watch it. I didn’t run—I was trying to save my grandma’s life. You hit me you know that right! You don't think I'd just jump in front of your car, do you?”

Her words snapped, but her eyes were red, her voice brittle.

Lucien’s jaw tightened. He saw the desperation in her, the fire, but his anger held firm.

“You threw a stone, broke my windshield, and didn’t even apologize. Who do you think you are?”

Sienna’s chest heaved. “I think I’m someone who doesn’t have time for this. My grandma’s dying, and I’m out of options. So unless you’re here to help, back off. Don't add to my stress Mister”

Their eyes locked—hers blazing with fear she masked well and defiance, his icy with control but flickering with intrigue.

Lucien stared, caught off guard by her intensity. He’d expected fear, not fire.

“Help?” he said, voice low, almost mocking.

“Why would I help someone who attacks my car and runs?”

Sienna stepped closer, not backing down.

“I didn’t run. I was saving my grandma’s life for crying out loud. Are you deaf or are my words just air?. You almost killed me, and you’re mad about a windshield? Get over yourself.” Her words hit, and for a second, Lucien’s mask slipped. He saw the raw pain in her eyes, the exhaustion, and something in him shifted. But he masked it fast, his billionaire persona snapping back.

“You owe me an explanation. And compensation. Just so you know, I don't like it when people owe me.”

Sienna laughed, bitter and short.

“Compensation? I have nothing left. My family’s stripped me dry, and now my grandma’s fighting for her life. You think I care about your car?”

Lucien’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t move.

“You’re Sienna Frederick, right? The girl who works for nothing, spends on kids, and smashes windshields. You’re a very interesting character.”

Sienna’s breath hitched. How did he know all that? Her mind raced—rumors, spies, his power. Who was this man? She straightened, wiping her eyes, refusing to crumble.

“Call it what you want. . I’m just so tired of being used. But I'm sure you already know that since you've done your research. Is there anything else you'd love me to know about myself??”

Lucien studied her, his anger cooling into curiosity. She was different—wild, yes, but honest in a way that cut through his usual shields. Before he could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at it—Harold, demanding answers about the Sinclair deal. Lucien’s jaw tightened. He pocketed the phone, ignoring it.

“Fine,” he said, softer now.

“But this isn’t over. I’ll find you again, Sienna Frederick.”

Sienna stared back, heart pounding.

“Good luck. I hope you'll be lucky enough to find me alive ”

She turned, rushing back toward the hospital, her steps uneven but determined. Lucien watched her go, a strange pull in his chest. Who was she, really? And why did her defiance stir something he’d buried long ago? No, that wasn't possible. All he wants is his compensation. Yes, that is it. His compensation. He hates people that owe him.

As Sienna disappeared, her phone buzzed again—Aunt Maya. “Sienna, please hurry. They’re saying one hour left. We’re losing her.” Sienna’s legs buckled, but she pushed on, tears blurring her vision. She had to make it. She had to. She just didn't know how. Or at least not yet.