Chapter 6

Russell's gaze at me became even more complicated, as if he was trying to discern the truth in my words.

His lips pressed into a thin line, his tone as indifferent as ever, "You won't."

Hearing this, I laughed more mockingly, "Russell, are you overestimating yourself?"

His brows furrowed, seemingly displeased with my tone.

I sneered and didn't bother to respond, stepping past him to leave.

"Sienna!"

He suddenly called out to me, his eyes filled with an inscrutable look.

Hearing his voice, I stopped and turned my head to look at him, my brows slightly furrowed, a hint of coldness in my eyes.

He was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "I just wanted to remind you not to forget that someone will be coordinating with you this afternoon."

Hearing this, my heart skipped a beat.

I thought he had called out to apologize, but it turned out he was just reminding me to handle some procedures.

I scoffed lightly, "Russell, are you trying to tell me that I'm only worthy of receiving your favors and gifts?"

My gaze at him was filled with a bit of disgust, "I may love you, but that doesn't give you the right to manipulate me."

With that, not waiting for his response, I turned and walked out of the courtyard.

As my words fell, his eyes suddenly dimmed.

Watching my departing figure, a hint of obscurity flashed in his eyes.

I could clearly feel his gaze on my back.

Compared to Dorothy, I couldn't fake anything because my pride wouldn't allow me to accept his charity.

It was precisely because of this unyielding nature that I repeatedly suffered.

Regardless of whether he felt guilty towards me now or was curious, in his eyes, only Dorothy was his preference and exception.

In his heart, I was insignificant.

My steps faltered slightly, a trace of bitterness and frustration crossing my heart.

If I could, I would love to give up and sever all ties with him, but I couldn't.

Russell was destined to be with me for a lifetime, this thought was deeply embedded in my mind.

I didn't know if I was too stubborn, but I knew I couldn't give up.

So, I couldn't back down!

After the wedding, my mother called to urge me to return to the Stuart Mansion. Her words were hesitant, insisting on speaking in person.

As the car slowly drove away, I looked at the rapidly retreating scenery outside the window, feeling inexplicably low.

I didn't know if it was because of the sadness of parting or the lingering hope in my heart that made me feel melancholic.

The car drove into a small road in the suburbs, and a classical building came into view, surrounded by lush trees, birds chirping, and insects buzzing. The scenery was picturesque, like a fairy tale world.

The car drove into the Stuart Mansion, and I got out, looking around.

This was where I had lived since I was a child.

Despite the farce at the wedding, no one in the family had scolded me. Reasonably, I should come back and explain.

I smiled bitterly and walked towards the living room.

As soon as I entered, I heard the respectful greetings of the servants, "Ms. Stuart is back!"

I nodded and placed my suitcase by the shoe cabinet.

The housekeeper, seeing this, hurriedly took my handbag, "Ms. Stuart, please go upstairs and rest for a while. Lunch will be ready soon."

I nodded, changed out of my slippers, and handed my coat to the housekeeper.

"Where are my parents?"

"Mr. Stuart and Mrs. Stuart went out temporarily and haven't returned yet," the housekeeper replied softly.

I nodded, beginning to speculate on the reason for their outing at this time.

I didn't want my relationship to cause the family dynamics to deteriorate.

I couldn't let a man put my family in a difficult position.

I turned and walked to the sofa, grabbed a pillow, and nestled into it.

Footsteps approached from afar, and I turned my head to see Melinda Stuart in a light pink dress appearing in my view.

"Melinda, you're back." Seeing her, my expression instantly softened.

Melinda sat down beside me, holding my cold wrist with a bit of heartache in her eyes, "Why are your hands so cold?"

The warmth from her palm spread through my skin to my heart, warming my body.

I smiled at her, "It's nothing, just a bit cold from being outside for too long."

Hearing this, Melinda gently patted my shoulder, then hugged me, softly comforting, "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, no one will bully you!"