Chapter 74: Determination to Burn the Boats
Sienna made her way to the laboratory, where staff members immediately approached her with respectful greetings.
"Ms. Blake, is there anything we can assist you with?" one technician inquired politely.
Sienna nodded with purpose. "I need to use the lab equipment for blood analysis."
"Ms. Blake, please follow me," a staff member guided her through the facility.
Sienna changed into sterile lab attire and seamlessly transitioned into work mode. When Amara heard about her daughter's activities, she hurried over to observe. Watching Sienna work with meticulous precision, Amara found herself frozen in place, overwhelmed by the sight before her.
She had never imagined witnessing such a moment—her daughter, dressed in professional lab wear, carrying on her legacy as one of the world's most accomplished physicians. Perhaps this was the true magic of genetic inheritance. Amara's lips curved into a proud smile as she regarded Sienna with deep admiration.
"Give Sienna whatever she needs and provide full cooperation. Don't keep her waiting," Amara instructed the staff with maternal authority.
"Yes, Mrs. Smith!" they responded in unison.
Sienna's analysis of Alexander's blood samples revealed no abnormalities, allowing her to breathe a sigh of relief. The pneumonia and fever were simply the result of compromised immunity leading to viral infection.
With these reassuring results, Sienna felt completely at ease. She carefully brewing the herbal remedy before carrying it to the bedroom.
Alexander had just awakened from a two-hour rest and had independently showered and changed clothes. As he emerged from the bathroom, he saw Sienna coming in with a bowl of herbal remedy.
Without warning, Alexander wrapped his arms around Sienna's waist, startling her so much that she nearly dropped the precious medicine.
"Alexander, what are you doing? You scared me," she gasped, steadying the bowl.
Alexander remained silent, holding Sienna close and breathing in her familiar scent deeply. "This feeling—this is what true recovery means. Sienna, we're never separating again. Wherever you go, I'll follow," he murmured against her hair.
Sienna handed him the medicine. "Drink this, then go see the children. They've been worried sick about you."
Alexander accepted the bowl and drained it in one gulp. Despite its bitter taste, his heart felt sweet—as if a decade-long void had finally been filled.
Sienna led him to the gaming room, Henry and William's favorite retreat, while Olivia was in the art studio painting. Each child had developed their distinct personality, which pleased Alexander immensely.
Upon entering, Alexander discovered William writing code, which genuinely surprised him. He settled on the floor beside his son, silently observing the complex programming displayed on the large screen, his lips curving into an approving smile.
"There's an error here—it should be written like this. Let me show you," Alexander said, reaching over to modify the program with a few keystrokes.
William's eyes lit up as he turned to face Alexander with newfound interest. "You know how to do this too?"
Alexander nodded with pride. "I was a programming prodigy in college—that's how I earned my first fortune."
"Was it a lot of money?" William asked, tilting his head with innocent curiosity.
Alexander shook his head modestly. "Not particularly—about five hundred million dollars."
William nodded thoughtfully. "That's not much—about five months of my allowance..."
Alexander chuckled, realizing that raising sons would indeed be expensive. "From now on, Henry will manage all allowances. I've entrusted all my money to him, remember that?" he teased.
William grinned and nodded enthusiastically.
Alexander ruffled his hair affectionately before moving to check on Henry, who was operating a 3D printer. Alexander waited patiently, admiring the finished product when it emerged.
"Is this for Mommy?" he asked with genuine interest.
Henry nodded solemnly. "My first creation has to be for Mommy."
Overwhelmed with affection for such a thoughtful son, Alexander scooped Henry up and planted kisses on his cheeks. "Did you miss me?"
Henry regarded him with obvious disdain, his small brow furrowing, which only made him more endearing in Alexander's eyes.
When William witnessed Alexander embracing and kissing Henry, jealousy flared immediately. He crossed his arms and glared at Alexander with fierce indignation until Alexander beckoned him over.
"Come here, let me hold you too," Alexander invited warmly.
William approached with exaggerated pride, allowing Alexander to lift him and receive his share of affection. Only then did his face break into a satisfied grin.
"Daddy, will you play games with me?" William asked hopefully.
Alexander nodded, gathering both boys for gaming while Sienna shook her head in amusement. She spent time with Olivia in the art studio before calling the father-son trio for dinner.
The Smith Villa's dining room had never been so full—the long table occupied completely, with Alexander seated among the children, dutifully serving them food.
Sienna frowned at the sight and ladled soup into a bowl, placing it before Alexander. "You need to eat too. Your body is still recovering, and proper nutrition will speed your healing."
"Yes, darling," Alexander replied obediently.
Gage snorted derisively. "Manipulative bastard!"
Amara found the exchange amusing, discovering that dinner had become far more enjoyable.
After the children went for their afternoon naps, Ethan caught Alexander's eye, and both men retreated to the study. Ethan lit a cigarette, smoking slowly while studying Alexander through narrowed eyes.
"You've chased her all the way here—planning to make yourself at home with Sienna?" Ethan inquired with barely concealed hostility.
Alexander settled into the opposite chair with casual confidence, unfazed by Ethan's interrogation. "We're married. Her parents are my in-laws. What's strange about that?"
"Alexander, your shamelessness knows no bounds. This is the Smith Villa, and you're her ex-husband. How dare you presume to live here?" Ethan's voice dripped with contempt.
Alexander's response was a knowing smile filled with deeper meaning. "Sienna and I were never actually divorced. She signed the papers, but I destroyed them. From beginning to end, Sienna has remained my wife, and Henry, William, and Olivia are my biological children."
Ethan's cigarette froze halfway to his lips. This cunning man had been playing a long game all along.
"What about Sienna's wishes? You think avoiding divorce solves everything? If Sienna wants freedom, the Smith family will bankrupt ourselves to ensure she gets it!" Ethan declared with fierce determination.
Alexander's smile widened as he retrieved his phone and sent an email to Ethan. "I've transferred all my assets to Sienna unconditionally—the Knight Group, my international holdings, everything is now in her name. All liquid assets have been entrusted to Henry. I'm essentially a kept man now, completely at my wife's mercy. Is this demonstration of sincerity sufficient?"
Ethan was speechless, his anger reaching a boiling point. "Alexander, you're absolutely shameless! You expect Sienna to support you—you despicable man!"
Ethan's fury rendered him nearly incoherent while Alexander's smile grew increasingly meaningful. "Of course Sienna won't need to work for money. She should only pursue what brings her joy—spending time with family and living happily."
Ethan reviewed the email, confirming the substantial assets—comparable to the Smith family fortune—had indeed been transferred to Sienna's name.
"Alexander, I truly don't understand you. If you were willing to give Sienna everything, why did you treat her so poorly before?" Ethan asked, his confusion genuine.
Reflecting on the past, Alexander shook his head with rueful amusement. "Pride, I suppose. I fell for Sienna early on but was too afraid to show it, terrified she wouldn't reciprocate my feelings. During our three-year marriage, I devoted most of my time to building my empire, believing that providing her with luxury would earn her love and happiness. I was wrong—completely wrong."