My Boss Refused to Save My Mother’s Life

The boutique's elegant atmosphere shattered as Regina's laughter echoed through the marble floors and crystal chandeliers. Her voice carried across the showroom, deliberately loud enough to draw attention from other shoppers.

"Oh my God, Sienna, is this seriously where you shop now?" Regina's eyes gleamed with malicious delight as she circled me like a vulture. "I heard you were having financial troubles after your little... breakdown."

I remained perfectly still, my hand resting protectively over my stomach. "I'm doing just fine, Regina."

"Are you?" She tilted her head, her perfectly highlighted hair cascading over one shoulder. "Because Sebastian mentioned you've been struggling to cope since your mother passed."

The mention of my mother sent a chill down my spine. I touched her silver ring on my finger, drawing strength from it.

"That's none of your concern," I replied evenly.

Regina's gaze suddenly fixed on my neck, where Leonidas had placed the "Starlight Tears" that morning—a $20 million diamond necklace that caught the light with every breath I took.

"Is that supposed to be real?" she asked, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Every diamond is real," I answered simply.

She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. "You know what? I don't believe you. You're wearing a cheap knockoff in a high-end store. How pathetic."

Before I could react, her hand shot out and grasped the necklace. With a violent tug, she yanked it from my neck, the clasp breaking with a sickening snap.

"Let's see how real these diamonds are," she sneered, backing toward the decorative fountain in the center of the boutique.

"Regina, don't—" I started, but it was too late.

With theatrical flourish, she tossed the necklace into the water. The diamonds caught the light one last time before sinking beneath the surface.

"Oops," she said with mock innocence. "Looks like cheap fake trash for a fake woman."

The saleswoman gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. The other customers turned to stare, whispers spreading through the boutique like wildfire.

I felt heat rising to my cheeks, but I forced myself to remain calm. Leonidas had taught me that true power wasn't in emotional outbursts—it was in calculated responses.

"That necklace is worth twenty million dollars," I said, my voice ice-cold. "I suggest you retrieve it immediately."

Regina's smile faltered for just a moment before she recovered. "Twenty million? You're insane."

"I expect full compensation," I continued, meeting her gaze steadily. "Twenty million dollars for the damaged property."

"Sienna, you pathetic little—"

"What's going on here?"

Sebastian's voice cut through the tension. He stood in the doorway, immaculate in his tailored suit, his expression shifting from confusion to anger as he took in the scene.

"Sebastian!" Regina rushed to his side, clinging to his arm. "This woman is having some kind of breakdown. She's claiming I threw her fake necklace into the fountain and demanding twenty million dollars!"

Sebastian's eyes found mine, and for a moment, I saw something flicker there—recognition, perhaps even regret. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"Sienna," he said, his voice hardening. "What are you doing here?"

"Shopping," I replied simply.

He shook his head, disappointment etched across his features. "I thought we were past this. Regina told me you might be... unstable."

"Unstable?" I repeated.

"This pathetic attempt at extortion," he continued, gesturing toward the fountain. "Making up stories about valuable jewelry... it's sad, Sienna."

The saleswoman stepped forward hesitantly. "Sir, the lady's necklace did appear to be quite valuable..."

"Thank you," I said to her quietly before turning back to Sebastian and Regina. "You'll regret this."

I walked away, my heels clicking against the marble floor with deliberate calm. Only when I reached the street did I allow myself to show any emotion—my hands trembling as I pulled out my phone.

"Leonidas," I said when he answered. "I need you."

* * *

The penthouse was bathed in the golden light of sunset when I returned. Leonidas sat in his favorite armchair by the window, a financial newspaper open on his lap. He looked up as I entered, his expression softening.

"There you are," he said, setting aside the paper. "I was beginning to worry."

I touched the angry red mark on my neck where the necklace had been torn away. "I need to show you something."

He rose from his chair, concern etching his features as he approached me. When he saw the bruise forming on my skin, his entire demeanor changed. The gentle husband vanished, replaced by the ruthless businessman who had built an empire through calculated precision.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice dangerously quiet.

I told him everything—Regina's mockery, the necklace in the fountain, Sebastian's dismissal.

Leonidas's jaw tightened as I spoke, his eyes darkening with each word. When I finished, he didn't speak immediately. Instead, he walked to the bar and poured two glasses of water, handing one to me.

"Marcus," he called out, his voice carrying across the penthouse.

Almost instantly, Marcus Chen appeared in the doorway, his expression alert and ready.

"Sir?"

"Get Victoria Hayes here. Now."

Marcus nodded and disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

Leonidas turned to me, his eyes cold with fury. "They will pay for this, Sienna. Every single person who had a hand in hurting you."

He took my hand gently, his touch contrasting with the steel in his voice. "We'll destroy them piece by piece."

As he spoke, I felt something shift inside me—the last remnants of the woman who had begged Sebastian for help falling away completely. In her place stood someone new: Mrs. Anderson, who would never beg again.