One year contract

By the time Sienna returned to her office after the meeting, the legal team had handled the issues related to the rumors spreading outside. The TV station that had broadcast the news was in deep trouble, and all the people who had fanned the flames directly or indirectly were being tracked down.

"That was impressive," Kyrell praised her, once they returned to her office and Sienna just nodded at him curtly.

"Sometimes, it's better to attack first and render the enemy incapable of defending. Otherwise, it'll be too late if I allow them to attack me first," she explained as she took her chair.

Kyrell didn't disagree. Doing business was no different than fighting on a battlefield. If they allowed the enemy to have the upper hand, then they would be the ones surrendering.

"Mr. Winchester, please sit." Sienna gestured towards the chair opposite her while she called Edward on the office intercom.

Kyrell didn't know what she was up to, but he still followed her request and sat across from her.

"Mr. Jones, please mail me the contract Brother was yet to sign with the Cheetah Corps."

Kyrell's brows shot up when he discerned what she was up to.

"So, are you willing to hire me as your private security?" Kyrell asked, suppressing a relieved smile. He felt stifled whenever he thought about how Sienna was attacked time and again. With her life in danger every moment of the day, he could not rest well if he wasn't beside her, protecting her.

"Yes. I have no reason not to do so. I need security, and I can't think of anyone better than you," Sienna said, recalling their fragile moment some time ago. She had never felt so safe and secure around anyone, other than her family. He was the first person to have ever made her feel protected, especially after her family's demise.

"I'm glad and thankful that you find me worthy."

"Do you have any specific conditions or demands?" Sienna asked as she read through the contract Edward had forwarded her.

"If we are signing the same contract I had discussed with your brother, I have no additional conditions."

Sienna didn't respond as she read the contract thoroughly. Kyrell hadn't demanded much, except for a few bucks more than the other Lawrence Estate guards. His only request was he be granted leave every year on April 4.

Sienna frowned at this strange request. But she didn't probe more about it. Kyrell was entitled to his leave anytime or day he wanted. 

"I have a correction to make," Sienna said, leaning back in her chair.

"Please tell me, Miss Lawrence." Kyrell nodded at her to go ahead.

"The contract is for three years. I want to reduce it to a year."

Kyrell wasn't surprised by her request. He more or less had an inkling that she'd made such a request. As to why he had this feeling, he didn't know.

On seeing his quiet look, Sienna continued, "Don't misunderstand me, Mr. Winchester. Take this one year as a trial period. Once the danger is over, or after one year, whichever is the first, we'll sign a new contract."

Kyrell examined her silently. Although he didn't understand her thoughts, he knew Sienna had a plan. And since he was working for her, he had no choice but to agree.

"Great. You'll be moving into the Lawrence Estate starting today," Sienna said as she edited the contract before pushing the laptop toward Kyrell for him to take a look.

After getting his agreement, she initiated the digital signature, and the contract was signed.

Sienna stood up, prompting Kyrell to stand as well. 

"Welcome to the Lawrence Group, Mr. Winchester. To a pleasant cooperation."

Sienna stretched her hand and Kyrell smiled as he shook her hand.

"To a pleasant cooperation, Miss Lawrence."

Sienna returned to work while Kyrell sat on the couch, scrolling through the news feeds. 

The Lawrence Group legal team had been quick. Not only had they forced the TV station to issue an apology, but they had also threatened to sue anyone who spread rumors about Sienna without evidence. 

The wind's direction was changing again, and many people weren't speaking against Sienna. Instead, they were empathizing with her, especially the ones who had experienced the loss of a family member.

"Yes, Frank?" Sienna didn't know what Kyrell was doing. She was distracted when Frank called her suddenly.

"Miss, are you alright? Please forgive me. I didn't know about it..."

"Frank, Frank, Frank, calm down," Sienna intervened before the man started to overthink and became hysterical. "I'm fine."

"But Miss..."

"Frank, the issue has been handled. Don't overthink. How's Anthony?" Sienna asked, guessing that the man had visited Anthony and Agnes. Otherwise, he would have called her the instant the rumors about her were spread.

"Miss, Anthony is showing signs of recovery," Frank said, his tone changing into one filled with joy and relief. "The doctors feel he'll wake up in a day or two."

"That's great, Frank. That's an amazing news."

Sienna was genuinely happy for him. If Anthony hadn't swerved the car in time, taking the brunt of the accident, it'd have been her in a coma. She was eternally thankful and indebted to him.

Sienna's phone vibrated while still on the call. She ignored the message and continued talking to Frank.

"Do you want to take a few days off?" she asked. Frank deserved it. His family needed him more than she did. Moreover, she now had Kyrell. 

"No, Miss. I can't leave you alone."

"But.."

"And Anthony has Agnes to take care of him."

Sienna knew Frank couldn't be persuaded. So, she gave up talking about it.

"Frank, I'll be home for dinner. Prepare something good."

"Yes, Miss."

The call ended and Sienna opened the message, only for her blood to run cold.

Unknown: Do not forget to come to the planetarium on Saturday at 3 p.m. The secrets run deeper than you think.

Sienna had completely forgotten about the message she had received when she was at the hospital. A lot of things had happened in the last two days that it had slipped from her mind.

It was already Wednesday and her heart picked up pace when she thought about meeting the unknown person on Saturday.

Sienna's eyes instantly shot towards Kyrell who seemed busy on his phone and she started to ponder. 'Should I inform him about it? What do I do?'

Kyrell, being sensitive, felt her gaze on him instantly and raised his head to look at her. However, Sienna didn't avert her gaze even after being caught and he realized that she was lost in thoughts.

"Miss Lawrence, is something wrong?" he queried, bringing her out of her reverie.

"Huh?" Sienna blinked a few times to clear her thoughts and bit her lower lip before making the decision. 

Sighing deeply, she got up from her chair and approached him, much to his confusion.

"You should take a look at this." Sienna handed her phone to him and Kyrell frowned, his perplexity growing deeper until he saw the message on her phone.

He jumped to his feet when he saw the message, his eyes widening in shock.

"I received this today. And..." Sienna took the phone back and opened the message from two days ago.

"This one, the day we met."

Kyrell read the message, his forehead creasing until his brows knotted into a serious frown. The two numbers were different and from his years of experience, he could say that they no longer existed. 

"What have you thought of doing, Miss Lawrence?" Kyrell asked, hiding his apprehension behind his tranquil face.

Sienna didn't reply. Instead, she threw a question of her own back at him. "What do you think I should do?"