The Villain's Redemption

She lifted an eyebrow, surprised at her father's words. Well, she always knew that her father was like this but… to say something like this in front of her was just a little overboard.

"I was waiting for you to talk to me about Grant," her father continued. "About his future. He grew up smart, he was smarter than the rest of us. He was born to rule the empire that I built."

"The empire…"

"Yes… he was born to own it."

"You mean… the empire that became big because of me?"

His lips pursed into a straight line as he looked at her with disapproval. It was always the same look that he gave her every time the little Sienna would make a mistake in school, in an activity. It was the look that he gave her after seeing his daughter have one misplaced hair on her face when she was six. 

Damn this old man.

Now that she had a proper look of this old man. Mr. Rouse actually looked like her. Strong, straight eyebrows, high cheekbones that looked just like hers and piercing light brown eyes. On the contrary, it was Grant that had her mother's beautiful, angelic looks.

When she was a child, she recalled a memory of Sienna wondering if her father preferred Grant because he looked like their mother. She could see that her father worshipped their mother and she thought that was the reason why he liked Grant so much.

Now that she was older, she could see the reason behind his obvious favoritism. He was a f*cking sexist! Before her father could say anything, she added, "The company's profits, doubled and even tripled when I became its CEO. I am sure you were aware of that… father."

"Are you telling me that you won't let the company go?"

"Not now." She clenched her teeth. "As much as I love the company, I knew it wasn't mine to begin with. However, I think Grant isn't ready. We need a good place that would open his eyes and let him see the harsh realities of having a business."

"You mean?"

"Having his own company will show him and ins and outs of managing a business. He might be very smart but he lacked social skills and of course… experience. Both of us knew that being smart isn't the only thing required in running a business."

Perhaps her calmness surprised him. Or maybe it was because she just switched the narrative in seconds. Right now, the older man was just staring at her, reading her. He must be wondering what his eldest daughter was up to.

"So… you wanted him to experience running a business before taking over the company?"

"Yes. I already told him that I wanted his company to sign a contract with us. I wanted the software and games that he would create. Once he is ready to become the CEO, once he already proved himself to the board… I am going to leave."

"Just like that?" 

"Yes. As you said… I am smart enough to know that the company wasn't for me." She gave him a smile that didn't really look like a smile. It was more of a glare. And she knew he saw it— the different light in her eyes.

A loud sighed escaped her father's lips after a few seconds of silence. "Sienna… listen… I know that… "

"I know father. I was never the first in your eyes." That shut him up. Guilt swirled in his eyes before he quickly lowered his gaze into his tea. She continued, "But hey… a girl can dream… right?"

"What are your plans? After you leave the company?"

"Stay away from the family. Stay away from you."

"Sienna…"

"You always call my name when you are angry, father. But I am only doing what you wanted to do a long time ago. Send me somewhere… far."

"Sienna! What are you— "

She looked at her wristwatch. "Oh, look at that. I have a meeting in five minutes. I have to leave." She didn't wait for him to react as she strode out of his office. To her surprise, her mother was standing there when she opened the door. She stared at Sienna with tears on her cheeks. She looked pale, as always. "Mother." However, she isn't going to forgive a woman who tolerated her husband's treatment towards his eldest daughter.

She walked passed the woman and ignored the sobs that came from the room. She must have heard everything or maybe she was just acting. Either way, she didn't turn her head or spare her another glance. She was done with those people. 

So done.

[Side Quest: Find Sienna's real parents. No option to Decline. Reward: 300 coins]

Now that made her stopped walking. She turned her head towards the mansion, squinting at its huge arch like entrance. So… she wasn't really her father's daughter? But… what about her looks? How come she almost looked like him?

Damn. Everything is slowly becoming more and more complicated. She wondered if those people knew that she wasn't really her father's daughter?

No. Those two should know. After all, their treatment of her was just different.

Her gaze darkened as she sat inside her car. Everything is slowly becoming more and more fun. It seems that she needed to uncover more and more secrets. Her gaze landed towards Jane who was silently driving the car.

She wondered if she could trust this woman.

Right now, she wasn't so sure who should she trust anymore.

"Jane… bring me home. I want to be alone."

"Miss?"

"Cancel all of my meetings."

"But… you have a very important meeting with Mr."

"I won't sign the contract."

"Miss?" It was a big contract and everyone was waiting for her to sign it. However, she needed to know if Jane can be trusted with important things.

"I don't want to sign it. Just tell them I am sick."

"But what about the…"

"As I said… I don't want to sign it. I don't want this collaboration." This collaboration is one of the biggest that Rouse Tech would have this year. Not signing it would have devastating effects to the company. Jane stared at her from the mirror before she nodded.

"I understand. I will inform them that you are not feeling well."

"Thank you." If Jane was a traitor, this news would surely reach her father's ears soon. And that old man would not just let her do something as crazy as this.. A smile appeared on her lips.