Elijah’s mother arrived unannounced, accompanied by Courtney. Without warning, she shoved Sienna aside and demanded arrogantly, “Hand over my grandson.”

Sienna steadied herself, swallowing her anger. She spoke as respectfully as she could manage. “Madam Nancy, the child is still very young and needs breast milk. Elijah agreed that I could care for him a little longer.”

Her words barely left her lips when Nancy, Elijah’s mother, slapped her hard. The force of the blow sent her reeling, leaving a burning imprint on her cheek.

“You shameless woman!” Nancy spat, her voice dripping with venom. “You’re nothing but a tool for giving birth. Even if Elijah has any interest in you, it’s just a fleeting novelty. Don’t think for a second you’re anything more than that.”

Courtney stepped forward, her voice soft as if trying to calm the situation. “Mom, don’t be so angry. She’s still young. Let’s explain it to her calmly.”

Nancy sneered, her anger unrelenting. “Young? She’s already an expert at seducing men at this age. Courtney, you’ve always had too kind a heart. I’ve told you before, the one thing I can’t stand is a mistress.”

Courtney’s face turned pale, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Mom, I’m just… afraid of Elijah.”

“Afraid? What’s there to fear? If the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you.” Nancy turned back to Sienna. “Now, give me the child. We’re leaving.”

Sienna’s heart pounded in panic. She knew if they took the baby, it would be near impossible to get him back. Desperately, she reached for the child, engaging in a tug-of-war with Courtney.

In a calculated move, Courtney let go of the child. The baby, barely a month old, fell to the floor with a heart-stopping thud. He let out a single cry, piercing the room like a knife, before falling silent.

Horrified, Sienna froze for a moment, then rushed forward, desperate to check on the child.

Nancy erupted in fury. “You vile woman! How dare you throw my grandson? I’ll kill you!”

As she lunged toward Sienna, chaos ensued. Sienna, frantic to get to the baby, pushed Nancy aside. The older woman stumbled, her forehead striking the sharp corner of the table.

A bloodcurdling scream filled the room as Nancy crumpled to the floor, clutching her head. Hot blood trickled down her face, spilling into her eyes.

Courtney’s voice trembled with panic. “Mom! You’re bleeding! Don’t move—I’ll take you to the hospital. Please, hold on!”

Courtney showed no concern for the child. Instead, she focused on helping Nancy, guiding her out of the villa without a backward glance.

Sienna’s hands trembled as she picked up the baby. His tiny face was pale, his lips tinged with blue. He cried weakly, his little voice barely audible. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gently cradled him, pressing her face close to his, softly murmuring, “It’s okay, baby, Mommy’s here.”

Still, the fear gnawed at her. She couldn’t risk anything—she needed to get him to a hospital. Barefoot and frantic, she hailed a taxi, holding the baby tightly against her chest.

At the hospital, the doctor reassured her that the baby was fine, but the ordeal had left him shaken. Relieved yet exhausted, Sienna sat in the hallway to catch her breath. She realized then that in her rush, she had sprained her ankle. Wincing, she limped to the pharmacy to get some medicine, only to freeze in her tracks when she saw Courtney.

Sienna’s first instinct was to approach her, to apologize to Nancy despite everything, but she hesitated. If she made things worse, it might affect her child’s safety. Gritting her teeth, she decided against it and returned home silently.

That night, the baby was restless. His small body was wracked with a fever, and he vomited milk several times. Sienna stayed by his side, rocking him gently, wiping his forehead with a damp cloth, and whispering soothing words. She didn’t sleep, not even a moment, until dawn began to break.

When she finally closed her eyes, exhaustion pulling her under, the sound of heavy footsteps jolted her awake.

Opening her eyes, she saw Elijah standing at the door, his expression dark and foreboding.

Before she could utter a word, he grabbed her wrist, his grip like iron. “Come with me.”

He dragged her into the next room, his movements sharp and unforgiving. Once inside, he slammed the door shut, then pushed her onto the bed. His tall frame loomed over her as he pinned her down.

“Sienna,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “You’ve gotten bold.”

Sienna shrank beneath him, her heart pounding. “Elijah, you’ve misunderstood. Let me explain—”

He cut her off, grabbing her hands and pressing them against the pillow, trapping her completely. “I hate excuses,” he said coldly.

“I didn’t hurt her intentionally,” she pleaded, her voice breaking. “I would never—”

“You didn’t?” His sneer was like a dagger to her chest. “Then what about my mother? Do you think I’ll believe a word you say?”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, tears filling her eyes. “It was an accident. I didn’t mean to—”

But her voice faltered as she met his gaze, filled with mockery and disdain. He didn’t believe her. He never would. To him, she was nothing more than a tool—a vessel for his child, a convenient scapegoat.

Her throat tightened as his hand brushed her neck, his grip lingering with an unspoken threat.

In that moment, Sienna thought bitterly: If he strangles me now, it’ll all be over. No more pain, no more humiliation.

Without warning, Elijah tore off her thin pajamas, his actions cold and devoid of care. The sharp, unrelenting pain tore through Sienna, forcing cold sweat to bead on her forehead. She didn’t dare make a sound. Her teeth bit down hard on her lower lip, drawing blood, while her trembling fingers gripped the bed sheets tightly, her knuckles turning white.

Each passing moment felt like an eternity. Just when she thought she might lose consciousness from the agony, he leaned down and crushed her lips with his own, his kiss as cold and suffocating as his presence. It wasn’t an act of comfort; it was domination, a brutal reminder of her powerlessness.

For a fleeting second, Sienna truly believed he intended to destroy her completely—body and soul.

When he was finally done, he left her discarded on the bed without a second glance. The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom as she lay motionless, her body trembling from the ordeal.

When Elijah returned, freshly dressed and composed, he tossed her clothes at her without care, his tone sharp and impatient. “You have ten minutes. Get up and go to the hospital with me to apologize.”

...

In the hospital ward, Elijah pushed Sienna forward and said firmly, “Apologize to my mother.”

Nancy frowned in disdain, her tone cutting. “Tell her to get out and stop causing trouble for me.”

“Mom,” Elijah said smoothly, a calculated calmness in his voice. “The doctor mentioned the baby is weak and needs breastfeeding. I left the child in her care, and it’s my fault for not clarifying things sooner. This misunderstanding is on me.”

He subtly nudged Sienna, signaling her to speak. Panicked, she quickly stammered, “Madam, I’m sorry. I truly didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

Nancy let out a huff, but seeing her son take responsibility, she relented. She shot Sienna a scornful look before turning her attention back to him. “You’re supporting her now?”

Elijah met her gaze without flinching, lying with perfect ease. “Support her? Of course not. Who started such baseless rumors?”

His mother’s sharp eyes shifted to Courtney, who froze under the weight of her gaze. Courtney’s face paled, and she quickly lowered her head, her hands trembling slightly.

Satisfied, Elijah turned back to his mother, his authoritative tone leaving no room for argument. “I’ll keep an eye on her and the child myself. Surely, you have no objections to that, right?”

Nancy thought for a moment before speaking, her tone softer but still firm. “Then let her live in the Morgan Family home. It’ll prevent further gossip and rumors.”

Sienna’s heart sank, her watery eyes darting to Elijah. Desperation filled her gaze, silently pleading for him to refuse. She knew living under the same roof as Nancy and Courtney would be a nightmare.

But Elijah remained unmoved. Ignoring her silent protest, he nodded decisively. “Fine. She’ll move in with the child tomorrow.”

Outside the ward, Sienna finally found her voice. “Do I really have to go? Can’t I stay where I am?”

Elijah’s response was ice-cold. “No. You don’t have a choice.”

Her lips quivered as she bit back tears, her voice barely above a whisper. “But—”

“Do you want to lose the child?” he interrupted sharply, his words a blade to her heart.

Sienna clenched her fists, her voice trembling as she asked, “And my brother...?”

When Sienna mentioned her brother, Elijah’s lips curled into a chilling smile, one that sent shivers down her spine. It wasn’t a smile of amusement but one cold and bloodthirsty, sharp enough to cut through her resolve.

“I forgot to tell you,” he drawled, his tone laced with cruel indifference. “I’ve heard your brother isn’t doing too well in there. In fact, he might not survive.”

Sienna’s legs buckled as a wave of panic washed over her. Desperation overtook her, and she clung to his shirt as though it was her lifeline. “Please,” she begged, her voice trembling, “don’t do anything to him. He didn’t mean for the car accident to happen. Please, I’m begging you.”

Elijah’s expression darkened, and in a swift motion, he pinned her against the wall. His sharp, piercing eyes bore into hers, leaving no room for hope. “Sienna,” he said slowly, his voice like a blade against her skin, “if you want your brother to stay alive, you will do exactly as I say.”

Her heart sank, and an icy dread spread through her veins. She felt trapped, regretting every choice that had led her to this moment. She didn’t want to continue this nightmare, to be reduced to nothing more than a wet nurse and a pawn. But she had no escape. Her brother’s life depended on her submission.

Without another word, Sienna left, her steps heavy with resignation, and began packing her belongings.

The next morning, Elijah’s assistant arrived in a sleek black car to escort her and the child. The vehicle glided through the city streets before arriving at Orchid Grove, the Morgan Family estate.

As the massive black iron gates creaked shut behind her, Sienna felt a suffocating weight settle over her chest. The estate was grand, sprawling, but to her, it felt like a gilded cage—her freedom now locked away with an uncertain fate.

The housekeeper, a middle-aged woman with a rigid posture and an icy demeanor, met her at the door. Without sparing a glance at Sienna, she led her into the nursery.

“This is the young sir’s room,” the housekeeper said curtly. “Take good care of him. Do your job and don’t cause any trouble.”

Sienna lowered her head, biting back a retort. She placed her luggage in a corner and carefully lifted the baby into her arms. His small, fragile frame stirred her heart, but it also reminded her of her predicament—her tether to the Morgan Family’s cruelty.

The Morgan mansion was eerily silent, its vast halls echoing with emptiness. With Nancy still in the hospital, the oppressive stillness felt even more pronounced. Every shadow seemed to loom, every corner a reminder of the cage she was now confined to.

Sienna stood by the window, cradling the child in her arms. The view outside was suffocating—towering trees obscured the sky, their dense canopy casting shadows that seemed to echo the weight of her own confinement. The estate felt vast and isolating, the heavy atmosphere of a deep courtyard trapping her like a forgotten bird in a gilded cage.

As evening fell, the stillness was disrupted. Cars began arriving, their headlights cutting through the encroaching darkness. The sound of doors slamming and muffled voices carried through the house. The housekeeper soon came to take the child, leaving Sienna standing alone in the dimly lit room.

Half an hour later, the child was returned, cradled in Elijah’s arms. His imposing figure filled the doorway, his expression unreadable.

Sienna quickly reached out to take the child, her heart racing. But instead of handing the baby over, Elijah held both of them, pulling her into his embrace.

Her body tensed in resistance, but she dared not struggle for fear of hurting the baby. “Mr. Morgan, please don’t,” she murmured, her voice trembling, her words a plea rather than a command.

He smirked, his gaze sharp and teasing. “Don’t what? Don’t want the child?” His voice dripped with mockery as his cool lips brushed her cheek.

Sienna turned her face away, her lower lip trembling as she bit down to suppress the tears welling in her eyes. What did he think of her? What did he see when he looked at her—a toy to amuse himself with?

After he had teased her enough, he finally handed the baby over. “It’s late. Put him back in the crib,” he instructed, his tone casual, as if the intimacy of moments ago had meant nothing.

Relief washed over her like a fragile reprieve. She carefully placed the child in the crib, her hands trembling slightly. But just as she straightened, Elijah’s presence was upon her again, his tall frame pressing against her back as she leaned over.

His breath tickled her ear, his voice low and intimate. “Be good, and I’ll arrange for you to see your brother tomorrow.”

Her hands gripped the crib’s railing tightly, her knuckles white. “You’ll be seen,” she whispered, fear lacing her words.

“Don’t be afraid,” he murmured, his lips grazing her ear. “Be good.”

Shame, despair, and helplessness coursed through her as she bit her lip to keep herself from crying out. The man who towered over her, relentless in his control, showed no sign of mercy despite having claimed her body just the night before.

Suddenly, the sound of a voice broke the oppressive silence from outside the room.

“Elijah, are you here?”

It was Courtney.

Sienna recoiled in alarm, her wide eyes darting toward the door. “Stop!” she hissed, her voice barely above a whisper. “Your wife is here!”

But Elijah didn’t even flinch. “Don’t worry about her,” he said with chilling indifference, his actions unrelenting. “She’s nothing.”

His disregard for the situation only seemed to fuel his intensity. Sienna’s heart pounded in terror. She didn’t even register the venom in his words; she just wanted it all to end.

The footsteps grew louder, each one echoing closer and closer. They were almost at the door.

Sienna’s face drained of color, her entire body trembling with fear. If she was caught in such a compromising situation with Elijah in his wife's house, she could already imagine the fallout—a scandal that would ruin her completely.

"Elijah, stop now," she whispered desperately, her voice barely audible.

Finally, he relented, finishing quickly. Without missing a beat, he moved away, his expression calm as he straightened himself and adjusted his clothes.

With an air of indifference, he walked to the door and opened it, the tension in the room palpable. Courtney stood there, poised to enter, her hand half-raised. Elijah pushed past her without hesitation, brushing her aside as if she were invisible.

From where she stood, Courtney couldn’t see Sienna hidden behind the screen, but the heavy, musky scent in the air told her everything she needed to know. Her sharp eyes darted toward the room as she caught the sound of uneven breathing from within. The scene unfolding in her mind twisted her face with hatred, and her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

Just as she was about to storm into the room, Elijah glanced back over his shoulder. “Weren’t you looking for me?” he asked coldly, his voice a pointed challenge.

Courtney froze, then quickly schooled her expression, forcing a smile. “Yes, Elijah, I needed to talk to you.” Her voice was sickeningly sweet now, her demeanor shifting to gentleness as she followed after him.

Their voices and footsteps receded into the distance. Left alone, Sienna slid to the floor, her strength drained. Tears blurred her vision as she hugged her knees, the weight of shame and fear crushing her.

--

The next day, Sienna requested leave and went to visit her brother in prison.

A black business car was waiting outside the Morgan Family estate, its tinted windows gleaming under the sun. Elijah’s assistant, Liam, was behind the wheel, his expression unreadable as he opened the door for her.

At the prison, when Sienna finally saw her brother, she covered her mouth to stifle a sob. Gavin sat across from her in a gray prison uniform, his face marred with fresh bruises. It was clear he had been in a fight.

"Gavin, why did you get into a fight again?" Sienna asked, her voice tight with anxiety.

Gavin lifted his head, his sharp eyes dark with anger. “Sienna,” he growled, “tell me the truth. Are you with Elijah?”

Her heart skipped a beat. Panic surged through her veins. “I’m not,” she lied, her voice unsteady.

“Don’t lie to me!” Gavin roared, slamming his fists against the table. The loud bang drew the attention of a nearby guard.

“479, maintain discipline,” the guard barked, his tone stern.