“Sorry,” Arnold said, a little curt. “I don’t recall meeting you. And I don’t make deals with strangers. You’ll need to go through the standard process. I already have a line of interested buyers. It’s going to be difficult to assign this deal directly.”
Before Theo could respond, a calm but commanding voice interrupted from behind.
“Arnold?”
Arnold looked up, his expression immediately changing. The lines on his face softened as recognition struck. His stern demeanor melted into a smile.
“Mr. Vaughn,” he greeted warmly, stepping forward to shake hands. “It’s a pleasure to see you. I was hoping I’d get the chance to see you today.”
Adrian walked up to them, tall and imposing in a charcoal suit that clung to his broad frame. He didn’t even glance at Theo as he stopped beside Sienna, placing a possessive arm around her shoulders.
“Were you in the middle of something with Sienna?” Adrian asked casually.
Sienna froze, alarm shooting through her veins. ‘He’s going to get me killed. What is he doing exposing me like this?!’
But Adrian looked unbothered. His expression remained relaxed, confident, like he owned the room.
Arnold’s eyes darted between the three of them, his confusion growing. “Mr. Vaughn, you know them?” He motioned toward Theo and Sienna.
Adrian smiled, pulling Sienna a little closer. “Yes. She’s a very close and important person to me.”
Theo quickly cut in, his tone defensive. “Sienna doesn’t know you, Mr. Vaughn. Please stop trying to associate yourself with her. It’s inappropriate.”
Adrian’s gaze darkened. He turned to Sienna, his voice soft and suggestive. “What a pity. I was just about to introduce her to Mr. Hall personally in a private meeting we’re about to have. But if it’s a problem—”
Sienna’s eyes widened, panic flashing across her face.
“I’d like to attend the meeting,” she said quickly. “I want to join.”
Theo grabbed her arm gently, pulling her close and whispering in her ear. “Sienna, you don’t have to do this for me or the business. You’re more important than any deal. Don’t fall into his trap.”
Sienna turned to him, her voice firm. “Theo, this might be our only chance to get close to Arnold. We’re not going to get another opportunity like this. It’s good for our business—we can’t afford to hesitate.”
Theo gave her a troubled look. “I don’t want you sacrificing yourself for that bastard. He’s not—”
“I said I get it,” Sienna cut in, just as she noticed Arnold starting to walk away toward a private room.
Adrian raised an eyebrow at her, giving her a sharp look that made her heart jolt. That look alone made her step away from Theo instinctively.
“Come with me,” Adrian said, already following after Arnold.
Sienna hissed quietly to Theo, “Don’t worry. I can take care of myself. Let’s focus on this deal.”
Adrian glanced back at them, his expression clearly pissed. His lips curled slightly in irritation as he looked between Theo and Sienna.
“Are you coming or not?” he asked coldly, his penetrating gaze locking onto her
The intensity in his stare made Sienna shiver. She nodded and followed quickly, Theo trailing behind reluctantly.
They entered the private meeting room, which was much quieter than the crowded hall. Only a handful of high-profile individuals were present—people Sienna instantly recognized from the industry.
Theo walked beside her, hands in his pockets, as they approached the center of the room.
Now that Arnold realized they were connected to Adrian, his tone toward Theo was much more friendly. He seemed suddenly interested in discussing the details, laughing at Theo’s remarks and nodding along.
After all, Adrian Vaughn wasn’t just the biggest name in the luxury car industry—he was the gatekeeper to future partnerships. Adrian’s presence was no small matter. He was a major player in the luxury car industry. Even Arnold wanted to stay in Adrian’s good books, knowing that good relationships with Adrian could mean more deals, faster approvals, and smoother access to high-end markets.
Sienna started walking toward Theo and Arnold, ready to join them, when someone accidentally stepped back and knocked her off balance. She stumbled and fell to the floor with a painful thud, her ankle twisting beneath her.