Chapter 266

“That number is indeed registered under Ron,” Josiah said.

Sienna was taken aback. “Why would he hide the number?” she asked, bewildered.

Josiah smiled faintly. “Ron is a renowned master oil painter. One of his paintings is worth a fortune. Countless people want to commission his work. Imagine Mr. Miller just wants some peace.”

Sienna frowned skeptically.

Josiah reached over, gently taking her hand. “Stop overthinking it,” he said, rubbing her hand with his fingers. “You’re just getting worked up over nothing.”

Sienna pulled her hand away, her face still. “Focus on driving,” she said.

At the Silver Beach villa, Josiah had just finished showering. “Come here,” Sienna waved him over. “I want to see this.”

“Okay,” he replied, obediently approaching her. Sienna held a knitting needle, a small, bright red circle already formed.

Josiah chuckled, remembering her sweater project. “After all this time, this is all you’ve made, huh?”

Sienna glared.

“I didn’t mean to rush you,” Josiah quickly corrected. “Take your time. If I can’t wear it this year, I’ll wear it next year. I’ll keep in shape.”

“Okay,” Sienna mumbled. She hadn’t been slow, but she’d started Joyer’s sweater first. Her child always came first. She measured the finished piece; it was perfect. Sienna packed it into a bag and slipped it into her backpack, planning to take it to the studio the next day during her lunch break.

“Come here,” Josiah said, lifting the blankets on the bed. He waited for her, then pulled her into his arms as soon as she settled in.

He kissed her forehead. “I’ll hold you while you sleep, so your hands and feet don’t get cold. From now on, I’ll always hold you when you sleep.”

Sienna leaned against his chest. “Okay,” she whispered.

The next day, since the artists only had afternoon rehearsals, Sienna returned to Sunshine Neighborhood to spend the morning with Joyce. After lunch, she went to the studio.

Shannon approached Sienna upon her arrival. “Ms. Shaw, your group has an extra person.”

Sienna paused, unsure.

“Sorry about that,” Shannon apologized. “It was a last-minute decision. The director just found out as well. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

It seemed another well-connected person had joined. “It’s fine,” Sienna said, shaking her head and smiling. Her brief surprise quickly faded. “It won’t change how I do things.”

All the artists were present except Yvette. Sienna worked alongside them, offering corrections and guidance. The rehearsal room door opened, and Shannon entered with a young woman, heading straight for Sienna. Shannon smiled. “Ms. Shaw, this is Chelsea Stewart. Chelsea, this is Ms. Shaw, the instructor for Group A.”

“Hello,” Sienna said softly, her expression neutral.

“Hello, Ms. Shaw!” Chelsea’s appearance was captivating. Every smile and gesture oozed charm. Her voice was sweet and soft as she said, “I’ll be in your group from now on, Ms. Shaw. Thank you for all the hard work.”

“You’re welcome. It’s my job,” Sienna replied graciously.

Chelsea squinted, staring intently at Sienna. Smiling brightly, she said, “Ms. Shaw, you’re so beautiful. With looks like yours, you’d be top-tier in the entertainment industry!”

Sienna, immune to such flattery, gave a calm smile. “You’re flattering me.”

Maybe it was her imagination, but Sienna sensed something strange in Chelsea’s eyes—a mix of curiosity and hostility. Am I overthinking? We don’t know each other, and this is our first meeting, she thought.

Shannon clapped her hands, gathering the other artists. “Everyone, let’s catch up. We’ll be working together from now on!”

“Hello, everyone!” Chelsea said brightly, apologizing. “Sorry for joining late. How about this: tonight, I’ll treat everyone to a late-night snack!”

The artists exchanged surprised glances. A few murmured, “No need,” and “Yeah, no need to be so polite.” Chelsea insisted, “Fine. No one’s backing out! Otherwise, you’ll be humiliating me,” she joked. A chorus of “Thanks so much!” followed.

Sienna frowned, observing Chelsea. The girl appeared delicate and soft, yet an underlying aggressiveness was evident; she clearly wasn’t someone easily dealt with.

During free practice, Sienna saw no major issues, and Chelsea integrated smoothly. Taking a break for some fresh air, Sienna relaxed. Her phone buzzed—it was Josiah.

“Hey,” Sienna smiled, answering the call.

“Are we following the same plan tonight?” Josiah’s voice was deeper, more magnetic than usual; it was very appealing.

“Yeah,” Sienna replied, pursing her lips.

“Alright. I’ll pick you up after I’m done. Keep an eye on your phone, or you’ll miss my call!”

“Got it.” After hanging up, Sienna looked up to see a group of people walking toward her, followed by studio higher-ups. They seemed important. Curious, Sienna glanced…

Her heart skipped a beat. It was Ron! Worried about Rosie, Sienna had been researching Ron online. A master painter of his caliber naturally had an encyclopedia entry.

Sienna’s heart raced. She quickly checked her phone again, comparing the online photo to the dignified elderly man before her. It was Ron!

Watching him walk away with his entourage, Sienna couldn’t hesitate. She jogged to catch up. However, surrounded by so many people, she couldn’t get close. She shouted, “Mr. Miller!”

The crowd stopped. Everyone turned.

“Mr. Miller,” Sienna hurried forward, bowing politely. “I apologize for the interruption. I’m a friend of Rosie!”

Ron smiled gently, sizing her up. “Rosie’s friend? What can I do for you?”

Sienna felt relieved by his warm approach. “I just wanted to ask how Rosie has been lately.”

Ron paused, smiling and shaking his head. “She should be fine. It’s been almost a year since I’ve seen her. Wait, it sounds like you two haven’t seen each other in a while, right?”

“Yes… it’s been a while,” Sienna said, at a loss for words.

Ron nodded and smiled. “Yeah, if you have time, come over to my place with Rosie sometimes.”

“Of course, Mr. Miller,” Sienna said.

“Alright, take care,” Ron said, giving a gentle smile before turning and being quickly surrounded by his entourage, walking away.

Sienna stood frozen, her mind buzzing. Rosie isn’t at Ron’s place at all! Josiah lied to me! It was the first time I asked him for help, yet he lied to me!

Why? Was there a special reason? Or was it simply that he couldn’t be bothered to help? He didn’t care about my problems at all! Because if he did, he would have taken me seriously!