Chapter 288

Sienna cherished her child and took nothing for granted. It wasn't a recording day; the meeting concerned the upcoming program. Sitting quietly in a corner, she listened attentively, responding only to professional inquiries.

Before the meeting concluded, her replacement arrived. Sienna smoothly exited the conference room. "Ms. Shaw!" Turning, she saw the show's producer. "I'm glad I caught you," he said. "I'll get straight to the point. Ms. Shaw, would you be interested in joining the entertainment industry?"

It wasn't entirely surprising. Sienna smiled politely. "Thank you for the offer, but I don't think it's for me."

"How can that be?" The producer's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I've been watching you for a long time. This program has many talented female artists, but when you're on stage, you shine the brightest."

Sienna smiled modestly. "A profession shouldn't be based solely on appearances."

"It's not just looks!" he insisted. "It's your presence! Yes, there are many beautiful faces in this industry, but you have something special! I truly believe you'd be a great success!"

Sienna remained firm. Derek had said similar things. Having declined Derek's offer, she couldn't accept this one either. "I'm sorry, I truly have no interest. I must go." She headed toward the dressing room.

The producer sighed regretfully. "What a pity."

Sienna returned to Sunshine Neighborhood. Tara was waiting, Seth having fallen asleep. Joyce had been happy and eating well; Tara had already bathed her, though she was a bit picky about vegetables.

"Thank you for your help, Tara," Sienna said gratefully. "I'll keep her company tonight; you can take a break." She quietly entered Joyce's room.

Mother and daughter lay together. Sienna gazed lovingly at Joyce and thought of the life growing within her. Both were her treasures. She drifted peacefully to sleep.

"Mommy! Mommy!" Sienna felt her eyelids heavy, but day had already broken. Joyce, with a wide smile, nudged her awake. "Mommy! Time to get up!"

"Good morning, Joyce." Sienna struggled to open her eyes; it was almost ten o'clock. She'd slept twelve hours. Yet, she felt utterly fatigued, more so than during her pregnancy with Joyce. Every pregnancy is different, she mused.

"Wake up, Mommy!" Joyce urged, tugging at Sienna's hand. "Tara said it's not good to sleep that much!"

Sienna chuckled, sitting up to hug Joyce and kiss her cheek. "I'll listen to her and get up."

After rising, she went to the restroom. Staying at Sunshine Neighborhood until afternoon, Sienna left for City Pearl when Joyce napped. As she prepared to leave Jelacrity, her only concern was Rosie.

"Sienna," Rosie thrust her phone into Sienna's hands.

"What's wrong?" Sienna asked, confused.

"Can you help me check my savings balance?"

"What for?"

Rosie explained, gesturing toward the busy home helper. "I asked about her fees, but it looks like Howard has already paid three months' worth. I want to transfer the money back to him." Rosie felt she'd relied on Howard too much; it wouldn't be right to keep using his money. Sienna checked the balance; Rosie's relief was palpable. "Thank goodness, it's enough!"

Sienna felt a pang of sadness. "Rosie, please take care of yourself…"

Rosie realized Sienna would be leaving soon and nodded. "I will. Please keep in touch."

"Of course."

"Sienna, you should try this orange. It's really sweet."

"Okay." Sienna took the fruit but suddenly pressed her hand to her abdomen. She frowned and murmured, "Hmm…"

"What's wrong?" Rosie, unable to see, sensed Sienna's discomfort. "Are you okay?"

"Not sure," Sienna replied, furrowing her brow. Something felt amiss in her stomach—like premenstrual sensations, but less intense—just a slight unease. "I need to go to the restroom."

"Sure, go ahead."

As Sienna stood, Rosie followed closely, mindful of the pregnancy. When Sienna saw blood in the restroom, her face paled. "Sienna, are you alright?" Rosie called anxiously.

"Rosie…" Sienna opened the door, ashen-faced and shaky, gripping Rosie's hand. "What should I do?"

"What's going on?" Rosie felt a surge of worry. "Is it the baby?"

"I'm bleeding!"

"What?" Rosie exclaimed, steadying herself, her grip tightening. "Don't panic! We need to go to the hospital right away! I'll go with you."

"Okay!" Sienna didn't argue; they needed to act quickly. Rosie helped her hail a cab.

After examining Sienna, the doctor seemed uncertain. "The pregnancy is still very early, and the bleeding is light. Some women experience this. If it worries you, we can do a more detailed examination."

Sienna felt slightly relieved but agreed to the examination. "Please prepare the order for me."

"Sienna," Rosie offered support. "You'll be okay."

"Yeah," Sienna nodded, pressing her lips together. Her pregnancy was new, and she'd been careful. She believed her baby would be alright.

That evening, Josiah received a call from Yosef. "What's up?" Josiah asked, the hour still pre-dawn.

Yosef chuckled. "Are you getting impatient? I was being nice."

"Just say it, or I'm hanging up!"

"Do you know that Sienna has spoken to Dorian recently?"