Chapter 49

Sienna, unfazed by his threats, offered a faint smile. She spoke slowly, her tone calm but resolute: “No, you won’t.”

“Sienna!” Josiah snarled, his anger flaring.

Addressing him with composure, Sienna ignored the storm brewing in his eyes. She continued, each word deliberate and clear. “How much do you care about the Flynn family’s reputation? If you walk out of here today, at most, it’ll just look like a petty lovers’ quarrel over a dancer—no big deal.”

“But,” she added, a hint of mockery curling her lips, “if you wreck the Maze, I’ll expose my true identity. I may mean nothing to you, but I’m still legally Mrs. Flynn, aren’t I?”

She chuckled softly. “When that happens, the entire city of Jeiacrity will know—the wife of Josiah is actually the top dancer of the Maze.”

Josiah’s expression tightened. His handsome features darkened, a mix of cold fury and shock flickering in his eyes. Sienna didn’t flinch. Instead, she laughed again, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Mr. Flynn, how could you allow something so disgraceful to happen? Wouldn’t you agree?”

The room plunged into a suffocating silence. Josiah had to admit, she’d struck a nerve. Her words landed squarely on his weakest spot. He couldn’t gamble with the Flynn family’s reputation—it wasn’t just his pride at stake, but the honor of generations.

“Good. Very good!” Josiah narrowed his eyes, his lips curling into a bitter sneer. “Sienna, you truly are an ungrateful wretch.”

He took a step closer, his voice cold and biting: “Who is all this for, huh? The Flynn family raised you, and now you’re using us as leverage against me?”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Sienna replied, meeting his gaze with unyielding calm. “As long as you leave me alone, nothing will happen. Soon, I won’t even be part of the Flynn family. Why bother interfering in my life?”

Their eyes locked in an intense standoff, neither willing to back down. Suddenly, there was a soft knock at the door.

“Who is it?” Josiah barked, his irritation evident.

“Mr. Flynn… it’s me,” came the hesitant response of Mr. White. “I just wanted to check if there’s anything you need.” Mr. White’s concern wasn’t unfounded. After what happened with Adrian, he was worried Sienna might be at a disadvantage.

“Nothing! Get out!” Josiah snapped.

“Wait,” Sienna interrupted, her calm voice cutting through his anger.

Josiah frowned, his sharp eyes narrowing. “What are you planning now?”

Sienna turned to Mr. White with a composed smile, her demeanor completely professional. “Mr. White, please arrange for some drinks. Mr. Flynn is tonight’s guest of honor. I owe him a toast.”

“What?” Josiah was stunned. At a time like this, she still remembered such a detail. Josiah froze for a moment, disbelief flashing across his face. ‘She’s still treating me like a guest? Even now! If she’s determined to keep up this facade, fine. Let her.’

“Alright,” he said, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Sienna gave Mr. White a polite nod. “Thank you.”

“Of course, right away.” Mr. White hurried off to prepare, returning shortly with a waiter carrying a tray of drinks.

“Mr. Flynn, everything is ready,” Mr. White announced, gesturing toward Sienna.

Sienna stepped forward, picked up the wine bottle, and poured a glass. Holding it with both hands, she offered it to Josiah.

“Mr. Flynn,” she said with a faint but sincere smile, “thank you for your support during this time. This drink is my toast to you. Please, enjoy.”

Josiah’s gaze flickered between her and the glass. He snorted softly, raising an eyebrow as he took the glass. Closing his eyes briefly, he downed it in one smooth motion.

“Good wine. A ’72 Chianti,” he remarked coldly, placing the empty glass back on the tray.

“That’s Sienna’s choice,” Mr. White chimed in eagerly. “She picked it out herself. She’s got a good eye.”

Josiah’s expression didn’t change, but he raised an eyebrow slightly. So, she picked this wine for him. Without another word, he suddenly stepped closer to Sienna, grabbing the back of her head.

“Mr. Flynn!” Sienna stiffened, her body going rigid.

Josiah leaned in, his voice low and cold, meant only for her to hear. “You’ve chosen to fall so low. Fine. Remember, this is your decision.”

Sienna’s smile didn’t falter, though her hands trembled slightly. She replied, “Yes. Even if this is a dead end. I won’t regret it.”

Josiah’s hand loosened as he straightened up. Without sparing her another glance, he turned and left the room.

Sienna exhaled slowly, her legs unsteady as she backed up against the wall to steady herself. Mr. White, who had been watching nervously, finally spoke, “Sienna, are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” she replied, her voice calm despite the turmoil inside her.

Mr. White asked, “But… what did you two talk about? Why did Mr. Flynn leave so suddenly!”

Sienna shook her head, her smile faint but resolute. “Mr. White, I’m sorry, but he won’t be coming back.”

Mr. White was confused. “What?”

Several days passed, and Josiah didn’t return to the Maze. Henry grew increasingly anxious. “Sienna, what happened between you and Mr. Flynn? Can’t you tell me? Maybe I can help.”

“Nothing happened,” Sienna replied with a small smile. In truth, there was nothing she could say. She continued, “Perhaps he’s just disappointed after seeing my true self.”

Henry exclaimed, “What? That’s impossible!” His disbelief was evident as he added, “How could anyone be dissatisfied with your face? What kind of taste does Mr. Flynn even have!”

But the truth was right in front of him, undeniable. Henry had no choice but to accept it. He let out a heavy sigh. “Oh well, there’s nothing we can do about it.”

Sienna, however, remained untroubled. She asked calmly, “Mr. White, do I still need to keep wearing the mask?”

Henry replied instantly, “Of course.” But internally, he sighed, I had hoped Mr. Flynn would spotlight her. Who knew it’d end like this! If he won’t back her, the mask stays for more days. Some things… I just can’t voice.

Looking her in the eye, he said, “For now, don’t take it off. You’ve already made a name for yourself as the masked dancer. Why not keep it as your signature style?”

“Alright, I’ll follow your advice,” Sienna said without resistance.

Henry thought privately, The mask should come off eventually, yes, but not yet. It can’t be this easy!

After the dust settled, Sienna became busier than ever. On the set, the first dance scene was ready for filming. Along with some dance doubles, she presented the choreography to Charles, the assistant director, who quickly gave his approval. The shoot was scheduled for the next two days. During this time, Sienna found herself running between the set and the studio at the Maze, either rehearsing or traveling to her next practice session.

That evening, after wrapping up a long day of filming, Sienna sat in the car heading back to 12th Avenue. Suddenly, her phone rang. She inhaled deeply before swiping to answer. “Mr. Thompson.”

Her tone was tight, as it always was when they spoke. Sienna couldn’t help but feel nervous every time he called, afraid of hearing something bad about Joyce.

“Sienna,” Mr. Thompson greeted her warmly, his voice carrying an unusual cheerfulness. “I’ve got good news for you.”

Sienna straightened her back immediately. “Really? What good news? Could it be…”

She didn’t finish the sentence, afraid she might be setting herself up for disappointment. Don’t get carried away, she thought.