Chapter 262

Sienna was slightly surprised, though not entirely shocked. Variety shows were ubiquitous these days; an artist's fame was almost impossible to claim without participation. This particular show was a dance competition, making Yvette's involvement perfectly logical. Sienna recalled Yvette's earlier dance studies, but she'd begun later than most, struggling to master fundamental skills and ultimately giving up.

A crew member, glancing at a list, remarked, "Yvette is with East Entertainment, under the Flynn Group. She's very popular; please be extra careful, Ms. Shaw." The team seemed invested in her. "Okay," Sienna nodded readily. She would do her job well, treating everyone equally. The production team's expectations were beyond her control; she was merely a consultant.

"Ms. Shaw, your group will be complete once you're in position. Shall we meet this afternoon?" the crew member asked. "Sure," Sienna replied; it was a typical workday. Her assistant immediately contacted the group members, scheduling an afternoon meeting at the studio to discuss their first performance.

Sienna lunched with the production team. In the afternoon, the artists arrived one by one. Six comprised her group, though the final number was uncertain. Sienna waited in the small meeting room; Yvette was last to appear.

"Sorry I'm late," Yvette said, removing her coat and handing it to her assistant. Her apology carried little weight; she was the most famous and well-connected person present. "It's fine," Sienna replied. "We just arrived ourselves."

Yvette smiled, then spotted Sienna at the head of the table. "Sienna!"

The production assistant, Shannon Lawrence, raised an eyebrow. "Do you two know each other?"

Yvette laughed, tossing her hair. Winking at Sienna, she declared, "We've known each other since childhood. We grew up together."

Sienna inwardly scoffed. Who would want a childhood friend like her?

"That's awesome!" Shannon exclaimed, accepting Yvette's statement. "Ms. Shaw is this group's guide. Since you're so close, Yvette will surely make it to the finals!"

Yvette flashed a bright smile. "Sienna, I'm counting on you."

"Of course," Sienna replied, offering a small smile.

The other artists exchanged glances. Yvette's already got this in the bag. We'll just hope for the best.

Sienna gestured for everyone to sit. "Let's begin. The production team wants a group number for our first performance," she explained. Individual solo segments would also feature. "I need some background information – dance styles studied, other sports or activities." She indicated the artist at the far end. "Let's start with you."

"Okay, Ms. Shaw," the girl replied.

After everyone shared their experiences, Sienna said, "Most of you have some dance foundation. Let's go to the rehearsal room; show me a routine."

"Got it." "Sure thing."

The afternoon flew by. By the end, Sienna had a good grasp of their abilities.

"After I get back, I'll put together some ideas and send them to the group chat. You can review and vote on the performance piece."

"Sounds good." "No problem!"

The meeting concluded.

For days, Sienna had stayed at the television studio, occupying a dressing room. Leaving, she bumped into Yvette at the front door.

"Sienna," Yvette said, wearing sunglasses and a mask. Her expression was hidden, but her tone was cheerful. "I didn't expect you to be such a great dancer! I'm so happy you're here as a consultant."

Sienna's expression remained neutral. "Thanks."

A blue Maybach pulled up. "Howard's here to pick me up," Yvette said, then invited Sienna. "Where are you going? Hop in; we'll give you a ride."

"Don't bother," Sienna declined. "Josiah's coming soon."

"Oh," Yvette said knowingly. "Well, I won't interrupt your date then. We're leaving."

Howard, already outside, held the door open. Yvette entered the car in high spirits.

Yvette hadn't been staying at the Flynn residence, but Howard visited frequently, calling incessantly, always waiting to pick her up. His affection was evident.

"Where are we going?" Yvette asked, linking her arm with Howard's and resting her head on his shoulder.

"Anywhere you want," Howard replied. "Whatever you like, I'm good with it."

"Then I'll take charge," Yvette said, grinning, then her hand froze. Her intuition sparked; she subtly pocketed something. Throughout the drive, she remained silent. Once stopped, she retrieved it: a silver earplug, typically worn by women, at least within the Flynn family.

This was Howard's usual pickup car, not his Rolls-Royce. Whose was this? she wondered.

A sharp pain pierced Yvette's heart. She recalled Howard's carefully kept hairpin, initially believed to belong to Sienna, but now she realized it belonged to someone else. That woman must be Bobby's mother! Howard lied to me! He swore he wasn't in touch with her. So where did this earplug come from?

Howard's recent thoughtful gestures suddenly felt mocking.

The car door opened; Howard extended his hand. "Be careful, Yvette."

Yvette forced a smile, taking his hand.

Past experience taught her not to create a scene; arguing would be futile. She needed to investigate quietly.

Soon, Josiah arrived. "Sienna," he said, taking her hand.

Sienna looked at him sharply. "Why are you staring at me like that?" Josiah asked.

"Guess who I ran into today," Sienna said, squinting.

"Who?" Josiah asked, puzzled.

Sienna scoffed. "Playing dumb, huh?"

Josiah slapped his forehead. "You're here as a consultant, so…you ran into Yvette, right?"

Sienna offered a mocking look, remaining silent.

"I swear I don't know!" Josiah insisted. "East Entertainment was created by Howard for Yvette, and now that he's awake, he handles her affairs. You have to believe me."

Sienna's phone rang; an unfamiliar number. She answered, holding her breath. "Who's this?"

"Sienna!" Rosie's panicked voice filled the line.