Chapter 305

That day, Sienna met Derek and signed the contract.

“Sienna,” Derek said with a smile, shaking her hand. “It’s a pleasure to work with you.”

Sienna chuckled. “I hope I won’t be a trouble to you.”

“How could you be?” Derek replied, leading her out. “You’re someone I’ve been eager to work with. Come, let’s get you fitted and let Charles have a look.” He wrinkled his nose playfully. “No one is pickier than him.”

Sienna smiled faintly and followed.

In the makeup room, the makeup artist and costume designer awaited. Although Sienna’s role wasn't major, the styling couldn't be sloppy given the character's setting. Modern audiences weren't easily fooled; if the portrayal didn't live up to the "most beautiful woman in the world" title, they wouldn't hesitate to express their opinions. The character design included eight different makeup and costume looks, each requiring photography for posters, keeping everyone busy.

By the time Sienna finished removing her makeup, it was almost seven o'clock. Fortunately, her role wasn't demanding every day, or she might have considered quitting due to the late hours.

As she was about to leave, Derek approached with a bouquet of flowers. "Sienna, these are for you. Welcome to the team."

“Thank you,” Sienna said, smiling as she accepted them.

Derek checked his watch. “Are you heading home? I’m leaving too. It’s not easy to get a taxi at this hour; let me give you a ride.”

Sienna felt a bit embarrassed. “It’s too much trouble for you.”

Derek tilted his head. “Not at all. Besides the great help you've been, considering our friendship, driving you home is no big deal. My car is parked outside; let’s go.”

“Alright, thank you,” Sienna said.

Derek drove Sienna to Sunshine Neighborhood, dropping her off at her building's entrance.

“Thank you, Derek,” Sienna said, closing the door and waving. “Drive safely.”

Just as Sienna turned, Derek caught up to her, holding the flowers. "You forgot your flowers," he smiled.

Sienna smiled and took them. “Thank you.”

Derek said, "I'm off then," got back in his car, rolled down the window, and reminded her, "Take a look at the script on your own first, and wait for my message. The script reading should be in the next couple of days."

“Okay,” Sienna replied, waving as he drove away.

After Derek left, Sienna was about to go inside when she was startled. Josiah stood leaning against the wall in the doorway, staring at her.

Sienna frowned. “Can’t you make a sound?”

Josiah smirked, his jealousy evident. “I didn’t want to disturb you.” He had seen everything—Sienna being dropped off by a man. He thought, That man is in his early thirties, average-looking, tall, but not as tall as me. What is the relationship between that guy and Sienna? Sienna doesn’t have many friends. I didn’t notice this guy before. And he gave Sienna flowers.

Josiah chuckled dryly. “Who’s that guy?” he asked casually.

“A friend,” Sienna replied calmly, ignoring his underlying tone. “You wouldn’t know him even if I told you.”

Josiah felt even more jealous. What kind of friend drops someone off at home and gives them flowers? At this hour, they might have even had dinner together. He looked at the flowers with displeasure. “These flowers aren’t that great. The petals are all wilted. Cheap stuff.”

Sienna frowned. “Josiah, are you okay?”

His jealousy intensified. “I’m stating facts. A guy pursuing you gives you such flowers, clearly he doesn’t care about you. He should at least give you fresh ones. I’m worried you might get deceived by his sweet talk.”

Sienna couldn’t bear it any longer. “Shut your mouth! What are you talking about? Pursuing? Can’t a guy and a girl just be friends, colleagues?”

Josiah’s eyes lit up. That guy isn’t pursuing Sienna? But he remained unconvinced. He pouted. “But he gave you flowers.”

“So what if he gave me flowers! Who says flowers can only be given between boyfriends and girlfriends?” Sienna said. “Derek is a director, and I’m working under him now. The flowers were from the production team. Is there a problem?”

Josiah, knowing Sienna had left the dance troupe, thought, Director? Production team! Is this her new job? So that’s how it is. He smiled. “No problem! I was just mistaken, don’t be angry.”

“Alright,” Sienna said, wanting to end the conversation. “Why did you come here?”

Josiah lowered his head, a hint of grievance in his eyes. “I texted you this afternoon, and you didn’t reply. I was worried about Joyce, so I came to check.”

Sienna had seen the message. She nodded. “I was quite busy this afternoon, and it wasn’t intentional. Tara didn’t call me, so Joyce should be fine.”

“When I get back, I’ll record a video for you,” she added. “Also, I’ve taken on a job, so I’ll be busier than before and can’t promise to update you about Joyce every day. But I’ll reply as soon as I have time, so don’t worry.” She looked at Josiah. “I’m going up now.”

“Wait, Sienna,” Josiah stopped her. “I came today for another reason. Didn’t we agree to help you take care of your health? I’ve arranged a traditional medicine practitioner.”

Sienna nodded. “Okay.”

“Are you free tomorrow?” Josiah observed her expression. “I can pick you up tomorrow afternoon, is that okay?”

“Sure,” Sienna agreed readily. “I’m going up then.”

“Sienna,” Josiah stopped her again.

“What else?” Sienna asked.

“I was wondering…” Josiah spoke softly, afraid of upsetting her. “Do you still want to go back to the dance troupe?” He remembered her dislike for the entertainment industry. “If you want, I can…”

Sienna interrupted. “No need.” She looked up at him, her eyes clear and bright. “You and I, aside from being Joyce’s father and mother respectively, have no other relationship. You just take care of Joyce, and my matters are none of your concern. Do you understand?” She walked past him and went inside.

Josiah stood there, his expression darkening. He understood. He muttered, “But, Sienna, I can’t control myself.”