Chapter 72

Upon hearing this, Sienna remained silent.

"Hmph!" Hannah was a little upset. "This is such a big thing, and you didn't tell me! If I hadn't asked William, were you planning to keep it from me forever?"

Sienna felt embarrassed. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"You totally did it on purpose!" Hannah knew exactly what Sienna was thinking. Even if Sienna were short on cash, she would never ask Hannah for help. Hannah huffed, "Sienna, do you not see me as a friend?"

"Yes," Sienna quickly replied, "I only didn't mention it because you're my friend!" The best friendships were simple and genuine, and since they'd known each other, Hannah had helped her so much already. She couldn't shamelessly keep asking for more. "I owe you so much already."

"Come on. For Joyce, what's one more favor?" Hannah sighed. "The surgery costs one hundred thousand dollars. If you don’t borrow from me, could you even find that much money?"

Hearing this, Sienna felt tears welling up again. "Hannah, with you being so kind, I just don't know how to thank you."

"No rush," Hannah giggled, totally carefree. "We've got a lifetime, so no hurry to thank me. I called to let you know not to worry about the surgery costs. I've got it handled."

Sienna choked up, managing only, "Thank you, Hannah." She knew that such a big favor couldn't be repaid with words alone. Hannah would be her lifelong benefactor.

Hannah's eyes were starting to sting too. "Alright then. We've said everything. It's getting late; you should get some sleep."

"Yeah!"

"Oh, wait," Hannah called gently, "Happy birthday, Sienna!"

"Thanks." As soon as the call ended, tears streamed down Sienna's face. Despite the lively birthday party that night, the simple wishes from Joyce and Hannah were the most touching.

Sienna felt happy. Even though she felt awkward about accepting the help, the cost of Joyce's surgery was covered. After the surgery, they could finally reunite.

The next morning, Sienna got up late. When she didn't see Josiah around, she breathed a sigh of relief. After what happened last night, regardless of his reasons—whether he had a plan or was just being whimsical—she didn't want to see him again.

During breakfast, Sienna asked Linda, "Linda, where's Grandma?"

"Mrs. Flynn went for a follow-up appointment today. She left not too long ago."

Sienna frowned. She intended to tell them she had been staying for a few days and should be leaving, but Miranda happened to be out. She planned to go to the set later, rehearse at Maze in the afternoon, and perform in the evening.

It seemed she would have to stay one more night at the Flynn residence, as it would be impolite not to notify Miranda about her departure. After breakfast and a quick tidy-up, Sienna went out, staying busy all day until the evening show was over.

Fortunately, Josiah didn't come tonight. Sienna removed her makeup, changed her clothes, and left.

Across the street, in front of a sleek silver Pagani, stood Cedric in a sharp suit, smiling and waving at her. Sienna didn't expect him to be there.

Cedric jogged over, crossing the street. "Finished for the day? Let me drive you home."

"Well," Sienna hesitated. "It's fine. I can get a ride myself."

Hearing this, Cedric casually asked, "Do you usually ride alone?"

"Yes," Sienna nodded. "I can go back by myself."

"Get in the car," Cedric invited with a gesture. "It's late, and since I bumped into you, it wouldn't be right to let you go alone." Seeing Sienna still standing there, he joked, "Ms. Shaw, I come from a respectable family. Rest assured."

Sienna laughed at his teasing and decided not to refuse anymore. "Alright. I'll trouble you then."

"No trouble at all, it's my pleasure."

Once in the car, heading to the Flynn residence, Sienna asked, "I didn't notice you were there during the show. Did you come with friends?"

"Not exactly friends," Cedric shook his head. "Just came with some business partners." Afraid she might misunderstand, he explained, "It's just socializing. That's the way things are done in Jelacrity. People like to discuss business in such places, as if it's hard to seal deals in a formal setting. I'm not quite used to it either."

"Yes," Sienna nodded with a smile. She didn't really get business affairs. "It's probably just a cultural difference."

"There's something great about Flirty, and the same goes for Jelacrity." Once Flirty was brought up, they found common ground and enjoyed a lively chat on the way.

The car stopped at the entrance of the Flynn residence. Cedric got out and opened the passenger door for Sienna. "We've arrived."

"Thanks," Sienna said as she stepped out of the car.

Cedric pointed inside. "It's late, and with family inside, I won't go in to avoid waking Mrs. Flynn."

"Alright then." Sienna waved. "Thanks for bringing me home."

"Sure," Cedric nodded with a smile, watching her turn and walk inside.

Tonight she got back fairly early, not even ten. Still, at this time, Miranda might have already gone to bed. Entering the living room, Sienna moved quietly.

"Is that Sienna back?" Miranda asked.

Sienna paused momentarily before replying, "Yes, it's me, Grandma."

"Perfect timing, come over here."

"Okay," Sienna said as she walked over and saw that Miranda hadn't gone to bed yet. She was having a late-night snack, and Josiah was also there, sitting across from her.

"Sienna, come here, there's some freshly made soup. Have some," Miranda said, then glared at Josiah. "Why are you waiting! Go get a bowl of soup for Sienna!"

"Alright," Josiah stood up without looking at Sienna and headed straight to the kitchen.

Sienna kept her gaze straight, not daring to even catch a glimpse of him from the corner of her eye. She sat down next to Miranda with her hands folded in her lap. "Grandma, it's so late. Aren't you resting yet?"

Miranda chuckled with a hint of mystery. "If I went to bed too early, I would have missed out on a good show."

"Grandma," Sienna didn't quite understand. "What do you mean by that?"

"Hmm!" Miranda's smile grew wider as she put down her soup bowl and took Sienna's hand. "Still keeping secrets from me? Tell me, who was it that brought you back just now!"

Sienna was taken aback. "Grandma, are you talking about Cedric?" The entrance had surveillance, so it wasn't surprising Miranda knew, but the fact that she paid attention and asked about it was quite intriguing.

"Yes," Miranda nodded with a smile. "Tell me, what do you think of Cedric? Do you like him?"