Chapter 9

“Where did she go?” Josiah frowned, clearly agitated. Miranda had just finished her therapy session, and dinner was about to begin. He’d only looked away for a moment, and Sienna had vanished.

“Don’t worry,” Yvette said, offering a reassuring smile. “It’s her first time here; she’s probably just a little lost.”

Josiah scoffed, his irritation evident. “Doesn’t she know to wait for me? What a troublemaker.”

“Okay, take it easy. I’ll help you find her,” Yvette said, stopping abruptly and pointing. “Hey, Josiah, is that her over there?”

Josiah looked and nodded. “Yeah,” he added, surprised. “She looks different. You have a keen eye.”

“Of course,” Yvette chuckled. “Women have a knack for details. Now, let’s go. We can’t keep Miranda waiting.”

They approached Sienna, whose cheeks were puffed out with brownie, crumbs dusting her lips. Spotting them, she quickly put down her plate.

Josiah frowned. “What’s with your table manners? Our guests are important. Please pay attention to your image.”

Is he afraid I’ll embarrass the Flynn family? Sienna swallowed, wiped her mouth, and nodded calmly. “Got it.”

Josiah felt frustrated. Her quiet demeanor was unlike her usual spirited self. He didn’t want her to argue, but her subdued appearance made him feel like the bully. He frowned. “Sienna, what’s your act?”

“Did I do anything wrong?” Sienna blinked, puzzled. She’d followed his instructions.

“You…” Josiah sputtered, frustration mounting.

“Alright now,” Yvette intervened, easing the tension. “Let’s stop. Miranda is waiting.”

“Got it,” Josiah said, suppressing his annoyance. He glanced at Sienna. “Just follow us. The party is starting.”

“Okay,” Sienna put down her utensils and stood.

“Wait,” Yvette called out, looking intently at Sienna.

Sienna looked puzzled until she realized: they were wearing identical dresses. No wonder Keyla and the others had mistaken her for Yvette. In this setting, matching outfits were a major faux pas.

Josiah understood now. Yvette had chosen her dress, but Zach had selected Sienna’s, on Josiah’s orders. Who would have guessed?

“Don’t sweat it,” Yvette said warmly. “It’s just a coincidence.”

Josiah shook his head. “The Flynn family has enough gossip already. If you both show up dressed alike, the whole city will be buzzing about the Flynn sisters-in-law competing.”

Yvette considered this. “Should I change? I don’t have an extra dress; my agent would have to send one. I might not make it back in time for the party.” She explained the delay to Miranda and started to leave.

“Wait!” Josiah stopped her. “You can’t miss this. Have you forgotten your status?” Yvette was a top performer and Howard’s wife. Missing the event would fuel media speculation.

Yvette smiled. “It’s fine. We didn’t invite the mainstream media.”

Josiah disagreed. “The internet is powerful now. Anyone can spread news. It’s better to be careful.”

“You’ve got a point. What should we do?” Yvette asked, concerned.

Josiah turned to Sienna, who had been quiet. After a moment, he said coldly, “Go change your dress.”

Sienna had anticipated this. She smiled slightly and nodded, “Alright.” But she asked, “If I change, what should I wear?”

Josiah realized Sienna hadn’t brought a change of clothes. He was stumped.

“How about this?” Yvette offered kindly. “I have extra clothes in my trunk. You can wear them.”

Sienna hesitated.

Josiah frowned, his tone neutral. “Are you unhappy? Is it too much to ask you to wear Yvette’s clothes?”

“No,” Sienna shook her head. “Her clothes must be expensive. I’m worried I might get them dirty or rip them.” She had no money to replace them.

“Are you kidding me?” Josiah shot her a cold look. “Do you really think you’d have to pay? Even if so, it’s Flynn family money.”

Sienna relaxed and looked at Yvette. “Thanks, then.”

“Oh, please. We’re family—no need to be formal,” Yvette smiled, instructing her agent to fetch the clothes.

Sienna returned to her room.

Josiah squinted at her retreating back. She seems different. Is she pretending, or is this the real her?

Since Miranda was waiting, Josiah took Yvette to her.

Miranda looked behind them. “Why are only you two here? Where’s Sienna?”

“She…” Josiah hesitated.

Yvette quickly said, bending down, “Sienna’s not feeling well. She’ll join us soon.”

“Not feeling well? Is it serious?” Miranda frowned.

“It’s nothing major,” Yvette said softly. “Let’s start the meal. Everyone is waiting.”

Miranda announced, “Sorry, everyone. Sienna’s under the weather. Let’s eat first.”

With Josiah and Yvette present, the party thrived.

When Sienna finally appeared in a different outfit, Miranda was surprised. “Sienna, why are you dressed like that?” Sienna’s formal dress was gone, replaced by a casual short skirt that showcased her legs. She stood out among the other elegantly dressed women.

Sienna began to explain, but Yvette interrupted, “She accidentally spilled her drink, so I lent her one of my casual outfits.” She winked at Sienna, signaling silence.

Josiah understood. He squeezed Sienna’s arm and whispered, “Listen to Yvette. You owe her.”