Chapter 64

The online community buzzed with discussions about the developing romance between Reece and Phoebe, debating whether Phoebe’s audio recording questioning Reece and her reasons for breaking up was genuine, or if Reece’s rebuttal was the truth.

In the car, Jamar and Sienna continuously checked trending topics. When Sienna saw the comments section on the live show homepage—insults directed at her—her eyes began to water, and she felt extremely wronged.

“Jamar is my brother,” she thought. “Of course, he treats me well. It’s Phoebe who’s trying to steal my brother and everything else! How can these people blame me without understanding the situation?”

As for the issues between Reece and Phoebe, Sienna felt even more innocent. She genuinely liked Reece and wanted him to like her back, so she often made excuses to be around him, intentionally leaning on him for support.

“Reece protects me because I have charm,” she mused. “How does that turn into me being shameless in their eyes! It’s clear that Phoebe can’t keep her man!” The more Sienna read the comments, the angrier and more frustrated she became.

Then, seeing another tweet from Reece made her even more upset. Just moments ago, Sienna had been proud and happy to be Reece’s first crush and the woman he truly cared about, only to realize he dismissed that so quickly.

Why did he have to deny it so quickly? Sienna wondered. Logic told her that Reece’s actions were better for both their reputations and that he was trying to protect her from further criticism. Perhaps his tweet might even garner sympathy for Sienna, suggesting that Phoebe had intentionally dragged her into this mess, harming her reputation. But Sienna felt uncomfortable and could no longer hold back her tears.

Jamar, sitting next to her, was busy scrolling through his phone and hadn’t noticed her crying. After a while, feeling even more hurt that neither Jamar nor Reece had asked her what was wrong, Sienna deliberately cried out loud, trying to sound stifled.

Only then did Jamar realize. “Sienna, what’s wrong?”

Sienna threw herself into his arms. “Jamar, everyone online is tearing me apart. I feel so sad. What did I do to deserve this from Phoebe! She’s the one trying to drag me down.”

She paused before continuing, “No, it’s worse than that. She’s deliberately steering public opinion to shift the blame onto me.”

Sobbing, she gasped for breath. “I’ve always wanted to be friends with her. I would even give you both up for her. Why can’t she just accept me?”

This was, of course, a deliberate jab at Phoebe in front of Jamar and Reece. Jamar thought Phoebe had crossed a line this time, harming both Reece and Sienna. It was Leon who had asked Reece to look after Sienna, but in Phoebe’s eyes, Sienna was seen as a mistress; Phoebe even broke up with Reece out of jealousy toward Sienna. Phoebe’s actions are utterly unreasonable, Jamar thought.

Jamar hugged Sienna and gently patted her back to comfort her. “Don’t feel so wronged. If she doesn’t want to be your friend, then don’t force it.”

Not only had Phoebe shown no interest in being friends with Sienna, but she had also become increasingly cold and harsh toward Jamar. Just thinking about it made Jamar feel a pang of bitterness.

Jamar continued to reassure Sienna. “Leon will help clear things up online. Reece tweeted to clarify things. Once everyone knows that you and Reece are innocent, they’ll stop criticizing you.”

Sienna pouted. “You always know the right things to say to make me feel better. I need to call Leon.”

After saying that, Sienna dialed Leon, and with a voice choked with tears, she successfully tugged at his heartstrings, leading him to comfort her. Leon assured her that he’d take care of the situation online.

Sienna’s goal in laying it all out was not only to express her grievances and receive comfort from Leon but primarily to get him to address the backlash she was facing online. Knowing Leon’s ruthless nature and decisive approach, Sienna was content he’d find a way to shift the blame back onto Phoebe. After hanging up, still feeling wronged, Sienna buried herself in Jamar’s arms and cried for a while longer.

Sienna finally mustered the courage to look up. “I’m just feeling so wronged. I don’t actually blame Phoebe. She might have misunderstood my relationship with Reece.”

Then Sienna turned to Reece, who was sitting in the passenger seat, her expression full of apology. “Reece, I’m sorry that Phoebe is taking her anger out on you. It’s my fault.”

“Once we get to the airport, I’ll go talk to her and explain that there’s nothing between us,” Reece said.

In her heart, Sienna believed that Reece cared for and liked her. Just like Phoebe said, Sienna was Reece’s first crush and true love. After all, every time Sienna invited him out alone, he always showed up and always protected her. Reece had never turned down any request she made.

Reece felt chaotic inside. Hearing Sienna cry nonstop only added to his agitation. He couldn’t help but think, Phoebe has such a good temperament. She never uses tears to solve problems.

Then Reece heard Sienna’s words. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly responded, “No need. This is my issue with her, not yours, and I’ll handle it. I’m the one who should apologize. It’s me who’s dragged you into this.”

“Please don’t seek her out at the airport. I’ll make things clear with her,” Reece continued. Given Phoebe’s personality, if Sienna were to explain, Phoebe might only get angrier and ignore him even more.

Hearing Reece say their issue had nothing to do with her made Sienna feel even more uncomfortable. She pretended to be worried and guilty. “But will she stay angry? I’m just afraid that I’m affecting your relationship.”

Reece shook his head. “No, our fighting and breakup isn’t your fault. You don’t need to feel burdened.” After thinking for a moment, Reece suggested, “Why not post a clarification on Twitter to prevent any misunderstandings?”

Sienna had planned to do this anyway, but she replied, “Sure, to avoid any misconceptions with Phoebe and everyone else, I’m preparing to tweet.”

She then took out her phone and tweeted: “Reece and I are just friends. He’s Leon’s childhood friend, also a friend of mine. Please don’t misunderstand.”

While Sienna was tweeting, Reece tried calling Phoebe but found he was still blocked. Losing patience, he turned to the driver. “Can I borrow your phone?”

Reece was so anxious that he could no longer wait until they got to the airport to apologize to Phoebe.

“Sure,” the driver handed over the phone.

Reece had Phoebe’s number memorized and dialed it directly. In the car ahead, Phoebe saw an unknown number calling and picked up. “Hello!”

Reece spoke up. “Phoebe, it’s me.”

Phoebe’s voice was cold. “What’s wrong?”

Reece replied, “I already told you that Sienna and I don’t have any relationship beyond friendship. I can explain why I know and look out for her. Once we’re at the airport, let’s have a good talk, okay?”

But Phoebe scoffed. “It’s too late. I don’t want to hear it anymore. Reece, you graduated from a top university. You should understand what breaking up and cutting ties means, right!”

“We have no relationship now, so please don’t bother me anymore. There’s no need to meet at the airport. If someone sees us, I won’t be able to explain,” she huffed.

After a pause, Phoebe continued, “And I’m no longer interested in why you’re protecting Sienna. From now on, we go our separate ways. I trust that a major movie star like you wouldn’t resort to lingering attachments.”

With that, Phoebe hung up without waiting for Reece to respond. It was the first time Phoebe felt that Reece was so annoying. We’ve broken up. What’s there to cling to? she thought.

Reece was about to say something when he heard the busy signal. He was momentarily stunned. “She just hung up on me again. Does she really have no reward for our—?” he wondered.