Caught In His Embrace: A Second Chance Romance
Chapter 126

Chapter 126

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Film studios weren’t just for shooting movies. They were also tourist attractions, which meant there was no shortage of food offering different flavors. Sienna took Cedric to a nearby restaurant around the corner.

“Is there anything you want to eat?” she asked.

“Just get whatever you like.” Cedric didn’t really care what they ate, as long as he was eating it with her.

Sienna made the call. “How about we get some cupcakes?”

The weather had been cooling off lately, and the warm cupcakes fresh out of the oven, smelled delicious, sweet, and soft.

“Two, please,” Sienna said to the vendor.

“Coming right up,” said the owner.

She paid, then grabbed the cupcakes, lifting them high and offering one to Cedric.

Cedric misinterpreted her gesture and lowered his head, biting into the cupcake. It was still too hot.

“Ah! That’s hot!” he exclaimed, surprised.

He couldn’t bring himself to spit it out, though, so he pressed his hand to his mouth, trying to endure the burn.

Sienna, amused by his flustered reaction, couldn’t help but chuckle.

Cedric shot her a quick look, his brows furrowed, and mumbled. “You laughing at me?”

“No, not at all,” Sienna said, pressing her lips together, trying not to smile. “Is it good?”

“Yes,” Cedric replied, his expression softening. “It’s really good, sweet and soft.”

It was just like her.

The next day, at Mousea House, Josiah and Thomas arrived early and were playing pool.

Not long after, Yosef showed up, Cedric following behind.

ex

Xx

Josiah glanced at Cedric and thought, ‘What’s he doing here? Shouldn’t he be with Sienna?‘ he wondered. ‘Aren’t couples supposed to be out on a date at night?‘

“Hi, Josiah, Thomas!” Cedric greeted them, walking toward Thomas. He turned serious and said, “Thank you for helping with Sienna. By the way, do you know what Mrs. Zimmerman likes? If you give me a hint, I can get her a thank–you gift.”

Thomas was confused. “What about Sienna? What thank–you gift? I don’t follow.”

“It’s about Sienna going back to the dance studio,” Cedric explained. “She’s going back, and it’s all thanks to Mrs. Zimmerman.”

“Oh?” Thomas raised an eyebrow, surprised. He hadn’t heard about Sienna returning to the studio.

He turned and glanced at Josiah. Josiah said nothing, still focused on his pool game, acting like he wasn’t involved.

Thomas quickly understood. Smiling, he said, “It’s no big deal. Don’t mention it.”

“I insist,” Cedric said with a grin. “If you don’t give me some advice, I might just have to handle it on my own.”

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Chapter 126

“Fine, fine.” Thomas agreed, shrugging.

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Cedric nodded, turning to find Yosef to discuss the matter further. Meanwhile, Thomas watched Josiah closely, a knowing smile on his face. “What’s the deal, Mr. Flynn? You’re doing a good deed but don’t want credit?”

Josiah kept his attention on his game, ignoring him. “What would I need credit for?”

“Really?” Thomas leaned in, intrigued. “So it was you who made that happen? You’re not planning to let Sienna know, are you?”

“Why should I tell her?” he said.

“Wait a second,” Thomas said, surprised. “You did all this and you’re not even going to tell her? You’re just leaving it like that?”

Josiah gave a slight, almost imperceptible smile. ‘What does leaving it like that even mean? Didn’t Sienna go back to the dance studio?‘ he wondered.

“What’s the point of telling her? Does it mean she’ll leave Cedric and come back to me?” Josiah scoffed inwardly. That’s never going to happen.

Thomas winced slightly, retreating a bit. “At least you could let her appreciate you for it, right?”

Josiah shook his head. He had no need for appreciation. “I don’t need that.”

“Really?” Thomas raised an eyebrow, narrowing his eyes. “Then what exactly are you hoping to get out of this, Josiah

Josiah remained silent, continuing his game.

Thomas didn’t expect an answer but pressed on. “Could it be… you just can’t let go of her?”

Josiah took a shot, hitting the ball off–center. It scattered in all directions.

The day Sienna returned to the dance studio, things were in an uproar.

“Ms. Scott, why is Sienna allowed to come back to the dance studio? You need to explain this to everyone.” Nina demanded her voice full of frustration.

She had thought that being the lead dancer this time was a done deal, but now Sienna had come back unexpectedly. “Yeah, she’s breaking the studio’s rules by coming back,” another dancer chimed in.

“Exactly!”

“Right!”

Amid the murmurs of discontent, Brenda wasn’t surprised. She remained calm and glanced at Sienna standing nearby. “The issue from last time was because I didn’t look into things properly.

“Sienna had signed an agreement with the production team before joining the dance studio. Strictly speaking, she didn’t break any rules.”

“What?” Nina’s eyes widened. “She signed the agreement before joining the studio? Is that what you’re saying?”

Sienna, clearly prepared for this, stepped forward and handed over a copy of the agreement. “If you don’t believe it, here’s the contract for you to look at.”

With that, there was nothing more to be said.

20:54 Mon,

Chapter 120

But Nina still wasn’t satisfied, “But Ms. Scott, she continued taking roles after joining the troupe!”

“That’s true.” Ms. Scott acknowledged without hesitation. “So I asked her to leave, finish her role, and then return.”

She looked around at the others, her voice firm. “I fired her and then rehired her. Is there a problem with that?”

Nina was stunned. ‘Is that even possible?’ she wondered.

The rest of the group started to understand. Brenda was clearly backing Sienna, and rumors that she had someone influential behind her seemed more believable now.

Brenda surveyed the room. She had broken the rules for Sienna, and now that she had done it, there was no turning back.

“You don’t have to be upset. Serene Joys is forming a new troupe soon, and Sienna will show you all on stage why I made an exception for her,” she said.

Her words were decisive, and the room fell silent.

“What are you all standing around for? Shouldn’t you be practicing?” said Brenda.

“Let’s go.”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

One by one, the dancers filed out. Sienna, feeling both conflicted and grateful, looked at Brenda. “Ms. Scott, I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Brenda replied impatiently. “If you really feel sorry, then prepare well. The first performance must succeed, no room for failure.”

“Yes, Ms. Scott.” Sienna nodded.

That evening, Yvette returned to the Flynn residence and saw Hervey coming downstairs.

“Leaving?” she asked.

“Yeah.” Hervey smiled. “Goodbye, Ms. Young.”

“Goodbye.” Yvette nodded.

As she turned her back to him, Yvette couldn’t help but frown. Hervey had been coming by frequently to see Howard. What was his deal? Howard was in no condition to be giving him any orders right now.

‘Could it be that before Howard’s accident, he had asked Hervey to take care of something?‘ she wondered.

Filled with confusion, Yvette went upstairs. She purposely didn’t knock, just pushed the door open.

“Howard?” As soon as she entered, she smelled something burning.

“Howard, what are you doing?” she asked.

Yvette quickened her pace and walked inside. Howard clearly hadn’t expected her to barge in. He was hurriedly tossing what looked like a burnt card into an ashtray.

His movements were uncoordinated, and in his panic, he nearly burned himself.

“Be careful!” Yvette exclaimed, startled, grabbing his hand.

“Are you okay? Did you burn yourself?” she asked.

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Chapter 126

Howard frowned, shaking his head. When he looked at the ashtray, the card had already burned up completely, and his expression relaxed instantly.