Mia was a pro at making a quick getaway.


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    She grabbed Xylia’s hand, shoved her way through the crowd, and the two of them darted out of the bar in no time.


    Noelle reacted quickly and took off after them, but with all the people in the way, chasing them turned into an uphill battle.


    By the time Noelle managed to look up again, Xylia had already vanished from her sight.


    Noelle was so mad she could’ve kicked something.


    Just as Xylia was being yanked out the front door by Mia, she overheard some incredulous voices from the crowd behind them.


    “Wait, doesn’t she look familiar? Isn’t she a celebrity or


    me in the


    crowd blurted out.


    ‘Wow, it finally clicked–Mia’s poprity has shot through the roof ever since that reality dating series, Xylia thought to herself.


    Once they were outside the hotel, Mia had alreadye to a stop, but Xylia kept pulling her along until they’d rounded the corner, only then did she finally let go.


    Mia shot her a confused look. “Why’d you haul me out here anyway?”


    Xylia was just about to speak when Mia suddenly caught on.


    “Oh, I see–you wanna thank me, right? Seriously, don’t sweat it. I just can’t stand it when people try to scheme against others at bars,” Mia said.


    As if she’d suddenly remembered something, a sh of irritation appeared in Mia’s eyes.


    “I mean, yeah, I really do owe you one,” Xylia said, “but honestly, that’s not the only reason I dragged you away. I overheard people inside talking about recognizing you. If we’d hung around the entrance, they might’vee out and totally spotted you–I just didn’t want you getting mobbed.”


    After hearing Xylia’s exnation, Mia gave her a once–over, finally taking a proper look.


    As if something had just clicked, Mia’s eyes lit up. “Wait a minute, I remember you! We ran into each other in the restroom at that beachside restaurant!”


    Xylia smiled and nodded. “Yeah, that was me.”


    Mia continued, “And I saw you again in the backstage lounge at that fashion brand’s event.”


    Xylia grinned, “Yeah, that was me too.”


    She stared Xylia down. “So, what’s up between you and Leon?”


    Mia hadn’t met Xylia before, but she sure knew Hudson.


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    Leon had kept his connection to the Sadlers hidden in showbiz, but Mia was no stranger to the truth.


    She also knew Hudson was Leon’s little brother.


    And she’d caught Hudson calling Xylia “little sister” once.


    Xylia figured Mia had misunderstood her rtionship with Leon, so she quickly rified, “I’m Leon’s sister- his actual sister.”


    Mia’s expression turned even colder, like something unpleasant had just dawned on her. She gave Xylia a chilly nce. “I see, so that’s what it is.”


    Feeling Mia’s sudden coldness and not knowing what she’d done wrong, Xylia blurted out in a rush, “Did I do something?”


    Mia shot back, usation clear in her voice. “I knew it! So that’s why Leon’s been hounding metely–it’s you pulling the strings, isn’t it?”


    ‘Wait, what? Why is she ming me for this?‘ Xylia thought, totally bewildered.


    Xylia pointed at herself, staring at Mia in disbelief.


    “Me? What did I do?” Xylia said, shaking her head in confusion.


    Mia red at her, arms folded. “You heard me talking to my manager in the restroom that day, right? You went and told Leon I wasn’t keen on working with him, so now he won’t leave me alone! He’s got the whole show turning on me–like I’m some kind of scapegoat!”


    Xylia felt her lips twitch, honestly kind of speechless.


    ‘So she actually thinks Leon’s out to get her, not trying to win her over?‘ Xylia wondered. Out loud, she asked, “Wait, you think Leon’s messing with you rather than chasing after you?”


    Mia kept her arms crossed, her gaze chilly. “I know exactly where I stand. Do me a favor and let your brother know–this whole fake partnership deal stops right here. I’m done working with him.”


    Mia spat out herst words, her voice icy, and started to storm off.


    But just as she spun around, she saw Leon striding toward them, a mask covering his face–looking like he’d dropped everything to get there.


    Xylia caught sight of him too. ‘Wow, he really did rush over as soon as he saw my message, she thought.


    His hair and makeup were only half finished, making it obvious he’d been yanked straight out of prep.


    She hesitated for a second before calling out to Leon, “Hey, Leon, you should probably set the record straight with Mia. She seems to be misunderstanding you.”


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    th that Xylta sarted to walk away, figuring it was best to give them space.


    But Leon pointed to the dessert shop next door. “Go inside, pick out some treats you want, and wait for me.”


    His tone was firm–he clearly wasn’t asking.


    Xylia got the hint and headed into the dessert shop.


    Through the ss window, she watched as Leon and Mia started talking.


    But it didn’t take long before things got heated. Leon reached out to grab Mia’s hand, but she yanked it away and stormed off.


    It was clear they’d ended on a sour note.


    Xylia was so anxious she almost sprinted out the door to break things up herself.


    But deep down she knew crashing their talk would only make things messier.


    Some problems in a rtionships were off–limits to outsiders–even if you were Leon’s actual sister, you just had to stay out of it


    Leon lingered out on the street <b>for </b>a while before finally heading into the dessert shop.


    Xylia saw his eyes were a little red around the edges.


    Honestly, seeing a grown man that close to tears was kind of wild


    Right then, Xylia couldn’t helps boom feel a lie bad for him.


    ‘So… what happened? Xylia asked, her voice soft


    Leon hesitated to say anything: he was worried that if he talked to Xylia about it, the tears might <be </b>whether he wanted them to oF NOL


    He didn’t want to seem weak in front of his little sister.


    Instead, he took the stuff from Xylia’s hands and headed to the counter to pay.


    Xylia handed Leon the boxed cake. I’m not sure what’s up between you guys, but you’re the one trying to win her over. You’ve got to stick with it–that’s what chasing someone means. And if I remember right, Mia actually likes this one, so take it to her and set the record straight.”


    Leon epted the hazelnut cake, still looking a bit puzzled. “Wait–how do you even know she likes this?


    Mia had told him before she didn’t even like cake.


    Xylia gave a little shrug. “Well, apparently her fans say she’s into it


    Leon was totally stumped


    ‘How did I never think of checking her fan groups for tips on what she actually likes?‘ he thought, kicking himself a little inside.


    He gave Xylia aplicated look.


    Xylia grinned. “No worries. When I get back, I’ll jot down all her favorite stuff and send it your way.”


    Leon finally let out a genuine smile.


    He grabbed the cake and tugged Xylia outside with him.


    “I already asked my assistant to get you a ride home–the car should be here any minute. By the way, what was up with you earlier? You sent me a message, and when I tried to call you back, you didn’t answer,” Leon said, sounding a little worried.


    He’d finally remembered to check in with Xylia about what happened.


    Xylia decided not to mention the whole mess–no point in stressing Leon out, especially since he still had work to get toter.


    After all, he still had a job waiting for him.


    “It’s nothing major, just a little hup. Honestly, Mia really came through for me–you better make sure to thank her properly,” Xylia teased, shing him a quick grin. “Seriously, this is your shot to score some points with her.”


    Another perfect opening for Leon to shoot his shot.


    Leon nodded, realizing exactly what she was pushing him toward.


    The car showed up pretty fast.


    Xylia climbed in, finally able to breathe easy as she headed out.


    Her phone got drenched in booze back at the bar, and just thinking about Joshua panicking if he couldn’t get through made her anxious. So, on her way out, she hurried to get a new phone and a fresh SIM card–no way was she letting him worry himself sick.


    As soon as she fired up the new phone, Joshua’s call lit up


    her screen.


    “Why was your phone off?” Joshua asked.


    His concern came through loud and clear.


    “Oh, it just slipped and fell into some water. I just picked up a new one,” Xylia said, keeping it casual.


    ‘No way I’m bringing up Noelle or Jessica–Joshua doesn’t need that kind of stress, Xylia thought to herself.


    On the other end of the line, Joshua let out a huge sigh of relief.


    “Wait, how’d your phone end up in the water? You’re alright, right?” he asked, still sounding pretty


    worried.


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    “It was just my phone that went for a swim, not me. Seriously, no need to worry,” Xylia reassured him.


    “You’re my future wife–who else would I ever worry about?” Joshua replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.


    He soundedpletely confident, like it was justmon sense.


    Xylia let out a helplessugh.


    Joshua’s tone became businesslike. “Here’s the deal: your studio’s design proposal got approved, but another outsourced studio’s pitch also passed through. Tomorrow, do you have time toe by the office? We’ll need to work out the specifics for both teams and, after that, choose which one to officially partner with.”


    Whenever things got down to business, Joshua was all seriousness.


    Xylia lit up with excitement. “Absolutely! I’ll be there!”


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