"I saw how anxious Director Miranda was," Jimmie said, sensing her hesitation. "This is her first show aftering out of retirement. A lot of people are saying she''s been behind the scenes for too long and can''t produce anything good anymore. If there''s a problem tomorrow and the show can''t air as scheduled, I''m afraid..."


    "Fine," Juniper cut him off, her voice low. "I''ll give it a try."


    "Great." Having gotten her agreement, Jimmie calmly ended the call.


    "Jimmie, doesn''t your conscience hurt, tricking your sister like that?” his assistant, who had been eavesdropping, asked with a twitch of his lips. "The line of people who want to be on Director Miranda''s show could stretch all the way overseas."


    ---


    The moment news of the guest''s injury broke yesterday, other celebrities had been scrambling to contact Miranda. Coincidentally, Jimmie had been near the set yesterday and immediately offered to "save the day."


    "Really?" Miranda was so surprised her phone almost slipped from her hand. Two secondster, sheposed herself. "Juniper has never liked being in the spotlight. Would she be willing to be on TV?"


    "I''ll try." Jimmie had seen the first two episodes and thought the show was interesting. More importantly, he hadn''t had a chance to spend any time alone with Juniper since she came back. She was always stuck to Shanley''s side, making him wonder who the real brother was.


    "If Juniper can join, that would be wonderful," Miranda said, her eyes full of hope as she looked at Jimmie, her heart pounding with excitement. "Don''t worry. As long as she agrees toe, I won''t let her be wronged.”


    Juniper didn''t have many friends; participating in a show could be a way for her to rx.


    "Wronged?" Jimmie''s lips twitched into a small smile. "With that temper of hers, we should count our blessings if *she''s not the one making others miserable."


    Miranda paused, then gave an awkwardugh. That was true. Even her own son, the "Living Devil of Era City" whom everyone feared, waspletely tamed by her.


    "My conscience hurts?" Jimmie snorted dismissively. "Shanley practically stole my sister from me. Does *he* have a conscience?"


    "Fair point,” the assistant conceded. Guess you have to fight fire with fire.


    ---


    Upon getting Jimmie''s call, Miranda was so happy she spun in circles at home, rummaging through her closet.


    "What''s all this about?" Hayden Schwartz had just entered the room when a long dress suddenlynded on his head. He frowned pulling it, off, and looked at his wife, who was sitting on the floor staring nkly at the wardrobe. His annoyance vanished in an instant, réced by deep affection and tenderness.


    "Juniper is going to be a guest star for two episodes," Miranda pouted. Her well-maintained face looked no older than thirty, still full of charm. "She''s joining the group tonight, and I need to pick a nice outfit to meet her But after all this time cant find anything suitable. How can I meet Juniper in these ugly clothes?!"


    "Don''t be upset." Hayden took her hand, soothing her gently. "I''ll have the new season''s collection sent over right away."


    "There''s no time." Miranda pulled her hand away and picked out the outfit she was most satisfied with: a long dress with a white wool coat and a pair of Christian Louboutin heels. Her auburn hair was styled inloose curls that fell naturally over her shoulders and her makeup was exquisite. She was a stunning sight


    wherever she stood.


    "You look beautiful." Hayden, who hadn''t seen his wife so dolled up in a while, was momentarily lost in thought. He moved to hug her but was met with a sharp elbow jab, forcing him to retract his arms with a wounded look.


    "Don''t mess around,” Miranda said, grabbing her bag. As she walked downstairs, she called out to the housekeeper, "Yes, yes, pack up all the desserts."


    "All of them?" The housekeeper, who was boxing them up, paused. "Weren''t we supposed to leave half for Mr. Schwartz? He enjoys them too."