The smile was so faint, it was almost an illusion.

Sienna said nothing more. And yet, it felt like she had said everything. She walked past them, their shoulders brushing.

Kaelan watched her go, a strange discomfort settling in his chest.

Bianca tugged on his arm, pouting.

“Kael, does Sienna think I did it?”

Kaelan ignored the feeling and ruffled her hair.

“It’s fine. If she dares to slander you, I’ll make sure she can’t survive in this city.”

Bianca lowered her head, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.

Back at the hotel, Sienna’s hands trembled as she pieced the shredded paper back together, bit by bit. She sent a photo of the mangled draft to the studio.

The studio head sighed.

“Sienna, I know you’re not that kind of person.”

“The ‘evidence’ the person sent us was crude, but they paid a lot of money and made their position clear. It’s a good thing you still have the original draft. Think about it, have you pissed anyone off recently?”

Sienna gave a bitter smile.

Kaelan had really gone to great lengths to get justice for Bianca, even using his company’s connections.

That night, caught in a state between sleep and waking, Sienna developed a high fever.

She burned for two days straight, unable to eat or drink.

By the time Jenna arrived, Sienna was already unconscious.

Terrified, Jenna called 911 and rushed her to the hospital.

When Sienna woke up, the fever was gone. Her body felt light, and so did her heart.

When she heard Jenna mention Kaelan’s name, Sienna felt nothing at all. It was like hearing the name of a stranger, stirring not a single ripple in her heart.

Professor Gorman called her.

“Sienna, I’ve booked you a flight for the 20th. We’ll see each other in four days.”

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, a genuine smile spread across Sienna’s face.

“Okay, Professor. I’ll be there on time.”

After hanging up, Jenna asked, “Are you really going? If you leave, we don’t know when we’ll see each other again.”

Sienna turned to look out the window, her eyes filled with a new sense of hope.

“I have to go.”

“We’ll have our chances. Once I’m settled, you can come visit me.”

Sienna didn't mention coming back to visit Jenna, and Jenna didn't ask. They both knew that once she left, Sienna was never coming back.

Two days before her departure.

Sienna got a call from Bianca.

She didn't want to answer. She was so close to leaving and didn't want any more trouble.

But Bianca was relentless, calling again and again.

Afraid Kaelan would show up and accuse her of being disrespectful for ignoring Bianca’s calls, Sienna finally answered.

Bianca’s voice was dripping with undisguised triumph.

“Sienna, how are you?”

“So, I noticed a few days ago that you left that jar you gave Kaelan. I was thinking you should find some time to come and get it.”

“I mean, Kaelan said it’s just trash to him, but I saw that the little paper stars inside were all handmade by you. It was a heartfelt gift, after all. So I thought about it and decided I should return it to you.”

Sienna refused instantly.

“No need. If it’s trash, then just throw it away.”

Bianca wouldn’t give up.

“Sienna, are you still mad at me? I already told Kaelan that I was the one who wasn't holding the broth properly, that it wasn't your fault.”

“But he was so worried about me, he just had to get even on my behalf. If you’re still angry, I can have Kaelan treat us to dinner. We can apologize to you properly, how about that?”