A Surprising Twist of Fates (Sierra and Theo)

Madison was practically bouncing with excitement, ready to start shipping them. "Mr. Gray treats you so well, Sierra! If only you had met him instead of Benson from the start."

Sierra nearly choked, quickly tugging at Madison's sleeve. "Maddy, stop talking nonsense."

"I'm just joking! Mr. Gray wouldn't take offense," Madison assured her with a playful grin, winking at Theo. Sierra felt both awkward and helpless. Oh, Maddy-why couldn't she just keep her mouth shut?

Theo's gaze lowered, catching Sierra's flustered expression. Her clear eyes fluttered nervously, making her look both adorable and beautiful. His lips curved slightly, almost imperceptibly, before he turned to Madison and asked in his usual cool tone, "Do you want your novel adapted into a film?"

Madison blinked. "Which novel?"

"The one she was reading in the hospital," he replied, his voice carrying a slight rasp as his gaze lingered on Sierra.

Sierra was caught off guard. For a split second, memories of that day at the hospital flashed through her mind, making the situation even more awkward.

He still remembered that?

Madison's eyes lit up. "Wait—you're serious?"

Theo gave a small nod.

Madison was so excited she nearly jumped out of her seat. She had published a few novels over the years, but none had ever been picked for a screen adaptation.

Who didn't dream of seeing their work come to life on the big screen?

Madison wanted this more than anything and nearly dropped to her knees in gratitude. "Mr. Gray, can I pick my own cast?"

"Yes."

"Thank you, Mr. Gray! You're amazing!"

Madison bowed dramatically, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Seeing her so happy made Sierra smile, too.

"Alright, Cee, you and Mr. Gray keep talking. I'll leave you two alone. I'll wait in the car," Madison commented, her timing impeccable. Not wanting to be the third wheel, she quickly turned and walked off, practically skipping in excitement.

Sierra had no time to stop her.

She turned back, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Sorry, Uncle Theo. Maddy has a great heart, but she's got an overactive imagination. She tends to say things that might be misunderstood but doesn't mean anything by it."

Theo's voice was calm. "It's fine. I don't mind."

Sierra accidentally met his gentle gaze, and for a second, her heartbeat slowed. Panicked, she quickly looked down, reaching into her bag.

She pulled out a small button-the one she had picked up at the hospital that night—and handed it to him. "Uncle Theo, I know you were there the night I had that fever. Thank you for taking care of me. What I said that night... I went too far. I'm sorry."

Theo's brows moved slightly as he looked at the button resting in her palm. His gaze lingered on her for a long moment before he reached out and took it.

His cool fingertips brushed against her hand, a barely-there touch, like a feather grazing her skin.

Sierra instinctively pulled her hand back.

"I wasn't mad," Theo said in his usual cool tone. "I just thought... you didn't want to see me."

Sierra was caught off guard by his words. She looked up in surprise, meeting his deep, unreadable gaze. Slowly, she shook her head. "That's not true."

"Then, why did you send money through Adrian instead of giving it to me yourself? Were you trying to cut ties?"

Sierra bit her lip.

She couldn't deny it. That was her intention.

"Uncle Theo... I just didn't want to owe you anything."

Her voice was soft, her eyes lowering as she spoke.

Theo let out a faint, helpless smile.

"It's late. Go home. I'll have someone drop off the medicine at your place later."

Sierra nodded. She took one step down the stairs, then suddenly remembered something.noveldrama

Turning back, she slipped off the trench coat draped around her and held it out to him. "Uncle Theo, here's your coat."