Chapter 1112

Nina did not want to argue, so she nodded in agreement.
Just then, the director called for everyone to gather. She took Orion’s hand and started walking toward the meeting point, but Miss Flores stepped in front of them.
She pulled Nina aside and took Orion’s hand instead. When Orion tried to pull away, she tightened her grip, causing tears to well up in his eyes.
Nina quickly intervened, pushing Miss Flores aside and sternly asking, “Are you trying to hurt him on purpose?”
Miss Flores looked hurt and defensive. “Orion’s mom, you’ve misunderstood. I was just trying to bond with him, I didn’t mean to hurt him.” She crouched down to Orion’s level and added, “I’m sorry, Orion. Did I hurt you? That was my mistake. I’ll be more careful next time and won’t grip so hard.”
Nina didn’t give her another chance and scooped up Orion, heading directly toward the director. The film crew was much larger this time, with many more people involved.
Miss Flores quietly approached Nina, subtly reminding her not to leave her out. Since Miss Flores didn’t want to make a scene, Nina decided to let it go without further comment.
The opening ceremony was simple, with the veterans busy handling most of the tasks. The younger actors, like Orion, were seated under umbrellas to watch. Miss Flores hovered nearby, taking over Nina’s role by offering Orion fruit and water. She was attentive, even diligent.
Had Lulu not warned her earlier, Nina might have second-guessed her initial judgment and thought she had misjudged Miss Flores. After the ceremony, the director approached Nina and handed her some paperwork.
“The investors have a rule,” he explained. “Orion can only have one person accompanying him on set. You’ll need to decide if it’s you or Miss Flores.”
“Of course, it’s me. Orion hasn’t spent much time with anyone else. He’ll be more comfortable with me around.”
Nina made her decision without hesitation. The director seemed fine with it, noted it down, and moved on.
Miss Flores found out shortly after and angrily confronted Nina, pulling her aside while she was resting. “When the director asked who should stay, why didn’t you tell me? Usually, it’s the agent who stays with the talent.” Nina calmly replied, “You said it yourself-usually it’s the agent. But you’re not Orion’s agent, are you? So it really doesn’t matter, does it?”
Nina gave a small, knowing smile and continued, “I get what you’re trying to say, Miss Flores. But remember, you’re just a temporary agent. Know your limits.”
Miss Flores’s face flushed with anger and embarrassment. She opened her mouth to say something, but eventually just walked away without another word.
Orion, remembering his grandfather’s advice, watched the exchange. Once Nina turned her attention back to the director, he approached Miss Flores with a smile. “Here, for you.” He offered her a small pack of cookies.
Surprised, Miss Flores took the cookies and thanked him. “Why the sudden gift? Well, thank you, Orion.”
She took a small bite, glancing around to see if anyone was watching. Sensing an opportunity, she grabbed Orion’s hand and started leading him out of the set. “Where are we going?” Orion asked curiously.
“I’m taking you somewhere fun. Don’t worry, Orion. I won’t hurt you,” Miss Flores reassured him as she ushered him into her car.
She then quickly drove off, speeding through the streets until they reached an underground parking garage in a residential area.
Orion didn’t cry or make a fuss. He quietly waited for Miss Flores to open the car door, but instead, she stepped out and took a phone call, leaving him inside.
Cautiously, Orion opened the door himself and got out.
As he did, he overheard Miss Flores saying, “Oh, it’s nothing serious. I just took Orion out for a bit of fun. Kids get bored staying in one place for too long. Don’t worry, I’ll bring him home later.”