Chapter 108

“Even though we can only see their backs, you can just imagine how furious Mr. Tate must be,” one dancer whispered.
“Lunar is so arrogant. How dare she ignore Mr. Tate to his face?”
“She must know she’s crossed a line and can’t fix it, so she’s just given up.”
“She’s acting calm, but I bet she’s panicking inside!”
“Elvira, you should get ready to take her place.”
“Exactly,” Yolanda chimed in eagerly, quick to flatter her new ally. “Elvira is the only one who’s right for this role.”
Elvira smiled, then glanced at Yolanda. “With your skill level, you’d make a fine backup dancer.” Once she was the lead, it was only natural for her to pick her own team.
“Thank you, Elvira!” Yolanda beamed. Juniper would be blacklisted from the dance world, disgraced and forgotten, while she would rise to international fame in Mr. Tate’s MV. The thought alone was intoxicating. This was the outcome she had been waiting for.
Inside the studio, the only sound was the crisp cracking of nuts. Jimmie took a step forward, finally seeing the girl’s face. In that instant, his breath caught in his throat.
There was no need for a DNA test. One look at that face was all the proof he needed. This girl was his sister!
“My sis—” Jimmie started, his voice cracking. He clenched his fists, afraid of scaring her, and quickly changed his words. “You
“Tsk,” Juniper tilted her head back, meeting his gaze without a hint of fear. “I’m just eating some nuts. Mr. Tate, you’re not going to tell me to ‘get out’ again, are you?” “No,” Jimmie said, his face paling in alarm. “Eat all you want. Anything you want.” He’d let her eat bullets if it made her happy.
“Or maybe Juniper raised an eyebrow, her hands never ceasing their work, a subtle smile playing on her lips. “You heard the rumors about me, found out I dismissed the dancers, and came to settle the score?”
“No,” Jimmie shook his head, his eyes stinging, a lump forming in his throat. How could he ever be angry with her? He only wanted to spoil her.
“Oh.” Juniper seemed satisfied with his response. She cocked her head, her voice softening slightly. “Mr. Tate, I’ve heard that you’re devoted to your sister’s memory. Aren’t you afraid my bad reputation will ruin the MV you’re making for her? After all, last time, I just accidentally touched her photo frame, and you shoved me into the door. My arm was bruised for days.”
Her tone was laced with a genuine sense of grievance.
“I’m sorry,” Jimmie choked out, the memory of laying a hand on her filling him with agonizing regret. “I didn’t know then. I didn’t know you were my
Sister…
The word was on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it. He had acted like such a monster, he had even hurt her. She must despise him. If he told her the truth now, would she ever accept him?
“You didn’t know I was your what?” Juniper set aside the nuts and slowly rose to her feet. She walked toward him, her clear eyes locking onto his.
“You didn’t know I was your sister, did you? Bro!”
What? What did she just call him?
Bro?!
It felt as if something had just exploded in his brain.