Spoiled by the Silver Fox

Stephanie blinked, her voice laced with mischief. "You know, after mulling it over, I bet Aaron would be into you. But Yolanda, Silver Fox's young brother's tying the knot soon! The wedding bells are practically chiming." Yolanda's face drained of color, and she shot Stephanie a venomous glare. "Who I'm into is none of your business! You lot just love to gang up on me! Happy birthday, Mr. Finnegan, I'm taking off!" She couldn't stay a moment longer.

If she did, her secrets would be spilled for all to see.

It wasn't Aaron.

In fact, not even Gracie knew who it was, though she had heard a thing or two.

Mr. Finnegan, seeing the mood sour, frowned. "Enough, everyone! Let's break it up. Thanks for the birthday surprise, though!"

But how could things end like this?

Everyone came in high spirits; they should leave that way too.

Stephanie wouldn't have any of it.

She wobbled over to Mr. Finnegan, her head shaking. "Mr. Finnegan, if you think I've stepped out of line, I'll apologize. It's your birthday, you gotta stay cheerful!"

Mr. Finnegan shook his head. "No one's more thoughtful than you, kiddo. Yolanda seemed alright at first, but then things got complicated. That's why I haven't cast her in any of my films for a couple of years now! I was quite surprised when you invited her." Another actress chimed in with a wry smile. "Serena dragged me along. I was with Yolanda, working on the same set, so we ended up coming together."

Mr. Finnegan raised an eyebrow. "No worries, it's done now. But you girls need to watch out for Yolanda. She's got a vengeful streak and can be a bit unhinged."

Gracie frowned. "Is she really that scary?"

"Hmm. I only heard about it

afterward. When she was in my film,

she had a falling-out with another actress, stole her limelight. Not long after, the news broke that the actress had an accident."

Serena's expression turned serious. "I heard about that. It's not certain it was Yolanda's doing, just rumors. That actress was in a car crash, disfigured, and ended up disabled. It was quite horrific."

Mr. Finnegan waved his hand dismissively. "Let's drop it. Just be careful around her, and look out for yourselves, especially you, Steph, got it?" Stephanie, tipsy and grinning, slurred, "I ain't scared. I've got Silver Fox to protect me."

Everyone burst into a mix of laughter and disbelief.

With a guardian like Sebastian, they really didn't need to worry too much about Stephanie.

But Mr. Finnegan still insisted solemnly, "It's the sneaky ones you have to watch out for. Just be vigilant."

"Got it, Mr. Finnegan. Let me toast to you once more, for your health, a harmonious family, and may every movie you make be a blockbuster hit!"

Mr. Finnegan laughed heartily, his face glowing. "Well, for that toast, I'll have to follow Silver Fox's lead and gift you a sports car when I strike it rich!"

"Ha! That would be so awesome. Silver Fox showers me with sports cars, my grandpa promises to gift me one, and now you, Mr. Finnegan, are on board too."

Mr. Finnegan looked puzzled. "I just can't figure it out, why would that eccentric old man suddenly take you as his goddaughter?"

"Hey, beats me! Silver Fox says I've got the same eyes as Grandpa's late sister, Joana, the grand dame of the old time. Grandpa doesn't have any other family, so he took me as his

goddaughter. Guess I'll be looking after him in his golden years."

MS