Chapter 10

Sienna paused. "He's bringing up something from four years ago, isn't he? In his eyes, I'm just a terrible sinner."

She smiled slightly and quietly withdrew her arm, deciding to meet their expectations. "Miranda, I really shouldn't have been careless."

Miranda frowned and sighed. "How could you be so careless? How am I supposed to introduce you to everyone now? People might get the wrong idea and think the Flynn family is snubbing you, or that you don't respect them. How are you going to build a connection with them in the future?"

She turned to Josiah. "Don't you have a spare dress? Give it to Sienna. She can't wear this."

Before Josiah could respond, Sienna smiled and said, "No worries. If it's a hassle, you don't have to introduce me."

Miranda looked surprised. "How can we skip that? This is a welcome party for you. We have to introduce you."

Josiah and Yvette were equally surprised, turning to Sienna with puzzled expressions.

Sienna ignored them, smiling at Miranda. "It's alright. Your kind gesture with the welcome party means a lot to me. Everything else is secondary."

"Well…" Miranda hesitated, looking apprehensive.

Sienna added, "We've got plenty of time. There'll be more opportunities down the line."

Miranda seemed to accept this. She held Sienna's hand and gently patted it. "I'm so sorry for putting you in this position."

"Don't say that. I'm really not bothered," Sienna chuckled, pulling her hand away. "The guests are still waiting, so you should get back to them. I can't just stay dressed like this and keep you company."

"Okay," Miranda sighed helplessly, nodding. "Take care of yourself, and come chat with me later."

"Got it," Sienna smiled.

Yvette looped her arm through Miranda's, trying to lighten the mood. "Don't be down. Sienna's back now, and there'll be plenty of days for her to hang out with you. Tonight, let me be your company."

"Good girl," Miranda said, patting Yvette's hand. "I love you both. You're both wonderful kids."

They laughed and chatted as they walked away, Josiah trailing behind. After a few steps, he felt a strange urge to look back at Sienna. From afar, he watched her walk away slowly, her slim figure appearing lonely and forlorn. He wondered if he'd pushed things too far.

Ahead, Yvette noticed he hadn't caught up and turned to him. She saw his gaze fixed on Sienna and pursed her lips. "Are you upset about what I said earlier?"

"No," Josiah replied, withdrawing his gaze and shaking his head. "You just didn't want Grandma to worry, and you handled it really well. I can't blame you for that."

Yvette smiled slightly. "As long as you understand me, that's what matters. Let's get going."

"Alright," Josiah nodded.

Chapter 10

Sienna's table was tucked away in a corner, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. That was exactly what she needed—a little quiet.

However, things didn't go as planned. Several women were eyeing her outfit and whispering.

"Who is she?" "No idea. Can someone really show up at Miranda's party dressed like that?"

Sienna tuned them out and focused on her food. She was still hungry after the appetizers. The soup is really good, she thought, setting down her spoon. She cradled the bowl and eagerly drank the remaining soup.

"Ew!" "She's so rude!" "Come on, let's go."

The women left, clearly annoyed. Sienna gently set down the bowl, relieved as the noise faded.

Suddenly, someone pulled out the chair beside her. Confused, Sienna looked up and saw Josiah leaning on the table, slightly turned toward her. What's he doing here? Did I annoy him again? she wondered, whispering, "Do you need something?"

"Nothing," Josiah frowned, glancing at her plate, now piled high with bones. He remembered she used to eat much less.

Josiah wasn't sure why he'd come; perhaps it was guilt. He didn't particularly like Sienna, but it was her welcome party, and she hadn't been properly greeted.

He cleared his throat. "Well, tonight was a coincidence. Yvette is Howard's wife, and she's been struggling in the entertainment industry these past few years, so…"

He trailed off, but Sienna understood—he was attempting amends. How interesting. Even with an apology, Mr. Flynn seems to be dragging his feet. Where's the genuine remorse? she thought.

Unfazed, she offered a faint smile. "I know, I caught all of that."

Her calm demeanor made Josiah increasingly uncomfortable. He broke his usual rule and asked, "You're not upset, are you?" Sienna was slightly surprised, finding it amusing. But she saw no point in engaging with him; they were practically strangers. With a soft chuckle, she shook her head. "No. Didn't you say… I owe Yvette."

As Sienna genuinely didn't seem upset, Josiah nodded. "As long as you understand."

Seeing him still sitting, Sienna was puzzled. "Aren't you leaving?"

Josiah was taken aback. Is she rushing me? The person who couldn't stand being apart from me every single day is actually pushing me to leave?

"No rush," he replied. For some reason, he didn't want to go. He glanced at the table and placed a piece of king crab on her plate. "I remember you used to like this."

Chapter 10

Josiah actually remembered her favorite foods? Sienna's eyes widened in surprise. "Thank you," she said quickly.

"You're welcome. Just dig in," Josiah raised an eyebrow and stood. "Grandma and Yvette are still waiting for me, so I should head over." He walked away.

Sienna watched him leave, a slight smile playing on her lips. Josiah's "apology"—a piece of crab felt like a huge favor. She chuckled and shook her head, moving the king crab to an empty plate.

It wasn't that she was being difficult; she used to love king crab, but that was in the past. People changed, and now she simply didn't like it anymore.

The party was dull and tiring, but Sienna stayed until the end for Miranda's sake. Yvette remained by Josiah's side—Sienna's former spot—chatting and seeing guests off.

Sienna observed calmly, viewing it as a chance to reciprocate Miranda's five years of support.

Once the last guest departed, Miranda motioned for Sienna to join her in a private room. Miranda held Sienna's hand and sighed. "Tonight must have been tough for you. By the way, have you seen Howard since you've been back?"

Sienna paused, then shook her head honestly. "No, I haven't."

Miranda sighed again. "It's been four years. Howard used to care so much about you. You should find some time to visit him. Now that you're back, he should know."

"Okay," Sienna nodded, grateful for Miranda's concern.

Miranda glanced at the clock. "It's getting late. I won't keep you. Go home early."

"Okay, goodnight, Miranda." "Goodnight."

As Sienna left the room, she unexpectedly saw Josiah, seemingly waiting. The moment he saw her, he turned and said, "Let's go."

"No need," Sienna instinctively refused. Shouldn't he be leaving with Yvette? I really don't want to get caught in the middle of that.

Josiah's patience snapped. "I said let's go. You came with me, and I can't just let you leave on your own. Plus…" He glanced back toward the room. "If Grandma finds out we're leaving separately, she'll be upset."

"Come on! Quit messing around!" He grabbed her wrist.