Chapter 182

With a soft sigh, Howard said, "Josiah didn't behave well, and I'll deal with him for you. Let's head home, alright?"

Sienna paused. How could she refuse with Howard speaking? Moreover, she couldn't sever ties with Josiah so easily.

Howard turned to Josiah, frowned, and said firmly, "This is the first and last time. Listen carefully. If you make Sienna cry again, there's no need for her to ask me. I'll step in to separate you two. Even if Grandma pleads, it won't change anything."

Josiah was caught off guard, his expression tightening. He knew Howard well—gentle in appearance, but firm and unwavering beneath. He bowed his head and earnestly assured, "I won't. Don't worry."

After a long moment, Howard nodded to Josiah, then turned his wheelchair. "Hervey, let's go."

"Yes, Mr. Howard Flynn," Hervey replied.

Josiah carefully held Sienna's hand to his lips. "Come back with me, alright? How could you possibly live well here?"

Suddenly, Sienna felt completely drained. Already hurt and sick, a wave of frustration and anger hit her like a cold tide, weighing heavily on her heart and leaving her weak.

She closed her eyes, resigning herself. She couldn't get rid of him. Once Joyce returned and he encountered her, it would be disastrous.

Josiah bent down and carefully picked her up. "Let's go home."

Outside, snow was falling. Sienna struggled in Josiah's arms, hitting him forcefully. "Put me down!"

"What's wrong!" Worried she'd hurt herself, Josiah put her down but didn't let go, holding her close.

Sienna leaned on his shoulder, gazing quietly southeast. Following her gaze, Josiah narrowed his eyes cautiously, noticing Cedric emerging from a silver-gray Pagani. The exhaustion of the past few days etched itself on Cedric's face. He silently mouthed, "Sienna, how are you!"

Tears welled up in Sienna's eyes—she understood. Her lips quivered as she silently mouthed, "I am fine. Go, and forget." She quickly looked away, unable to bear another glance that might only cause him further pain.

"Josiah," Sienna grabbed his arm.

"I'm here," Josiah replied softly.

"I'm so cold," Sienna said.

Josiah immediately removed his coat and placed it over her shoulders, even though she was already in a blanket. He held her tightly.

"Once we're in the car, you won't feel cold. It's just a few steps. Hang in there," he said, holding her protectively as he helped her into the car. Even after the other cars had driven away, Cedric stood watching the Bentley disappear.

He understood her words. She said she was okay. Should I really believe that? But seeing Josiah's thoughtfulness, perhaps it was true. He thought he should be happy for her. He lowered his gaze and murmured sadly, "But what if I can't forget you!"

In the car, Josiah held Sienna in silence. He'd noticed the earlier glances between her and Cedric. She had never looked at Josiah that way.

It was snowing, slowing traffic. The cars stopped at an intersection.

Howard looked up and saw Rosie outside the car window, struggling to board a crowded bus.

After a while, Howard instructed, "Hervey, drive over there."

"Okay," Hervey replied, parking in front of Rosie and rolling down the window. "Ms. Miller, hop in. Mr. Howard Flynn asked me to give you a ride."

Rosie tucked her hair behind her ear, laughed awkwardly, and shook her head. "Thank him, but no need."

"I'm not your messenger," Hervey retorted. "If you want to thank him yourself..." He gestured to the backseat.

"What? Does this mean I have no choice but to get in the car?" Rosie was taken aback.

"Hurry up," Hervey urged. "This is a bus lane. We can't stop here. Mr. Howard Flynn's being considerate. Do you want him to get a ticket?"

Rosie, convinced by this ridiculous reasoning, got in. Once the car moved, she felt uneasy.

Howard sat quietly beside her, his presence strong and impossible to ignore.

"What should I do?" Rosie touched her neck, her throat dry, a thin layer of sweat breaking out on her back.

"Where to?" Howard suddenly asked.

"Huh?" Rosie stammered, "T-The City Pearl."

"Alright," Howard nodded, telling Hervey, "Did you catch that?"

"Yes, Mr. Howard Flynn," Hervey replied.

Howard leaned back, and silence returned. Rosie sat rigidly, too scared to move. After what felt like a long journey, they arrived.

Rosie immediately said, "I'm here. Thanks for the ride." She opened the car door and jogged into the apartment.

Howard watched her leave, his eyes scanning the entrance. She lives here? In such a shabby place? Her financial situation must not be good. He looked away and calmly said, "Let's go."

Back at Silver Beach, Josiah carried Sienna from the garage to the master bedroom and gently laid her on the bed.

"You have a fever," he said, having already felt her hot forehead. "I'll call a doctor..."

Sienna grabbed his arm, refusing. "No, I don't want any medicine."

Josiah coaxed her. "Be good. Let the doctor have a look. You don't need to take medicine, but if it's serious, I can't just let it be."

He called the doctor and the housekeeper to prepare nutritious food.

Soon, Josiah's family doctor arrived, examining Sienna. "It's just a mild fever from a chill. The cut on your hand isn't deep; it doesn't need stitches. I've cleaned and bandaged it. Just be careful not to get it wet. Also..."

The doctor glanced at Josiah, uncomfortable. "Mr. Flynn, she's a girl after all, and her stamina can't compare to a man's. You might want to go easy on certain activities."

The doctor, sweating, took a medicine box from his kit. "Mr. Flynn, you should apply this for her."

Josiah fell silent. What does he mean? Is it what I'm thinking?