Chapter 189

Hervey nodded. "It's like this..."

Howard listened, his brows furrowing. He thought, "So it is said." "Alright, I understand. It's getting late. You should go back and rest."

"Yes, sir," Hervey replied.

When Hervey finished, Howard nodded and wheeled himself back to the bedroom, lost in thought. Slowly, he reached the bedside, opened the nightstand drawer, and took out a box containing a tortoiseshell hairpin. He held it, stroking it absentmindedly.

The door opened, and Yvette entered, carrying hot cocoa. "I thought you were asleep? You didn't answer. What were you thinking...?"

She stopped, her expression changing. She had seen the hairpin. Howard quickly tried to hide it.

"What are you hiding?" Yvette's face hardened. "Didn't you say you threw it away? Why is it still here!"

"Calm down," Howard said indifferently. "I haven't forgotten what I promised you."

"Haven't forgotten?" Yvette didn't believe him. Her voice trembled with unshed tears. "Howard, I've endured humiliation and compromise for you, but that doesn't mean you can bully me without limits!"

She lunged forward, attempting to snatch the hairpin. "The hairpin was what you promised to throw away. I'll throw it away for you!"

Howard, prepared, blocked her. Yvette stumbled, spilling the hot cocoa, burning her arm.

"Yvette!" Howard exclaimed, startled. He rushed to her side. "Are you okay? Get up! Is your arm alright?"

Yvette ignored him, her gaze fixed on the floor. "Howard, you treat me like this...?" She stood, not looking at him, and ran out.

"Yvette?" Howard wheeled after her, but couldn't catch up. He called Hervey.

That night, Jelacrity was a mix of rain and snow, damp and gloomy. Josiah and Sienna, back from the golf course, watched television after dinner.

Gradually, Josiah leaned down to kiss Sienna. "Sienna, can we do it today? It's been many days." Before she could answer, the doorbell rang.

"Who is it?" Josiah asked.

Sienna smiled. "It's definitely for you. Go open the door."

Josiah reluctantly went. He wondered who would visit in such weather.

"Yvette?" he said, opening the door.

Yvette rushed in, her eyes red. Tears streamed down her face as she threw herself into Josiah's arms.

Josiah was taken aback. "Yvette..."

Sienna appeared, arms crossed. "Who is it?"

Josiah was flustered. "Sienna." He spread his hands, bewildered.

Sienna smiled, lowering her voice. "Should I leave you two alone?"

Yvette lifted her head, startled. "How... how are you here?"

Sienna found it amusing. "Is it strange for me to be here?"

The atmosphere was tense. Josiah interjected, "Sienna is my girlfriend. We're living together."

"I know that," Yvette replied, but the sight of them together was unexpected.

Sienna gave a faint, cold laugh. "It seems your darling thinks I shouldn't be here. I'm in the way." She indicated she would leave.

Josiah urgently grabbed her arm. "Don't be like this..."

"What's wrong with me?" Sienna blinked innocently. "I'm giving you space. Is that a mistake?"

"Sienna," Josiah said.

Yvette couldn't bear it any longer. "You've had enough! Is this how you treat Josiah?"

Sienna became interested. "Then how have I treated him?"

"From the moment I came in, every word has been an insult to him," Yvette said, her gaze fixed on Sienna. "This is the second time in front of me! Do you have no basic respect for your boyfriend?"

"You think him liking you is an insult to him?" Sienna asked, surprised.

"Sienna!" they both exclaimed.

Sienna covered her chest. "Ouch! I can hear you. Why are you shouting so loud?"

Yvette couldn't stand her feigned innocence. "Josiah and I have grown up together. We have a closer relationship than ordinary friends. It's okay if you can't understand our feelings, but please don't insult him."

Sienna shook her head and laughed. "I'm giving you space, and you still say I'm insulting him. What do you want exactly?"

Josiah held Sienna's wrist. "Go upstairs and wait for me."

Sienna raised her eyebrows. "Are you sure?"

Josiah's tone became serious. "Sienna."

"Alright," Sienna said. She was about to leave when the doorbell rang again.