Chapter 217

For Howard, this was wonderful news. After speaking with Hervey, he instructed, "Prepare a suite at Lion's Bay."

"Got it."

Returning to Silver Beach, Josiah gently placed Sienna on the bed. "Rest for a while; I've contacted the maid and caregiver, and they'll be here soon."

Sienna nodded, aware that Josiah had rearranged his day for her and needed to return to work. "You should go," she said, unsure of her feelings toward him.

Josiah replied, "Alright. I'll leave as soon as they arrive."

Sienna frowned, pointing to his forehead. "Why haven't you treated your injury?"

"Oh," Josiah said, almost forgetting. Dismissing her concern, he added, "It's just a minor injury; no need for treatment." He casually wiped the blood away with a tissue.

Sienna frowned at the wound. "At least disinfect it and put on a bandage."

"But I can't see it," Josiah said hopefully. "Could you help me?"

Sienna agreed. He had saved her again today; without his intervention, she might have fallen victim to Reyna's schemes.

With her consent, Josiah retrieved the first-aid kit. His forehead injury was superficial; iodine and a bandage sufficed.

"All done," he said. It had been quick.

Josiah touched the bandage. "It's perfectly wrapped," he praised.

Sienna thought, Surely it's not that impressive. She found his heartlessness shocking at times, yet at others, he seemed as innocent as a child. She wondered who he truly was.

Soon, the caregiver and maid arrived. Josiah reluctantly left Sienna's side, saying, "I'm leaving; take care of yourself and don't hesitate to ask for anything. I might be late tonight; just sleep without waiting for me."

Sienna nodded, watching him go. A look of gloom and confusion settled on her face.

Due to her shoulder injury, Josiah forbade her from attending the dance troupe. She explained, "The troupe is on break; I'm only overseeing the children's class, which is minimal."

Josiah remained hesitant. "Can you promise you won't dance?"

Sienna promised.

"Well then," he finally agreed, escorting her to the Lightning Dance. "Remember: no dancing. I'll pick you up this evening, and if anything goes wrong, you're staying put tomorrow."

Sienna, trying to be accommodating, found herself growing impatient. "Could you please stop nagging? My ears are about to explode!"

"Alright, I won't say another word." Seeing Sienna's displeasure, Josiah fell silent and gently kissed her cheek. "I care about you. Why are you upset?"

"Josiah! Is this going to continue forever?" Sienna clenched her fists.

"Fine, I'll be quiet." Josiah playfully mimed zipping his lips.

Sienna turned and jogged into the Lightning Dance.

"Slow down! Doesn't your belly hurt anymore? I'll pick you up tonight; you mustn't leave alone!"

Increasingly irritated, Sienna quickened her pace. She'd never realized how much Josiah could talk.

The Lightning Dance buzzed with energy that day. Free from morning children's class duties, Sienna practiced stretching and warm-ups.

"Sienna!" Rosie approached, smiling, with a girl beside her. "Look who's here!"

"Ellie?!"

"Sienna!" Ellie ran over, embracing and kissing Sienna's cheek. Their bond was strong; Ellie had carried the unconscious Sienna to safety during the incident at Fliraty's Red Dance.

"Ellie, I'm so happy to see you!"

"Me too, Sienna!"

Sienna looked at Ellie curiously. "What brings you to Jeiacrity? Did you come with the dance troupe?"

"Yes," Ellie replied, grinning. "After the incident, the troupe can't perform locally." The main hall of the Red Dance had been devastated by an explosion, requiring extensive repairs.

Ellie continued, "The director planned a tour; we're performing at various venues. Since the tour passed through Jeiacrity, I thought I'd visit. We're friends who've faced life and death together, aren't we?"

"Sure!"

Wanting to be a good host, Sienna planned to catch up with Ellie over lunch, with Rosie joining them, before Ellie's evening flight. Considering Sienna's arm was still in a sling, they chose a nearby restaurant for authentic Jeiacrity cuisine.

The midday restaurant was busy. Rosie secured a window table. "Sienna, Ellie, come!"

"Coming!"

They ordered, and Sienna voiced her concern, "Ellie, I hope you like the food. If not, I can get you something else." However, Ellie loved every bite, nearly burying her face in her plate. "So delicious!"

Sienna and Rosie exchanged amused glances. "Enjoy!"

Ellie, true to her unpretentious nature, ate heartily.

Laughter filled their table. Suddenly, Ellie pointed to the restaurant's television. "That's him!"

"Who?" Sienna looked up; the news program featured financial headlines, and Josiah was the financial expert.

Ellie asked, "Is he famous in Jeiacrity?"

"Um, you could say that," Sienna replied, confused. "Ellie, do you know him?"

Rosie, equally curious, added, "Ellie, your reaction suggests you're acquainted?"

"Well, not exactly," Ellie said, waving her hand. Then, she looked at Sienna. "By the way, weren't you asking about who rescued you last time?"

Sienna had indeed asked, but Ellie found describing his appearance challenging. All she remembered was that he was very handsome.

"Look," Ellie said, pointing at Josiah on the screen. "That's him! He's your savior!"