Chapter 225

"Very well," Howard said, stepping inside gracefully with Yvette. A familiar figure by the dining table surprised him. Yvette exclaimed, "You again?"

Rosie stood straight, nervously clasping her hands. "Mr. Flynn, Ms. Young, good day." She had submitted her design with little hope, never believing she'd be chosen. Feeling nervous and aware of past friction with Yvette, Rosie bit her lip. Yvette looked disturbed.

Howard, sensing the tension and wishing to avoid further interaction with Rosie, gently took Yvette's hand. "If you're unhappy, we can find another designer." He effectively dismissed Rosie before any discussion, leaving her momentarily speechless and her smile fading.

Rosie forced a smile. "If Mr. Flynn insists, I'll take my leave." She bent to retrieve her bag.

"Wait," Yvette said, frowning thoughtfully. "Even though we've had our issues, I keep personal feelings separate from business. I'm buying your design; let's put aside past problems, okay?"

Rosie's eyes brightened, but Howard interjected, "Yvette, there will be many discussions about a wedding dress. You don't need to choose a designer you dislike. There are many great designers."

Rosie grumbled internally, thinking, Why is Mr. Flynn so petty? Yvette doesn't mind, yet he's so mean. Definitely not a gentleman!

Yvette, pleased with Howard's words, leaned into him. "I appreciate your concern, but I like her design. It's fine… I don't hold grudges; let her have a chance."

Howard remained firm. "I just want to protect your feelings; a wedding should be a happy time."

"If you care about my feelings so much, how could I possibly feel bad!" Yvette's eyes sparkled. "As long as you treat me well, I don't care about others."

Seeing he couldn't change her mind, Howard sighed. "You really like her design!"

"Yes, I do," Yvette nodded vigorously.

"Alright then," Howard conceded. "I'll go along with your wishes and let her give it a try."

"Howard, you're the best!" Overjoyed, Yvette kissed him on the cheek. Rosie looked away, uncomfortable with the display of affection.

Rosie thought, Truly, Howard is devoted to Yvette; a simple pout is enough for him to agree to anything. At this rate, he'll get her the stars if she asks.

"Rosie," Yvette said.

"Yes?" Rosie looked up cheerfully. "Ms. Young, how can I help you?"

Yvette laughed. "I didn't know you could be so cute. Let's put the past behind us. I'm trusting you with my wedding gown."

"Don't worry, Ms. Young," Rosie replied, beaming. "I will do my best to impress you!"

Howard frowned slightly. He hadn't expected this from Rosie; her eagerness to please seemed both flexible and excessive. Yet, he felt this very attitude might have been key to her success.

That evening, Sienna and Josiah stayed overnight at the Flynn residence.

Josiah was busy, so Sienna went to her room to rest. Entering, she realized she had taken Josiah's coat; he'd draped it over her earlier. Getting up to return it, she felt something in his pocket. A delicate jewelry box.

Sienna wondered, What's inside? A necklace? A bracelet? Is it a gift for me? He invited me out today, and I refused. Did he secretly buy me something?

She opened it to find a pair of Minnie Mouse hairpins. Surprised by his choice, she wondered if they suited her. Her style leaned more towards bold than cute. She returned the hairpins to the box and the box to the pocket. She already had numerous unworn gifts from him.

Late at night, Sienna awoke to a weight on her and a hand covering her mouth. "Mmm," she murmured, instinctively kicking out.

Josiah chuckled softly. "Trying this again? What if you hurt my… you don't seem to care about your own happiness at all!"

"Josiah!" Sienna glared. "It's the middle of the night, can't you let me sleep?"

"I can't rest until…"

Sienna protested, "Is it too much to just take a day off?" She desired a child but wasn't as insistent as he was.

"Fine," Josiah agreed, his kisses continuing. "Tomorrow, I promise we'll rest…"

The next day, Sienna understood Josiah's urgency; he was leaving for Harbwood that afternoon. Before departing, he drove Sienna back to her neighborhood.

Before exiting the car, Sienna eyed Josiah suspiciously.

"What's wrong?" Josiah asked, touching his face. "Is there something on it?"

"No," Sienna shook her head, her gaze drifting to his suit pocket. The Minnie Mouse hairpins were still there. Had he forgotten?

Sienna smiled. "I'm off then."

"Bye."

Sienna hurried away, then reappeared at the entrance, urgently hailing a cab. "Please follow that Bentley ahead!"