Chapter 235

"Alright, I'll be there soon." After hanging up, Josiah hurried to Maplewood Hay, where Hervey lived. Hervey answered the door.

Hervey stepped aside, inviting him in. "Thank you," Josiah said, entering. Inside, Howard sat on the couch, waiting.

A smile touched Josiah's face. "What's the secret business you wanted to discuss?"

Howard's face grew serious. He stood, extending his arm. Josiah quickly grabbed a cane and offered it. "Here, Howard."

"Thank you." Howard took the cane and glanced at his brother. "Come with me."

"Oh, alright." Josiah felt uneasy. He followed Howard upstairs to the second floor, where Howard stopped before a door.

"Howard!" Josiah asked, confused.

Howard said, "I want you to meet someone…" He took a deep breath, grasped the doorknob, and gently turned it. The door creaked open. Josiah peeked inside.

The simple room was slightly messy but tidy, with belongings arranged around the edges and a carpet in the center. On the carpet sat a small boy, perhaps three years old, engrossed in LEGO blocks. Josiah was startled and shot a questioning look at Howard.

Before he could speak, Howard quietly closed the door behind them to avoid startling the child.

"Howard," Josiah stammered, a mix of surprise and confusion washing over him. He had many questions—Who is this child? Where did he come from? Why is he here?—but couldn't find a starting point. With Howard's seriousness, could this child be…

Howard met Josiah's shocked gaze, a slight smile playing on his lips. "As you suspect, he's mine."

Josiah's eyes widened in disbelief. Then it clicked—since waking, Howard had asked Hervey to find someone. This child, and possibly the child's mother, were likely the people he'd been searching for. Yvette's intuition had been right; she'd wondered if Howard had someone else, though she lacked proof.

After processing the shock, Josiah turned to his brother. "What's your plan, Howard? Will you tell Yvette?" Before Howard could answer, Josiah said seriously, "Howard, don't forget your promises to Yvette! Without her, you wouldn't have survived!" Howard frowned, showing some emotion. "Calm down; this child was unexpected. I never meant to betray Yvette or abandon her." Josiah swallowed hard, choosing to trust Howard. He gestured toward the room. "What's going on, Howard?"

"Come with me." Howard gestured toward the study. "I'll explain."

"Alright."

To understand the situation, one must return to Howard's car accident years ago. The crash had left him in a coma—more than just bad luck. Josiah and Miranda had suspected foul play and investigated quietly, but found no useful information. Even the police investigation yielded nothing.

Hearing Howard mention it, Josiah's expression darkened. "They still haven't shown any remorse."

Howard remained calm, his voice soothing. "Unfortunately for them, I didn't die." Now awake, any future threats would be met with resistance. Old scores needed settling.

The child was unplanned. Josiah felt he shouldn't blame Howard, but knew Yvette might not be so understanding. Since the child was Howard's blood, he shouldn't be left to wander. For now, keeping it secret from Yvette was best.

Josiah voiced his concern. "Howard, that child should grow up in the Flynn family. What about the child's mother?"

Howard said sharply, "The child's mother merely gave birth to him. There's nothing between us."

Josiah breathed a sigh of relief. "Howard, don't worry too much. Give Yvette time; I trust she'll understand. This was unexpected. Your feelings for Yvette haven't changed."

Howard nodded, worry etched on his brow. "Let's hope so."

Later that afternoon, as Sienna left the hospital, Joyce was feeling much better. Returning to the Lightning Dance, Sienna waited for Josiah.

As he buckled his seatbelt, Josiah cleared his throat repeatedly. Sienna frowned. "What's with the coughing? Are you sick?"

"Not at all," Josiah paused, shaking his head. "It's just been so dry lately; my throat feels parched."

"Oh." Sienna nodded, deciding not to press further.

That evening, relaxing together, Sienna leaned against Josiah. "Tomorrow night, I'm invited to dinner at Rosie's. If it runs late, I might stay over."

Joyce's treatment was scheduled for tomorrow, and Sienna needed to be at the hospital.

Josiah didn't seem entirely pleased. "You're planning to spend the night there?"

Sienna nodded. "I have friends; sometimes I need to catch up."

"What gossip requires an entire evening?" Josiah complained.

Sienna playfully puffed her cheeks. "Just one night."

Seeing her annoyance, Josiah conceded. "Fine, just one night, okay!"

Sienna smiled, kissing him. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. When they parted, Josiah held her wrist. "By the way, your watch has been found."

"What?" Sienna blinked, surprised.

"Is that surprising?" Josiah playfully squeezed her nose. "As I told you, it has DNA; it's impossible to sell. The moment the thief took it, we got word. But it's damaged and needs repair."

He leaned down to kiss her again. "They'll send it back when it's fixed, but it will take some time."

Sienna nodded, contemplating the troubles of maintaining a life of luxury.

The night passed quietly. The next morning, Sienna went to the hospital. After Joyce's treatment, the discomfort began almost immediately.

"Mommy," Joyce snuggled close, her eyes teary. "I miss Daddy. I feel so sick; can Daddy come see me?"

Sienna's heart ached.