Chapter 240

“Yvette.” Howard saw the madness in her eyes. He handed Bobby to Miranda. “Be good, Bobby. I have something to do. Stay with Great-Grandma, okay?” Turning to Miranda, he added, “I know. I know.”

Miranda didn’t need an explanation. “Go ahead. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of Bobby.”

“Thank you, Grandma,” Howard said.

Miranda held the bewildered Bobby, soothing him with a heavy heart. “Don’t be afraid, Bobby. This is grown-up business; it has nothing to do with you. Come home with me.” Bobby, sensitive to her genuine affection, nodded obediently.

“Good boy. Let’s go,” Miranda said.

Yvette rushed out the door, sped off in her car, driving recklessly. The orphanage, nestled in the mountainous Galiralle region, was already far behind by the time Howard and his men set out in pursuit.

Howard had endured a rough night. Still recovering from a coma that had lasted several years, he’d only been awake for a few months. A dull ache throbbed in his legs and head.

Hervey noticed. “Mr. Howard Flynn, why don’t you go back first? I will find Ms. Young.”

Howard frowned. “I’m afraid that even if you find her, she won’t come back with you.”

Hervey was speechless.

Meanwhile, Miranda, having settled Bobby in the car, approached Howard. “Howard, you can’t push yourself too hard. Come home with me.”

Howard hesitated. “But Grandma…”

Miranda addressed Hervey decisively. “Contact Josiah and ask him to come over. Yvette may not listen to you, but she’ll listen to Josiah.” Turning back to Howard, she continued, “Don’t be a stranger. We’re family. What’s yours is his. If something were to happen to you, how could Josiah live with himself? Be good and listen to me.”

She glared at Hervey. “What are you standing there for? Hurry up!”

“Yes, Mrs. Flynn,” Hervey nodded.

At four in the morning, Josiah’s phone rang, jolting him from a sound sleep. He glanced at Sienna beside him; a light sleeper, she was already awake.

“Go answer it outside,” she murmured, closing her eyes.

“Okay,” Josiah whispered, tiptoeing out. “Hervey, what’s up?”

Hervey explained the situation, apologizing, “Mr. Josiah Flynn, Mr. Howard Flynn is tired. Mrs. Flynn asked me to contact you. Sorry to disturb your rest.”

Josiah rubbed his temples. “I understand. It’s alright. I’ll be right there.”

“Okay, Mr. Flynn.” Hanging up, Josiah sighed. He couldn’t refuse Howard and Yvette, but he didn’t know how to tell Sienna.

He sat by the bed, hesitating. “Sienna.”

Sienna’s back was to him. “Are you done? Can I sleep now? Turn off the light; it’s dazzling.”

“Sienna,” Josiah began, “I have to go out.”

Sienna turned, eyes snapping open. “Now?”

Josiah took her hand. “Yes. It’s Howard. He has a problem.”

“What happened to Howard!” Sienna asked, treating Howard like a brother. “Is he unwell?”

“No, not at all,” Josiah reassured her. “Howard is fine.”

“Then what is it?” Sienna pressed, frowning. “Isn’t Flynn Group still under your full management?”

Silence hung in the air. Their eyes met. In an instant, Sienna understood. A soft smile touched her lips. “It’s Yvette,” she stated, not as a question.

Josiah’s heart leaped. He tightened his grip on her hand, fearing her anger. “Sienna, I…”

“Go ahead,” Sienna said calmly. “It must be urgent, calling you away in the middle of the night. No need for explanations. Just hurry.”

“Sienna,” Josiah questioned, “You’re not angry?”

“Am I angry?” Sienna shook her head, smiling. “But if I were and asked you not to go, would you stay?”

Josiah’s expression answered her.

“See?” Sienna smiled faintly. “Whether I’m angry or not won’t change anything. Why should I waste my energy?”

She pulled away her hand, gently pushing him. “Go on, then. She’s waiting for you.”

Josiah hesitated. “Sienna…”

Sienna ignored him, glancing out the window. “It’s very late. I’m going to sleep. You should go.”

Josiah stared at her, sensing her anger but unable to stay. “Well then, I’ll be going.”

“Hmm,” Sienna murmured, nodding faintly.

Josiah went into the cloakroom. When he emerged, Sienna was lying down, her back to him. His chest tightened. “Sienna, I’m leaving.”

“Hmm…” she replied softly, unchanging her position.

He waited, only met with silence. He'd noticed the sleet while changing. He bent down, touching her face. “It’s sleeting outside. It’s cold. Keep the blanket on.”

Sienna’s eyes remained closed. She didn't answer.

“Well then, I’m leaving.” Josiah paused, then withdrew his hand and left.

The moment the door closed, Sienna opened her eyes, her gaze clear and calm. That was close, she thought. I almost messed up. She’d had a fleeting, frightening thought about being with him while making his Greek yogurt. Luckily, the call had snapped her out of it.

In the car, Josiah gripped the wheel, frustration mounting. What is Sienna doing now? Is she asleep? She’s a light sleeper, so she shouldn’t have fallen asleep so easily. But then why didn’t she say anything when I left? He’d mentioned the sleet, yet she hadn’t responded, hadn’t told him to be careful. Earlier, when she made Greek yogurt for me, I felt she was getting closer. But now, she’s back to where she was.

His phone rang. Yvette. He composed himself. “Yvette,” he answered.

Yvette’s voice trembled. “Josiah, I’m so scared…”