Chapter 258

Sienna panicked. Without thinking, she called Howard. "Howard," she said, "Rosie is gone. The hospital said her family took her. Who could it be? I just called her, but her phone was off."

After speaking, Sienna calmed down, regretting her impulsiveness. Calling Howard so abruptly was unwise; he and Rosie weren't close. "Sorry, Howard," she added, "I was just so worried." She didn't know why she'd turned to him first.

"It's okay," Howard replied patiently. "Don't worry. I'll have someone look into it."

Sienna's eyes welled up. "Thank you, Howard."

"Don't be so polite," Howard's warm voice responded. "We're family. I'll let you know what I find out."

"Okay," Sienna said, hanging up, feeling helpless. Her mind preoccupied with Rosie, she returned to the dance troupe, unable to stop thinking about her all day. Having experienced loneliness and despair herself, she felt especially sympathetic. It would be heartbreaking if no one cared for Rosie in her current situation.

At noon, Sienna received a call from Howard. "Howard?" she answered immediately. "Do you have news about Rosie?"

"Yes," Howard reassured her. "Relax, Rosie was indeed taken away by her family."

"Really!" Sienna frowned. "Who is it? Could it be Daniel? Would Rosie still be alive if she fell into his hands?"

"It's Ron Miller," Howard replied.

"Ron Miller!" she thought. "Who? Is Rosie's father's last name Miller?"

"He's Rosie's grandfather," Howard said. "Mr. Miller took Rosie away. You can rest assured he will take good care of her." To ensure Sienna understood, he explained, "Ron is a world-renowned painting master."

Hearing this, Sienna remembered studying dance next door to a painting class when she was young and hearing the name Ron. She hadn't expected Rosie to be his granddaughter.

"Don't worry," Howard repeated. "With Ron's status, Rosie will be well taken care of."

"That's good. Thank you," Sienna said. After hanging up, she felt relieved but couldn't help sighing. Rosie came from a family of scholars, a perfect match for the Hunter family, wealthy merchants of Jeiacrity. If not for what happened on her wedding night…

That day, Josiah arrived at the dance company early to pick up Sienna. They were returning to Silver Beach for an evening cocktail party. Sienna needed to change.

In the car, Sienna remained preoccupied with Rosie, feeling down.

"Don't be sad," Josiah said, pulling her into his arms and rubbing her eyebrows. "As a friend, you can care for her and help her, but it's her life. She has to go through it herself."

"I know," Sienna nodded, saying no more. Josiah didn't understand she saw her own helpless past reflected in Rosie.

Fortunately, Rosie still had her grandfather. Hopefully, with Ron's intervention, Rosie's life would improve.

Upon arriving at Silver Beach, Sienna changed into her evening gown and went to the cocktail party with Josiah.

"Sienna," Josiah said, taking two glasses of champagne from a waiter. He offered one to Sienna.

Sienna frowned and waved her hand. "I don't drink." She might be pregnant and couldn't take any risks. Thinking about it, she took Josiah's glass as well. "You shouldn't drink either."

"Mr. Flynn," someone approached, business partners of Josiah's. During their small talk, their gazes frequently fell on Sienna. "Mr. Flynn, I've never seen you bring this lady out before."

Josiah's face turned cold. He held Sienna's hand, about to speak, when her hand tightened. Sienna grasped his arm, holding her temple. "Josiah, I'm not feeling well."

"What's wrong?" Seeing Sienna's distress, Josiah immediately scooped her into his arms. "Let's go sit over there and rest for a while." He lifted her horizontally.

"Hey!" Sienna blushed, wanting to struggle but hesitant. "What are you doing? So many people are watching!"

"I don't mind them looking," Josiah said unconcernedly. Ignoring the curious stares, he carried Sienna to the lounge and placed her on the sofa. "How are you feeling? What's wrong? Do we need to go to the hospital?"

"It's not that serious," Sienna laughed. "I think I'm just a little hungry." They'd come straight to the party without eating.

Josiah understood. "Wait here, I'll get you something to eat."

"Josiah," she said.

"I know what you like to eat," Josiah smiled. "Don't worry!"

Sienna paused, curving her lips into a smile. "For drinks, just milk is fine. I don't feel like drinking alcohol or anything carbonated today."

"Okay, got it," Josiah said, caressing her cheek. "Wait for me. I'll be right back."

He left. Sienna gazed at his back, feeling dazed. Is this a dream? she thought. Even in my dreams, I never dared to imagine being treated like this by Mr. Flynn.

Suddenly, a man said, "Sienna."

Sienna looked up, surprised and delighted. "Cedric!"

Cedric smiled, pointing to the armchair. "May I sit down?"

"Of course," she replied.

Cedric sat, glancing toward Josiah. "He treats you well." It wasn't a question, but a statement. He'd seen Josiah's consideration and had also heard from his cousin, Kevin, about Josiah's changed feelings for Sienna.

"I'm happy for you," Cedric said sincerely. "I'll be going now. Otherwise, Josiah will be unhappy seeing me. He's quite protective of you."

"Okay, take care," she said.

Cedric turned, smiling. "Cedric!" Someone called from the crowd.

Sienna instinctively followed the sound and saw Reyna, who saw Sienna and Cedric talking and laughing. Reyna wondered if Sienna and Cedric were close. Panic and uneasiness welled up in her heart.

Cedric walked over to Reyna. She smiled, taking his arm. "Who were you talking to? She's so pretty. Is she a friend of yours?"

"Yes," Cedric nodded, a flicker of pain in his eyes. "A very, very good friend."