Chapter 277

In Elysian Hall, Josiah stepped out of the private room for some fresh air, and Chelsea quickly followed. "Josiah, wait!"

Josiah glanced at her. "Why are you following me?"

Chelsea pouted, ignoring his indifference. "We grew up together. You didn't recognize me last time, and you haven't apologized yet." She was referring to an incident involving Yvette. Knowing Josiah would be there, she'd sought him out. Coming from a prominent family, she was accustomed to directness.

When Josiah realized who she was, he decided to let the matter with Yvette slide for now; he couldn't disrespect the Stewart family. But an apology?

A smile played on Josiah's lips. "How would you like me to apologize?"

With a giggle, Chelsea linked her arm with his. "Josiah, I like you. I've liked you since we were kids. Let's date. I want to be with you."

Josiah blinked, surprised. It reminded him of a girl from his past, who'd confessed, "Josiah, I like you. When I grow up, I want to marry you and be with you forever." That girl's heart belonged to someone else now. People's affections were fickle and fleeting.

Josiah said lazily, "Thanks for sharing."

"No need to thank me," Chelsea said, tightening her grip on his arm. "Just promise to date me—"

Josiah chuckled, interrupting. "Sorry, but I have a girlfriend. You don't stand a chance."

Chelsea raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Why wouldn't I? I'm confident that once you're with me, you'll like me even more."

Josiah narrowed his eyes. Her arrogant demeanor reminded him of Sienna. He remembered Sienna saying, "Josiah, you are mine. I like you. One day, you will like me too."

"Hey," Chelsea said, waving her hand in front of him. "Why are you so quiet? What are you spacing out on?"

"It's nothing," Josiah said, returning to his senses. "We've been out here a while. Let's go back inside."

Chelsea held his arm tighter. "Then will you dance with me?"

"No," Josiah said.

"I can teach you," Chelsea insisted.

At Silver Beach, past nine o'clock, the food was cold. Sienna, lacking an appetite due to her pregnancy, ate only a bowl of soup. She showered, and by ten o'clock, she wondered if Josiah was coming home. Lying in bed, scrolling through social media, she saw a new Instagram post from Chelsea—a photograph.

The backdrop looked like a fancy party. A man, his slender fingers holding a glass, leaned against the bar. Chelsea leaned against him, smiling brightly at the camera, her fingers forming a heart shape over the man. The caption read: "The two of us."

An emptiness washed over Sienna. The realization hit her: Josiah hadn't returned because he was with Chelsea. Chelsea's earlier words echoed in her mind: "If Josiah isn't sincere with you, I won't hold back."

Sienna put down her phone and went to sleep.

At five o'clock, dawn breaking, Josiah still hadn't returned. Sienna, a little hungry, went downstairs to heat milk and heard a noise at the entrance. It wasn't Romilly; it was Josiah.

Their eyes met. He smiled faintly, avoiding her gaze as he brushed past her.

"Josiah," Sienna called, hurrying after him. She had things to say; it was time to settle this.

"Yes?" Josiah turned, smiling. "What's up?" Before she could answer, he continued, "You wouldn't be looking for me if you didn't need something. Just tell me what's going on."

He smelled strongly of alcohol and perfume. Sienna frowned. "I wanted to ask if I could move out of Silver Beach. Are we... are we broken up?"

Josiah fixed his eyes on her, fatigue vanishing. His eyebrows rose slightly. "Have I ever mentioned the word 'breakup' to you?"

Sienna looked at him calmly. "You didn't come home last night. Weren't you with Chelsea? I saw her Instagram post."

"Oh..." Josiah realized Chelsea had likely posted something ambiguous. He felt innocent; what could she have posted that was scandalous?

After a moment of silence, Josiah stared at her and laughed. "You're really going to great lengths to break up with me."

Sienna was confused. "What lengths?"

Josiah's smile faded; he grabbed her shoulders, his tone sharp. "You're trying to get away from me, so you've made yourself look bad, and now you're accusing me of being a womanizer."

Sienna was shocked. Josiah's eyes hardened, his jaw tightened. "How can you say the baby isn't mine?"

He cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Look at me. Do you dare say it again? That the baby is not mine?" His hand moved to caress her neck, a subtle threat in his touch. "Think carefully before you speak," he warned.

Sienna cowered, chilled. The ruthlessness in his eyes frightened her, leaving her speechless.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" A hint of hatred flashed in Josiah's eyes. "Don't you dare talk nonsense again. I've been treating you like a princess, giving you everything and more. I didn't do all this for you to put yourself down like this."