Chapter 285

Howard’s legs trembled, making it difficult to crouch. “Rosie—” The instant he spoke, Rosie screamed in terror. Her eyes widened, and she covered her ears, shaking violently. “Don’t come closer!” She raised a hand to her neck, revealing a shard of glass—from the smashed clock— clutched tightly in her palm. Mistaking Howard for Daniel, she glared. “Do you want me dead? I’ll do it myself!”

Suddenly, her eyelids fluttered, her grip loosened, and the glass fell as she collapsed toward Howard. He instinctively caught her. He had struck Rosie on the back of her neck to stop her from harming herself.

Howard retrieved a quilt from the bed, wrapped Rosie securely in it, and, with a worried expression, carried her from the room.

“Howard?” Hervey stood at the top of the stairs, hurrying down. “Let me carry her.”

Howard shook his head. “No need, I can manage.”

Hervey protested, “But your legs…” Howard’s legs were hardly fit for heavy lifting.

Howard insisted, “She’s as light as a feather; a few steps won’t hurt me.”

Seeing Howard’s determination, Hervey conceded. Daniel, meanwhile, remained pinned against the wall, oblivious to the chaos. As Howard passed, he kicked Daniel hard. “Ah!” Daniel cried out in pain. Keeping his gaze forward, Howard carried Rosie out.

Hervey hurried after him, his concern evident. “Howard, is your leg alright? That kick must have taken a lot of effort.”

“It’s fine,” Howard replied, his face serious. His concern lay with Daniel. Once in the car, Howard held Rosie close, feeling tense and immobile.

Rosie was initially silent. Then, as if jolted from a troubled dream, she began to cry softly, a mewling sound that tore at Howard’s heart. Unsure how to comfort her, he awkwardly placed a hand on her back, stroking it gently. Rosie calmed, seemingly soothed by his touch.

Howard brushed her hair from her face. “Good girl,” he murmured softly. After a pause, he sighed. “I’m sorry, it was my fault you got hurt.” Though he hadn’t physically harmed her, her pain stemmed from his actions. He faintly noticed a resemblance to Bobby in her features. Their son resembled his mother.

As the recording for the show began, Sienna emerged from the studio, where Josiah had been waiting. He had news about Rosie. Howard had taken her to the hospital for treatment—her injuries were minor—and she was back at City Pearl. “Howard?” Sienna gasped, both surprised and impressed. “He is such a good man.”

Josiah remained silent, his expression unhappy. “What’s wrong?” Sienna asked, sensing his unease.

Josiah looked displeased. “I need to go abroad tomorrow. If all goes well, I’ll be back in a week, but if not… it could take half a month.” He embraced Sienna. “Come back to Silver Beach with me tonight?”

Sienna leaned against him, her emotions turbulent. A voice whispered that her chance had come. She had resolved not to fight with him, hoping for precisely this moment, which had arrived sooner than expected. A week or two would be enough to leave Jelacrity and start afresh, far from Josiah, taking Joyce with her.

Chapter 283

“What do you say?” Josiah held her gently, swaying her slightly. “I’ll ask Howard to take care of Rosie. You trust Howard the most, don’t you?”

“Mm,” Sienna smiled. “Okay.”

“That’s amazing!” Josiah, excited, kissed her. “Change your clothes so we can go home!” He guided her toward the changing room. “Romilly made your favorite soup. Tonight, I’ll wash your hair, then we can watch your favorite shows together.”

Sienna looked at him, smiling softly. “Sounds good.” Everything felt like a blessing. Tomorrow, Josiah would leave Jelacrity. This was their last night together. It was nice to have a peaceful evening before parting, a clean break.

At City Pearl, Howard sat opposite Rosie, their eyes meeting in silence. Rosie had tried repeatedly to speak, her lips stiffening. “Howard, thank you for your help today.”

Howard responded only with short, noncommittal sounds. Rosie felt his distance and her helplessness. His phone rang. He stepped aside to answer. “Hello?”

“Howard, it’s me.” Josiah briefed him. “Sienna needs to be with me tonight; please take care of Bobby’s mother.”

Before Howard could reply, Josiah added, “You need to end this quickly; she’s taking up all of Sienna’s time, and Sienna keeps leaving me alone! I won’t stand for it—when I return, Sienna won’t be at her service anymore!”

He concluded respectfully, “Thank you, Howard; you’re the best.” Then he hung up.

Howard thought his brother was maturing. He put down the phone and saw Rosie on the sofa, her wide, innocent eyes fixed on him. He had become her sole support.

Chapter 286

“Ms. Miller,” Hervey approached Rosie. “Ms. Shaw won’t be coming. The home helper will stay overnight to look after you.”

“Oh,” Rosie nodded, standing. “Thank you!”

“Take care and rest well.” Hervey turned to Howard. “Howard, let’s go.”

Howard stood, but Rosie called out. He glanced back, remaining silent. Though they’d never spoken before, Rosie felt his presence strongly.

Hesitantly, she spoke, “Howard… thank you, and take care.”

After a moment, Howard replied, “Mm,” and left.

Hearing his footsteps fade, Rosie felt sadness. The home helper approached. “Ms. Miller, I’ll be here tonight. If you need anything, just call me.”

“Alright, thank you.”

When Sienna emerged from the dressing room, Josiah took her hand, his eyes filled with joy. “Let’s go home.”

In the elevator, perhaps due to the confined space or stuffy air, Sienna covered her mouth. “Ugh…”

Josiah asked quickly, “Do you need to vomit?”

Sienna nodded weakly. There was no trash bin.

“Into my hand!” Josiah offered his hand.

Sienna shook her head. Josiah started to remove his coat. Before he could, Sienna vomited, and much of it landed on Josiah.

Sienna was mortified. The air filled with the unpleasant smell, causing others to frown. Already feeling unwell, Sienna paled with shame.

“It’s alright,” Josiah embraced her, using his coat to mask the odor. He apologized to the others, explaining Sienna’s pregnancy.

The others showed understanding. “Oh, she’s pregnant! We understand. Pregnancy is tough.”

“Thank you,” Josiah smiled, looking at Sienna. “Feeling better? Still nauseous?” Sienna shook her head. When the elevator arrived, the others exited first, then Josiah carried Sienna out, only for her to push him away.

Looking at the mess on his shirt, she frowned. “Could you go to the restroom?”

“Let’s go to the car,” Josiah chuckled. “If I go to the restroom, I’d have to come out in my birthday suit. Let’s move.”

By the car, Josiah tossed his coat to Sienna, removed his soiled sweater and shirt, standing bare-chested. Many eyes turned their way.

“Which star is that?” “He’s so handsome!” “With a height like that, he must be a model!”

Sienna hastily draped the coat over him. “Not a soul is allowed to see me?” Josiah playfully pinched her nose. “Ah, quite possessive!”