Chapter 295

Sienna wore a Minnie Mouse hairpin. She'd been busy caring for Joyce, sharing meals and sleeping arrangements. She hadn't even noticed Joyce placing it in her hair, but Josiah did.

It was thumbnail-sized, adorned with white diamonds and a bright red bow—identical to the pair he'd given Joyce. He wondered, Did Sienna just buy this? I've never seen her wear it before. He turned to enter the hospital room, eager to see Joyce and check on her aplastic anemia treatment.

He paused, hand on the doorknob. Memories flooded back: arguments with Sienna, her tearful flight from Silver Beach, a near encounter with a suspicious driver. He'd found her in Sunshine Neighborhood, the same place he'd seen Joyce in an elevator. Minnie Mouse hairpin, Sunshine Neighborhood, Joyce, Sienna…

Is it just coincidence? he pondered. If not, what connects them?

He called Zach. "Please go to TecMall, where I bought the Minnie Mouse hairpins. Find out how many pairs were sold and get the buyers' information."

"Got it, Mr. Flynn."

After hanging up, Josiah stared out the window, lost in thought. Howard arrived.

"Howard!" Josiah exclaimed. "You're just in time; stay with Grandma, I need to leave."

"Wait!" Howard grasped his arm, concerned. "What's going on with you and Sienna? Have you hurt her again? I've told you—"

"Howard, I'll talk later; I really don't have time! I have to go!" Josiah interrupted, his mind racing. He couldn't explain. Howard couldn't stop him.

Josiah drove to Sunshine Neighborhood, knowing Sienna's address. He hadn't returned to her apartment since picking her up—it felt awkward, her living situation with a single mother and child.

He gripped the steering wheel, speeding. He arrived at Sienna's apartment and rang the doorbell. No answer. He rang and knocked repeatedly. "Sienna! Sienna!" Nothing. Remembering seeing Joyce in the park, he rushed there.

The park bustled with activity. Out of breath, Josiah scanned for Joyce, but found only Tara, Joyce's nanny.

"Tara!"

"Mr. Flynn?" Tara, knitting on a bench, stood. "What brings you here?"

"Where's Joyce?" he asked. "And her mother?"

Tara, confused, pointed. "Joyce's mother took her to the dessert shop."

"Thank you!"

He watched from across the street as the dessert shop door opened. A boy emerged, followed by a young woman holding a rosy-cheeked girl—Joyce. She hugged the woman, kissing her cheek, then burying her face in her shoulder, murmuring something. The woman laughed, whispering back.

Their bond was undeniable. Josiah focused on the woman's face. It wasn't Sienna's. Joyce's mother wasn't Sienna.

He chuckled, rubbing his forehead. How could I have believed Joyce was Sienna's daughter? I've overthought this.

He returned to his car. His phone buzzed—Zach. "Mr. Flynn, besides you, two other buyers. I've sent their info."

"Alright." He checked his phone; the information revealed two unfamiliar names—neither Sienna's.

He frowned, puzzled about Sienna's hairpin. As he started the engine, he saw the dessert shop door open again. Sienna emerged, smiling, her hair in a loose bun, still wearing the Minnie Mouse hairpin. She nodded to Seth's mother, who held Joyce.

"Joyce is such a good girl, unlike Seth!"

"Seth is so cute; kids should be lively!"

They chatted. Joyce jumped into Sienna's arms. "Mommy!" Sienna laughed, catching her.

"Mommy!" Joyce pouted. "Am I not good enough? Do you like Seth more?"

They laughed. Leaning close, Sienna whispered, "Mommy loves you most."

"I know!" Joyce exclaimed, snuggling. "And I love you most too!"