Chapter 299

Sienna pulled back her hand, her delicate lashes fluttering. "Then I'll await your news."

Josiah's gaze darkened as he, too, withdrew his hand, swirling his drink in thoughtful silence. "Sienna, may I… meet Joyce?"

They both knew this meeting differed from past encounters. He wished to acknowledge her as his daughter.

Sienna smirked, unsurprised, having prepared for this. "Josiah, Joyce and I are accustomed to our life now. In our world, it's just us… Do you understand?"

Josiah nodded, bitterness rising in his throat. He understood. He had missed every important moment in Joyce's life. Sienna's refusal to let him acknowledge his daughter was predictable.

Sienna sipped her tea. "Please don't tell Grandma anything about Joyce." Miranda valued family above all. If she learned about Joyce, she would undoubtedly try to integrate Joyce into the Flynn family, perhaps even attempt to reconcile Josiah and herself. Sienna wished to avoid any trouble.

"Very well," Josiah replied seriously. "I know what to do."

"Thank you," Sienna smiled gratefully.

Josiah's heart ached with bitterness, hindering his ability to smile. He produced a card from his pocket and placed it before Sienna.

"What's this?" Sienna asked, confused.

"It's my supplementary card."

Sienna shook her head. "I don't need it. You've already given me enough."

But Josiah insisted. "That was for you; this is for Joyce… for her care. As Joyce's dad, I have a duty to support her."

Sienna hesitated, momentarily speechless. Josiah urged, "Take it; this card has no limit."

"Alright," Sienna said, accepting the card.

After concluding their conversation, they left the café, and Josiah drove Sienna to her apartment building. "Thank you," she said, unbuckling her seatbelt and reaching for the door.

"Sienna," Josiah called.

"Yes?" Sienna turned.

Josiah hesitated, searching for the right words. He took a deep breath. "Do you hate me?"

Sienna studied him. "If I said I don't hate you, would you believe me?" Her sarcasm was evident.

Josiah swallowed. There was no doubt Sienna did hate him.

"What does hate matter? It serves no purpose," Sienna said, her laughter cold, her gaze lingering on his pale face. "We are Joyce's parents; let's interact as such."

Because of Joyce's health, their paths would inevitably cross. For Joyce's sake, they needed to maintain civility. "I'm leaving," Sienna waved and hurried inside.

Josiah sat quietly in his car, murmuring, "For Joyce… Sienna, what about you? After all these years of hatred and resentment, how will you ever find peace?"

The next day, Sienna received a message from Josiah: I've contacted the doctor. I'll send you the address and contact details. Please take Joyce there tomorrow.

Sienna replied: Okay. Thank you.

Chapter 300

Josiah laughed cynically. His life was a mess—things couldn't get any worse. Sienna's thanks were solely for Joyce's sake.

After breakfast, Sienna dressed Joyce warmly and carried her out. Tara followed, carrying Joyce's things. Thanks to Josiah's arrangements, they faced no hospital wait and were quickly seen by the doctor.

Xenon, a leading expert in blood disorders, examined Joyce. After the checkup, Tara took Joyce to the garden while Xenon spoke with Sienna and the belatedly arrived Josiah.

After reviewing the test results, Xenon said, "Don't worry, both of you. Joyce's condition isn't alarming; it's manageable."

Xenon explained the treatment plan in detail. "Based on follow-up results, we'll make adjustments."

"Thank you, Xenon," Sienna said, her hands instinctively clenching.

"You're welcome," Xenon smiled, glancing at Josiah. "About surgery, the records show you've been registered and are in the queue?"

Josiah looked at Sienna. "Yes." Sienna nodded. "But we haven't reached the front yet."

"There's another option," Xenon said, looking at both of them. "You're both young; have you considered having a second child?"

Sienna looked down. Even the expert considered the same thing.

Josiah sighed, worry clouding his face. "But we haven't had success so far."

Xenon understood. "This can't be rushed. Let's take a conservative approach—continue with the treatment while still trying for a second child."

Xenon wrote a prescription. "I've reviewed Joyce's previous medication; we'll discontinue two and add a new one. Please monitor her closely during the initial phase."

"Understood," Josiah said, taking the prescription. "I'll get the medication and bring it to you."

Sienna nodded. As they left, Sienna said, "You can go now."

Josiah nodded. "I'll get the medication and be back soon."

"Okay, thank you."

Outside, the sun shone warmly. "Joyce," Sienna found her daughter in the garden. "Mommy!" Joyce ran over, taking Sienna's hand. "Look at those flowers! They're so pretty!"

"Are they?"

"They are! Mommy, come with me! I'll show you!"

"Okay."

Josiah sat in his car, watching them hand in hand. A bittersweet smile touched his face as he pulled a blue velvet box from his pocket. It was a ring—a red diamond ring, custom-made for his proposal. He'd just received it that morning. Sadly, it would go unused. He realized Sienna no longer loved him. She had loved him once, but that love was gone. Josiah closed the box and put it away.