Chapter 312

Sienna was slightly taken aback. Had he come to terms with it? Puzzled by the sudden shift in his attitude, this outcome was precisely what she’d hoped for.

“Alright,” Sienna smiled faintly. “Take care. I’m leaving now.”

“You too…” Cedric nodded slightly, exiting the car to open her door. They shared a smile, their eyes meeting.

Sienna waved. “I’m going in. It’s snowing, so drive carefully.”

“I will. You go ahead and get inside. I’ll leave once I see you safely in,” Cedric replied.

“Okay,” Sienna said, entering the building.

The moment she turned, Cedric’s smile vanished, replaced by unwavering affection. Watching her retreating figure, he murmured softly, “Sienna, I’ll wait for you.”

He understood her predicament. Her rejection was understandable; as a mother, she prioritized her daughter. He couldn’t compete with Joyce. So, he would wait. Wait until Joyce was safe and sound. Until then, he wouldn’t pressure Sienna.

His waiting was voluntary, unrelated to her actions. Perhaps, when Joyce recovered, Sienna and Josiah wouldn't be together. That would be his chance. Even if they did end up together, he wouldn't regret his choice.

Cedric smiled, catching a falling snowflake. “This is the hope I give myself.” After all, there was still hope.

Back at the apartment, Joyce slept soundly after her bath. Tara bustled about, the large kitchen table laden with various items—ingredients, snacks, and red ribbons.

“What’s this?” Sienna picked up an unfamiliar item.

“Ribbons for the windows,” Tara said, smiling. “Don’t you know? Haven’t you ever put them up?”

Sienna recognized them upon explanation. “I do, but it’s been a long time.”

As a child, she and her grandmother had put them up yearly. Later, with the Flynns, household staff handled it. In Fliraty, she’d been on a tight budget, prioritizing Joyce’s care.

Sienna rolled up her sleeves. “Let me put them up.”

“Sure,” Tara replied.

Sienna opened the packaging. “The New Year is coming. Time really flies.”

“Doesn’t it? Time seems to speed up as you grow older,” Tara responded.

Sienna hung the ribbons on the window, smoothing them carefully. “It looks really nice.”

As she lowered the curtain, her gaze paused. A black Bentley was parked downstairs. Too far to see the license plate clearly, she wondered who it could be. Had Josiah arrived? Sienna frowned and quickly closed the curtain.

However, nothing happened. Her phone remained silent; the doorbell didn't ring. The night was calm and peaceful.

7:29 AM

When preparing for bed, Sienna doubted whether she'd seen correctly or if it hadn't been Josiah after all.

The next morning, Joyce still slept. Sienna, not wanting to wake her, rose early. While washing up, she heard a knock.

Tara answered. “Who is it? So early?” She exclaimed, “Mr. Flynn, it’s you!”

“Yes,” Josiah stood at the door, holding a bag from Seasonal Bakery. He smiled faintly. “As promised to Joyce yesterday.”

Tara was surprised. When had this happened?

“Uncle, uncle!” Joyce ran from the room, rushing to the door. Josiah scooped her up.

“Good morning, Joyce,” he said, holding up the bag. “I brought you some muffins.”

“Wow!” Joyce’s face lit up. “Thank you, Uncle Josiah!”

Tara was amused and exasperated. It really happened. “Joyce, did you sneak my phone to call Mr. Flynn yesterday?”

“I didn’t sneak,” Joyce said seriously. “I missed him. Uncle Josiah said if I miss him, I can find him.” She hugged Josiah’s neck for confirmation. “Right?”

“That’s right.” Josiah nodded, handing the bag to Tara. “Joyce wanted muffins, so I got some from Seasonal Bakery.”

“Oh my,” Tara said, taking the bag. “Muffins from Seasonal Bakery, the best in Jeiacrity.”

She turned as Sienna emerged.

Tara smiled. “Sienna, Mr. Flynn is here.” She knew they’d met.

“Mm-hmm,” Sienna gave Josiah a faint smile. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” Josiah looked at her, remembering his promise. He tried to put Joyce down. “Joyce, I have to go now. Have a good breakfast with Mom.”

“No way!” Joyce clung to his neck. “Uncle, stay! Stay!”

Josiah hesitated, looking at Sienna.

Sienna frowned slightly. “Joyce, Uncle Josiah is busy. He doesn’t have time.”

“No time?!” Joyce looked at Josiah with hopeful eyes. “Can’t you have breakfast with Joyce?” Josiah thought, How can I bear to refuse my daughter’s coquetry?

Seeing the situation, Sienna added, “He doesn’t like our home-cooked meals?”

“Really?” Joyce asked. Sienna was at a loss, Tara joining the conversation.

“Mr. Flynn, I’ve prepared pumpkin soup, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, cereal, toast… Do you like any of these? If not, it’s okay. We have muffins,” Tara asked.

Josiah chuckled. “I can eat anything. It’s just that…” He looked at Sienna.

Tara understood. “Mr. Flynn has helped Joyce a lot, and they really hit it off. Please, Mr. Flynn, come in and have a seat.”

Sienna, unable to explain, reluctantly agreed. “Please, come in…”

Josiah was delighted, subtly smiling.

“Uncle, over there!” Joyce directed him. “The dining table! Sit next to Joyce.”

“Sure thing,” Josiah sat with Joyce, who used a booster seat. Joyce looked at him, then at Sienna. “Uncle, Mom, stay with Joyce!”

Tara brought breakfast. “With Uncle and Mom here, eat up nicely.”

“Okay,” Joyce replied.

“Dig in,” Josiah placed a muffin on Joyce’s plate, then Sienna’s.

“Uncle, you eat too!” Joyce placed one in his bowl.

“Haha, alright,” Josiah laughed heartily.

A knock sounded. Tara answered; it was the community security guard.

“Excuse me, is the Bentley downstairs yours?” the guard asked.

“Yes, is there a problem?” Tara responded.