Chapter 313

“It’s like this,” the security guard explained. “We noticed someone acting suspiciously, loitering near the Bentley for a while. We apprehended him and wanted to ask if you recognize him. If not, should we call the police?”

Tara, unsure what to do, turned to Josiah, who had already approached. “Mr. Flynn, what do you think?” she asked.

“I’ll handle it,” Josiah said.

“Alright,” Tara replied.

Josiah addressed the guards. “Could you show me a photo of the person?”

“Sure,” one guard produced his phone, displaying a picture. “Here he is. Do you recognize him?”

Josiah examined the unfamiliar face, then photographed it with his own phone. Returning the phone, he said, “Thank you for your trouble. I don’t recognize him; let him go.”

“Let him go?” the guard asked, surprised.

“Yes,” Josiah nodded. The guards’ inquiry indicated the car was unharmed; otherwise, they would have gone straight to the police.

“Well, alright then,” the guards said, puzzled but accepting the car owner’s decision. “Sorry to bother you,” one added.

“Take your time,” Josiah replied.

After dismissing the guards, Josiah returned to the dining table. Sienna, having overheard, felt uneasy about his nonchalant attitude. “Just let him go? No need to call the police? Not long ago, you were injured by someone with a machete.”

“Calling the police would be useless,” Josiah said with a smirk. “He hasn’t done anything, and even in the station, he wouldn’t say a word.”

Sienna, seeing his calm demeanor, asked, “Aren’t you worried?”

Josiah paused, then nodded. “Worried, yes, but worrying won’t help. Life goes on.” He looked down at Joyce, her face smeared with oil, his expression softening. “Joyce, is it delicious?”

“Very yummy,” Joyce replied.

Sienna shook her head, forgoing further questions. She knew his methods.

“By the way,” Josiah suddenly pointed at the window. “Last night, what were you doing standing by the window?”

Sienna looked up sharply. He had been there. No explanation was needed; he knew. He noticed the window decorations and chuckled. “So you were putting up window decorations, huh? They look nice. The New Year is coming. What are your plans?”

Sienna, unsure of his meaning, glanced at Joyce. “No particular plans, just staying with Joyce.” They always spent the holidays together. This year, with Tara, whose daughter was abroad, they’d have more company.

“Uncle,” Joyce tugged at Josiah’s sleeve. “You should come stay with Joyce for the family reunion.”

Sienna frowned, shaking her head. “You can’t say that. He has to go home for family reunions.”

Joyce nodded, pouting.

Josiah said, “How can I bear to see my daughter sad? Besides, I prefer being with you two on such days.” He added, “How about this, Joyce? I’ll come later that day. If you’re awake, we can stay up late and set off fireworks.”

Sienna opened her mouth to refuse, but Joyce clapped her hands. “Okay, okay! You have to keep your promise!”

“Of course,” Josiah patted Joyce’s head. “I promise.”

“Cross my heart!” Joyce said, extending her little finger.

Josiah hooked his finger with hers. Sienna sighed softly. Let them be. More love for Joyce was always good.

After breakfast, Josiah didn’t go straight to the company, but to the Flynn residence to see Howard. The residence bustled with New Year preparations. Miranda was scolding Howard.

“You don’t know anything! Yvette should be coming back soon, she usually handles this, and it’s wearing me out!”

Howard replied, “I don’t know.”

Miranda was speechless. Seeing Josiah, she became even more annoyed. “You’re even less reliable! Can you bring Sienna back?”

Josiah shrugged. “I can’t.”

Miranda fumed. “Get out! You two give me a headache.” She picked up Bobby. “At least Bobby is adorable! Let’s go see Linda.”

The two left, leaving the brothers alone. Howard frowned. “What are you doing here? Don’t bother me with company matters.”

Josiah, amused and exasperated, said, “Don’t worry, I’m not here to bother you. Someone was following me.” He showed Howard the photo. Howard recognized the person as from the Evans family. He immediately called Hervey, who identified the man as likely working for money, making his employer and intentions unclear.

Howard decided, “For now, let Hervey follow you.”

Josiah laughed. “No need.”

Howard was displeased. “There are only two of us left in the Flynn family. We can’t afford more accidents. Do you want to end up like me, unconscious for three to five years?”

“That’s not what I meant,” Josiah explained. “Since we can’t determine their intentions, it’s better to observe. I have Zach, Chester, James, and Hervey. They’ll be more cautious.”

Howard agreed. It was better to discover their intentions than live in constant fear.

“Alright,” Howard nodded. “Be careful.”

“Don’t worry, I value my life,” Josiah laughed. Howard chuckled, noticing the absence of Josiah’s usual gloom.

After Josiah left, Howard checked his WhatsApp. Yvette hadn't replied to his message from two days prior: “[The New Year is approaching. It’s time to come home.]”

A little after seven, Josiah drove towards Sunshine Neighborhood, texting Sienna: “[Be there soon, just bringing some New Year’s goods, nothing else.]”

Zach, in the front seat, warned, “Sir, someone is following us.”

Josiah glanced in the rearview mirror, his eyes narrowing slightly. “They’re following closely.”