Chapter 361

“The doctor’s words are all lies, aren’t they?” Yvette shouted, suddenly grabbing Josiah’s collar. Her eyes flashed with intensity. “He’s a quack, isn’t he?”

Josiah remained silent, his lips pressed tightly together. Earlier, the doctor had discovered problems with Yvette’s lower limb sensation and reflexes. His alarming prognosis still echoed in the air: “Mr. Flynn, Ms. Young’s back muscles and nerves are injured from the accident; her lower limbs may become immobile.”

“What does that mean?” Josiah had asked.

“Paraplegia.” The word plunged Yvette into despair and Josiah into a pit of guilt.

After a long silence, Yvette’s emotions threatened to overflow. Her eyes were wild and bloodshot. “I can’t be fixed! Why am I even alive?” She released his collar and nearly collapsed. Even as Josiah tried to help, her rage was overwhelming. “Let go of me! I said let go!”

Josiah frowned, worried for her safety, and called for the nurse. The nurse quickly returned with the doctor, who urgently instructed, “Give her a tranquilizer!”

Yvette fought violently. Only with the combined efforts of Josiah and the nurse could they restrain her. Once the tranquilizer took effect, she finally quieted, her eyelids drooping as she went limp in Josiah’s arms. He sighed, gently laying her on the bed.

Outside, Sienna sat on a bench, observing the scene through the half-open door. She was surprised by Yvette’s distress; it was undeniably difficult.

When the room fell silent, the doctor emerged, followed by Josiah. He approached Sienna, looking weary. He leaned back in a chair, his gaze fixed on the floor, and murmured, “Since that night…”

Sienna understood – the night of their kidnapping. She nodded. Despite her dislike for Yvette, she felt a fleeting pang of sympathy for her plight. This feeling was brief, however, lacking any real depth. “Can I leave now?” Sienna asked.

Josiah frowned, taking her hand. “Her condition is because of me. Can you understand that? I can’t just leave her.”

Sienna looked at him. “Does my feeling even matter to you?”

“Sienna,” Josiah tightened his grip on her hand.

A sarcastic laugh escaped Sienna’s lips. “If I don’t understand, will you stop caring for her? Your question is pointless.” Looking at his hand on hers, she added, “Still holding on? After keeping me here so long. I just want to go home and sleep.” Her voice was calm, her demeanor indifferent. She had no desire for conflict. Josiah felt a knot in his stomach, unable to find the right words. He released her hand, rising to his feet. “I’ll take you home.”

“Are you really leaving?” Sienna asked, surprised. “What if she wakes up and can’t find you? Won’t she panic?”

Josiah glanced at her. “She just received a tranquilizer; she won’t wake up quickly.”

Before Sienna could respond, he led her outside and drove her back to Sunshine Neighborhood. He walked her to her apartment building. “Get some rest; I’ll be back tomorrow.”

Sienna looked up at him. “Aren’t you tired?” Her concern was evident. “You must be worn out. Yvette needs your full attention.”

Josiah frowned, his voice tight. “Are you pitying me? Or looking for a reason to break up?” He searched her face for any sign of displeasure, finding none.

Sienna chuckled softly. “You misunderstand. I wouldn’t dream of breaking up with you; Joyce still depends on you. I’m just worried about you, that’s all.”

Josiah laughed incredulously, cupping her chin. “I know you don’t have feelings for me; there’s no need to remind me.” Leaning down, his breath brushed her face. “What kind of tricks are you playing? Do you think annoying me will make me let you go? Get some sleep.”

When Josiah returned to the hospital, Howard was waiting. Howard glanced at his brother. “What are the next steps?”

A heavy worry clouded Josiah’s face. “It’s too late tonight. I’ve asked Zach to contact specialists from every hospital in the city. They will meet for a consultation tomorrow.”

Howard nodded. That was their only plan.

The next day, at eight-thirty, Joyce woke up. “Josiah?”

Sienna rushed in, picking up her daughter. “You’re awake!”

“Mommy…” Joyce, still sleepy, looked towards the door. “Where is Josiah?” She had grown accustomed to seeing him first thing in the morning, him dressing her, and sharing breakfast.

Sienna paused, tapping her daughter’s nose. “Josiah is busy today.”

“Josiah isn’t coming,” Joyce pouted. “He broke his promise!”

Sienna felt a pang of sympathy for her daughter and annoyance towards Josiah. She could forgive him for his actions towards her, but he should never let Joyce down. “Be good, Joyce. You’re wearing your Minnie Mouse dress today.”

“Oh,” Joyce’s head drooped. “Will Josiah come to have lunch with me?”

“Joyce, be good. Mommy’s here with you.”

Joyce, understanding he wouldn’t come, asked, “Will he come today?”

Sienna struggled to answer. After getting Joyce ready, she called Josiah. After several rings, he answered. “Where are you?” Sienna asked. “Will—”

“Sienna,” Josiah hesitated. “I was about to call you; I can’t come this morning. Please tell Joyce…”

“Will you be here soon?”

Sienna sneered. “You didn’t say that last night.”