Chapter 362

As Sienna’s last note faded, a sharp tension lingered. "It's my fault," Josiah said, sensing Sienna's anger. Rubbing his temples, he explained, "I arranged for specialists from different hospitals to meet last night, but I didn't expect them to arrive so early. I thought I could visit Joyce in Sunshine Neighborhood beforehand."

"So what's your point?" Sienna retorted, dripping with sarcasm. "What are you doing at the medical consultation? Taking notes?"

"Sienna…" Josiah's tone grew serious. "I need to know…"

"What's with all this talk?" Sienna interrupted impatiently. "Clearly, Yvette matters more than your daughter. Do Joyce a favor and don't give her false hope!" With that, she hung up.

"Sienna?!" Josiah gripped his phone tightly, his forehead creased with worry.

"Mr. Flynn," a nurse urged, "the specialists are waiting; will you go in now?"

Josiah hesitated, then nodded. He turned and entered the doctor's office.

It had rained earlier that morning. When Yvette awoke, she was greeted by the gentle sound of rain. The room was quiet, and a caregiver sat beside her. "Ms. Young, you're awake."

"Mm." Yvette stretched, trying to sit up, prompting the caregiver to help. "Why are you here?" Yvette stiffened, glaring at the caregiver and pulling away. "Where is everyone?"

She looked around, searching for Howard and Josiah. Did they leave me after such a big event? Did they really not care? A wave of sorrow washed over her, and despair set in. She burst into tears. The caregiver, uneasy, cautiously asked, "Ms. Young, are you alright?"

"Alright! How could I possibly be alright?" Yvette shot a fierce glare, her eyes blazing. "Go find Howard and Josiah! Hurry!"

The caregiver looked flustered, unsure how to respond. As a caregiver, she couldn't possibly find them.

"Will you go or not?" Yvette sneered coldly. "Fine! If you won't go, I'll find them myself!" She threw off the covers and strained to get out of bed.

"Ms. Young!" The alarmed caregiver quickly grabbed her. "Please don't do this…"

"Yvette!" Just then, the door swung open, and Josiah stepped inside. Seeing the scene, he hurried to support her while the caregiver quickly stepped back.

Yvette paused, disbelief showing on her face. "Is it really you?"

"Yes," Josiah murmured, tears streaming down her cheeks as she laughed and cried simultaneously. "I thought you and…"

"What nonsense are you thinking? How could we do that?" Just then, Josiah's phone rang. It was Howard, checking in on the consultation results before going to work.

"Howard," Josiah glanced at Yvette before answering, "yes, the consultation results have come…"

After hanging up, he turned to Yvette, reassuring her. "See, Howard hasn't left you either. We are family, and we always will be."

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed, struggling to speak. "I know, I know…"

"Yvette, don't give up," Josiah encouraged, helping her lie back down. "The consultation just finished, and according to the specialists, there's still hope for recovery."

"Is that true?" Yvette hesitated, tears glistening in her eyes. "You're not tricking me, are you?"

"I would never trick you; it's the truth." Although the specialists couldn't guarantee a hundred percent success, even a glimmer of hope was invaluable. "Yvette, I won't give up on you, so you mustn't give up either, alright!"

Yvette looked up at him, silent for a long moment before finally nodding. She clasped his hand tightly. "Josiah, don't leave me. You're all I have left!"

"I won't," Josiah promised seriously. "I will never leave you." He felt responsible for her situation and knew he could never abandon her. "The doctor will be here soon. Maybe you should wash your face and freshen up!"

"Okay," Yvette nodded, her mood lifting. "I will do as you say."

That evening, the doorbell rang. Sienna had just finished bathing Joyce and was preparing to read her a story. Tara said, "I'll—"

"Tara, I can handle it," Sienna interrupted, striding to the door and pulling it open to reveal Josiah standing there.

"Sienna," Josiah greeted sheepishly, looking apologetic. He peeked inside at Joyce's sleeping form. "I advise you not to enter…"

As he stepped forward, Sienna blocked his path. She regarded him coldly.

"Sienna…" Josiah's brow furrowed. "I truly couldn't leave this morning, but I will explain everything to Joyce."

"And what about tomorrow?" Sienna tilted her chin, her eyes hard on him. "It's only temporary…"

"Yvette is serious; she might need you at any moment."

"Temporary?" Sienna shook her head. "How long is temporary? Even if they want to treat Yvette's paralysis, it can't be fixed in a day." She continued, "As long as she is unwell, you will keep disappointing Joyce! You let her down today, and she was upset for a whole day!"

Josiah stiffened, guilt washing over him. "Then I go in and comfort her…"

"What happens today will happen again later," Sienna didn't relent. "Can you promise you will never disappoint her again?"

Josiah stood dazed and speechless. Sienna gave a cold laugh. "You should know that I agreed to your proposal only for Joyce's sake. My daughter's happiness is much more important than Yvette's life."

Her tone was sharp. "If you hurt Joyce, I won't hold back! I can do anything!" The finality in her voice shook Josiah deeply.

With a raised brow, Sienna stated firmly, leaving no room for argument, "You must either leave now while Joyce feels little attachment, making it easier for her to forget you, or you stay, ensuring you are always here for her whenever she needs you!"

"Mom, is that Josiah?" Before Josiah could gather his thoughts, Joyce came running out, taking her tiny, determined steps.

"Wow!" Joyce's eyes sparkled with joy upon seeing Josiah. "Josiah's here! Hug me?"

Josiah's heart melted as he bent to lift her into his arms.

"Josiah," Joyce snuggled against him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I have been waiting for you to help me sleep."

Josiah glanced at Sienna before carrying Joyce into the room. "I'm sorry, Joyce, I'm late."

Sienna stayed frozen in place for a moment, finally lifting her hand to rub her forehead. Joyce was becoming more and more dependent…