Chapter 373

After leaving Clearbay Estates, Josiah returned to the hospital. He and Howard waited outside the ward. Miranda refused to see him, but he felt obligated to fulfill his duties as a grandson. For Josiah, from the moment he joined the Flynn family and called Miranda "Grandma," she would always be his grandmother, regardless of circumstances.

Outside the ward, Josiah and Howard sat side by side. "Yvette and Sienna came by," Howard said.

Josiah nodded.

Howard glanced at Josiah, then recalled, "I've already told Yvette about it. Sienna doesn't know anything, so I didn't mention it to her." The three of them—Howard, Yvette, and Josiah—had shared this secret since entering the Flynn residence. No one anticipated its eventual revelation.

Josiah fell silent, his gaze darkening.

"As for Sienna," Howard sighed, "you should decide how to handle it." Josiah's background was impossible to explain succinctly; any explanation needed to come directly from him to Sienna.

The next morning, Josiah arrived at Sunshine Neighborhood as usual. Sienna opened the door, startled by the heavy bruise under his eyes. "Didn't you sleep last night?"

Josiah nodded. "I was worried about Grandma."

Sienna mused, Why? Didn't the doctor say she would be fine? I've already been to the hospital, and Howard said everything was okay. Come on, you probably lost sleep because of Yvette!

Unaware of her thoughts, Josiah took her hand, his expression complicated. He hesitated, searching for the right words. "I need to talk to you."

Is he going to break up with me? Is he finally going to be with Yvette? Sienna froze, wondering what he would say, trying to prepare herself. "Okay, go ahead."

Josiah said, "Given Grandma's illness, I'm afraid our wedding has to be postponed."

Sienna's heart skipped a beat. It seems Yvette's words from last night are coming true. Just wait and see! Josiah won't marry you! He'll choose me! She thought, So it wasn't a breakup, but just a postponed wedding?

"I see…" Sienna softly laughed. "Got it. Then we'll just wait."

Despite her smile, Josiah felt uneasy. He squeezed her hand. "Once Grandma is feeling better, I'll talk to her about our wedding."

Sienna thought, That excuse is so weak. Miranda's condition isn't that serious. In fact, if she knew we were getting married, she'd probably get better a lot faster. Why is he stalling, refusing to bring up the breakup? Is it really that hard to admit he's doing this for Yvette?

Sienna didn't confront him. He'd never been the one to call the shots in their relationship. If he wanted to prolong things, she would let him. It was all up to Yvette now. She suddenly understood Yvette's confidence.

Sienna decided she didn't need to do anything. All she had to do was wait—wait for Yvette to successfully replace her, for Josiah and Yvette to be together. Once that happened, she would finally be free. Yvette, please don't let me down, she thought.

Josiah held Sienna close, his mind racing. Miranda already knew about his background. He wasn't sure he could remain in the Flynn family.

He looked down at Sienna, thinking, Sienna hasn't known the truth yet. How am I supposed to tell her? I'm not really the second son of the Flynn family. Would she mind? If she did, what should I do? I'm already in a bad position with her. Would she despise me even more because of my background? Would she look down on me?

The doctor emerged after rounds, meeting the worried faces of Howard and Josiah. "There's no major issue with Mrs. Flynn. Her spirits are quite good. She's asking for you two to come in and talk."

"Thank you," Howard said.

"You're welcome," the doctor replied.

After the doctor left, Howard and Josiah exchanged a glance. Finally, Grandma was willing to see them. They entered the ward, standing on either side of her bed. "Grandma," they murmured, hesitant to upset her, waiting for her to speak.

Miranda's face was cold and calm as she looked at Josiah. "You should leave. You know what this means, right?"

"Grandma—" Howard was shocked, glancing at Josiah.

Josiah’s face paled, his body stiffening. His eyes were unfocused, his lips pressed into a thin line. He stood motionless.

Miranda laughed coldly. "You're not Josiah. I don't want to see you again. Since you've called me 'Grandma' all these years, I won't make a scene. Just leave. Let's part on decent terms."

"Grandma!" Howard couldn't bear it. He frowned. "Josiah may not be a blood relative of the Flynn family, but for all these years, he's been caring for you and managing the family alongside me. He has done a lot."

"So what?" Miranda raised her voice, glaring at Howard. "Compared to what he's received from the Flynn family, what he has done is nothing!"

Howard was stunned, but Josiah's face had gone completely white. It was as if his blood had frozen; every movement caused a shiver.

"Howard," Miranda continued, her voice harsh, "are you trying to upset me? Josiah is gone, and now I have to face this fraud every day!"

Howard looked at the devastated Josiah.

"Howard," Josiah offered a weak smile, his eyes hollow. "Grandma is ill. Don't argue with her."

Howard frowned, torn and helpless.

Josiah looked at Miranda with deep guilt and sorrow. "Grandma, please don't be upset. I'll leave now."

"Josiah?" Howard said.

Josiah smiled sadly. "I'm leaving, Howard. Take care of Grandma. I will never forget your kindness." He knelt before Miranda, bowing deeply. "Grandma, thank you for raising me. From now on, I won't be able to take care of you. Please take care!"

Miranda watched silently, tears welling up. She squeezed her eyes shut, waving him off. "Go."

Josiah stood, gave one last look at Miranda and Howard, and left.

"Josiah!" Howard started to follow, but Miranda stopped him, tears streaming down her face. "He's just a fraud! He's not your brother!"