Chapter 44

“Ouch!” Sienna cried out in pain, stopping reluctantly. She took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. “Why did you come here? Is there something you need?”

Josiah let out a quiet sneer and didn’t answer. He pointed to the door. “Open it.”

Sienna blinked, wondering, “What? Is he planning to go in?” But she wasn’t having it. “Just say whatever it is right here…”

“Open it!” Josiah’s patience snapped, and he growled, glaring at her. “Do I really have to say it a third time?”

Seeing his anger, Sienna paused. It was unwise to argue. She pulled out her key and unlocked the door. Josiah entered before her. “It’s so dark. No lights in the hallway or the house?”

Before his anger escalated further, Sienna rushed in and turned on the main light. Finally, they could see clearly. This place was too small. Sienna didn’t mind when she was alone, but with Josiah’s tall and imposing presence, it felt cramped.

Josiah said nothing as he looked around. It was a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with an open kitchen. They called it a one-bedroom, but the living room and bedroom were connected, and the kitchen was just a nook by the entrance. Only the bathroom was separate.

He thought, Was this supposed to be an apartment? It wasn’t even as big as a single bedroom at the Silver Beach. The only advantage was that it was clean and tidy. However, no matter how spotless and organized, to Josiah, this shabby place was still an eyesore.

He spun around quickly, his eyes fixing on Sienna, his face dark and stormy. “Tell me, what do you mean by this?”

Sienna was taken aback, not understanding his question. “Haven’t you seen it? I live here.”

“Nonsense!” Josiah’s face was chillingly indifferent. “I’m asking you. Why are you living here?”

Sienna held back the urge to roll her eyes and replied sarcastically, “Obviously, because this is the only place I can afford.”

“That’s absurd!” Josiah retorted instantly. “Didn’t I provide you with a place? Didn’t I give you alimony? Are you saying you have nowhere to live?”

“That’s your money and your house. It has nothing to do with me,” Sienna countered without hesitation.

Josiah was taken aback. “What did you say?”

“Humph.” Sienna curved her lips into a faint smile. “When we signed the divorce agreement, I told you I wouldn’t take anything from the Flynn family. I’m serious.” Even on her deathbed, she wouldn’t have taken a penny from him. Now that she was alive, she wouldn’t need it.

Josiah suddenly recalled Gilbert mentioning she still hadn’t gone to the law firm to handle the transfer procedures specified in the agreement.

Josiah asked, “What… are you thinking?” Is she serious? Is this just another trick? he thought.

Because of their height difference, Sienna had to tilt her head to look at him, a slight smile on her lips.

“On your own?” Josiah couldn’t help but let out a low, mocking laugh, waving his hand. “Just like that! Living in this slum?”

Sienna gave a slight tug on her lips. “To you, yes, this is a slum.” But not to her. In Flirty, she had lived in worse conditions and even slept on the streets… “Enough,” Josiah said, waving his hand. “Pack your things and come with me now.”

Sienna was shocked. “Come with you! This is my home. I’m not leaving.”

“Sienna!” Josiah stared deeply at her. Ever since she returned, she had mostly rejected him. “Do you think I like dealing with you? I’m doing it for Grandma,” he said.

Hearing that, Sienna remembered Miranda saying Josiah was supposed to treat her like a sister. Only if she was doing well could he divorce her successfully.

Knowing she understood, Josiah urged again, “Come on. Hurry up and pack.”

“No need,” Sienna still refused.

“Sienna!” Josiah was almost out of patience. “What do you really want?”

Sienna let out a long, helpless sigh. She looked at him calmly and spoke softly. “Didn’t Grandma say you should see me living well? Then just watch me live happily and let me handle it myself, okay?”

“Yourself?” Josiah sneered. “Don’t be ridiculous. Ever since you were licen…”

“That was in the past,” Sienna coldly interrupted, knowing what he was about to say. “I’m thankful to the Flynn family and Grandma for their kindness, but please rest assured, I can support myself now. I’m not the same burden I used to be.”

“Burden?” Josiah was stung by the word, frowning with displeasure. “Did I ever say that about you?”

Didn’t he? Sienna thought. From his high position, stepping on an ant is nothing to him.

Sienna felt a chill in her heart but didn’t want to argue, only stood her ground. “I’m perfectly comfortable living here, and I won’t move.”

“Sienna,” Josiah wasn’t going to let her go like that. “Do you even know where you are? 12th Avenue isn’t a place for a girl to live alone. The people here are just too complicated.”

Complicated? Well, that isn’t wrong. Considering I’m a dancer at Mare, I am also seen as complicated too, Sienna thought.

“It’s no big deal,” Sienna shrugged casually. “I just close my door and live my life without interacting with others.”

Josiah was at a loss, surprised by her stubbornness.

“It’s getting late,” Sienna walked to the door and opened it. “I need to rest, and you should leave now.”

That was clearly a request to leave. Josiah could do nothing about it; he couldn’t exactly knock her out and take her away.

“Mr. Flynn?” Sienna reminded him again, pointing to the door. “You should go.”

Josiah took a deep breath and stepped forward. As he crossed the doorway, he still wasn’t ready to give up. “Sienna, you…”

“I’m fine.” Sienna gave him a faint smile, truly relaxed. “Don’t worry about Grandma. Since she’s already eased up, I’ll continue to talk her out of it. I believe you won’t have to wait much longer.”

Josiah was taken aback, thinking, Is that really what concerned me? He wanted to argue, but that was exactly what mattered to him.

“Go on. It’s really late,” Sienna smiled at him. “Be careful on your way home!”

Then, she slowly closed the door. Josiah stood outside, and suddenly, everything went completely black. What a dreadful place, he thought. Whatever. If Sienna loves staying here, let her stay. It’s not like Tan is the one torturing her. She seeks trouble herself, so what can I do!

Resolute, he turned to go downstairs. The stairwell was completely dark, and suddenly, Josiah paused. It seemed that something was clinging to his…