Chapter 46

As the car drove on, Josiah kept glancing at the woman beside him. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Sienna nodded, holding her backpack.

Josiah noticed her action, a frown appearing on his face. Her way of holding the bag showed she felt insecure. It seemed she had been truly scared earlier.

Thinking about the middle-aged man from earlier, Josiah was displeased. “Who was that guy earlier? Why was he bothering you?” No matter the reason, anyone who dared to mess with the Flynn family wouldn't get away with it.

“I don’t know who he is,” Sienna said, startled for a moment, shaking her head. “He mistook me for someone else.”

“Mistook you for someone else!” Josiah was surprised. The guy’s behavior didn't seem like a simple mistake.

“Yes, he did,” Sienna nodded confidently. “I explained to him, but he didn’t believe me and just grabbed me.”

Josiah believed her. “The guy must be out of his mind.” But since Sienna didn’t know the guy, there was no way to retaliate, Josiah thought. I was careless. I should have asked earlier.

“You…” Thinking about what had happened, Josiah still felt uneasy. “What would you have done if I hadn’t come?”

Sienna was surprised, not understanding what he meant.

“Dummy,” Josiah laughed in frustration. “You should call for help! There were so many people around. Why wouldn’t you shout for help?”

She really didn’t know such a simple way to save herself, thought Josiah.

“Oh,” Sienna understood and nodded. “I got it. I’ll be more careful next time.”

After that, neither of them spoke, and silence filled the car. Josiah wanted to ask her why she was so resistant to being touched by men, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He drove her to the entrance of 12th Avenue.

When the car stopped, Sienna thanked him. “Thanks for driving me back.”

“Don’t mention it,” said Josiah.

Sienna opened the car door and got out. As she turned to get her backpack, something fell onto the ground.

“Sienna,” Josiah picked it up and was about to give it to her. It was a burger.

“Sorry about that,” Sienna quickly took it, offering an apology. “It’s still sealed and untouched, so it shouldn’t have left any scent.”

Josiah frowned. Do you think I’d mind the smell of a burger in my car?

“Yeah,” Sienna nodded, wondering, “Isn’t that right? On the day I returned, I cooked some pasta at the Silver Beach, and he was totally put off by it.” Similarly, Josiah remembered it too. It was something he actually did and couldn’t deny.

“I didn’t…” Josiah protested defensively. “That was then, this is now. Don’t blame me for things I didn’t do.”

“Oh, okay,” Sienna nodded, thinking to herself, Even if he didn’t, why did he get so upset about it?

She stuffed the hamburger into her bag, and Josiah felt uneasy again. “Don’t tell me that’s your lunch?” What time is it? She hasn’t eaten yet, and she’s just having this? he thought.

“No,” Sienna quickly shook her head. “I had lunch. I’m just a little hungry.”

Josiah breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze falling on her bag—a backpack that cost just a few bucks. Then he checked out her outfit: a plain T-shirt and cargo jeans, both made from regular fabric. It was a simple lifestyle, but frankly, it looked kind of down-and-out.

Josiah’s frown deepened. He had never intentionally paid attention to her, rarely even giving her a proper look. Looking back, ever since she returned, she had always dressed like this. She said she didn’t want to be a burden anymore; she wanted to rely on herself to live well. It seemed she wasn’t just talking.

Sienna had no idea what he was thinking. She zipped up her backpack, slung it over her shoulder, and waved to Josiah. “I’m going inside. See you later.”

“Yeah, see you.” Josiah sat in the car, watching her walk away, step by step.

As dusk fell, Jeiacrity was buzzing because today was the final of the Dance Queen Competition. Before the final began, Maze was already packed, and they had to stop letting people in. Tonight, all the dancers delivered amazing performances. As for the result, it was no surprise that Sienna emerged victorious.

“Silver Fox! Queen of Dance!”

Even as Sienna returned backstage, she could still hear the thundering cheers from the audience. This was, of course, what Henry had expected and was pleased to see. However, Henry was surprised that Josiah hadn’t come tonight.

Henry was a bit troubled. “What a pity Mr. Flynn didn’t show up…”

Sienna wasn’t concerned. “Mr. White, he hasn’t shown up for several days. Maybe he didn’t mean it that day.”

“Huh?” Henry was taken aback. “Is that so?” He even presented her with evidence. “Didn’t he send you flowers and late-night snacks?”

“But he really didn’t come tonight,” Sienna stated plainly. “Now, what should we do? As agreed, the winner is supposed to give a toast to the top bidder.”

“Now, since Josiah doesn’t come, he can’t be the top bidder, right?” Sienna thought.

“But…” Henry hesitated, “Mr. Flynn said he would always offer $160,000 more than the top bidder.”

“Mr. White,” Sienna chuckled softly and asked, “did he say that verbally, or is there a written agreement, or has he already paid you in advance?”

Of course, it was only said verbally. She remarked, “You see, he hasn’t been here for quite a while. He might have already forgotten. Words alone are unreliable. You should think it over carefully.”

As Henry listened, he also thought it made sense.

Sienna continued, “How about I go out there and make the toast now?”

“No way,” Henry stopped her, gritting his teeth. “This toast is still reserved for Mr. Flynn.”

Sienna was puzzled. “Why not? It’s not like you’re breaking a promise. He’s the one not showing up.”

“Oh my! Sienna,” Henry said with a wry smile, “if he really doesn’t show up, the worst that can happen is I can’t earn his money. But if he remembers, I’ll be in big trouble.”

Sienna frowned and stayed silent. It seemed that in Jeiacrity, Josiah’s name still commanded quite a bit of fear. And outside, people were still waiting for the Dance Queen to toast the top bidder. This was also one of the major highlights tonight. Without Josiah, the toast couldn’t go on. The people outside would never agree to that.

“Don’t worry, I’ll explain,” Henry brushed it off, unafraid. “I’ll just mention Mr. Flynn’s name and see who dares to object.”

Sienna had nothing more to say. With things having reached this point, there was nothing else to do. Henry smoothed his slicked-back hair, flexed his arm, and headed forward.

Henry announced, “Everyone, the thrilling moment has arrived. As you all know, tonight’s top bidder will get a personal toast from Silver Fox. Now, I’ll announce the top bidder of the night is… Mr. Flynn!”

“Wow! It’s Mr. Flynn!”

The scene was getting even more lively. After all, everyone loved a story about a billionaire supporting a showgirl.