Chapter 48

“Move.” The single word, uttered with cold authority, silenced the room. Heads turned, and a ripple of recognition spread through the crowd. “Mr. Flynn,” someone whispered. Others exclaimed, “Mr. Flynn!” The crowd instinctively parted, clearing a path for Josiah.

He strode in purposefully, his long legs covering the distance with ease. A sharp smirk played at the corner of his mouth. “What’s going on here?” Josiah asked casually, as though discussing the weather.

Adrian froze, his face draining of color. He stared at the scene, his expression unreadable except for the dawning panic. “He’s here?” Adrian thought. Wasn’t Mr. Flynn… was everything he’d said true? Oh, no!

Josiah ignored Adrian, his gaze fixed on the girl in the performance costume, mask on, hair disheveled. She sat on the floor, humiliated and trembling. Josiah let out a cold laugh—a soft, dismissive sound that sent chills down spines. Without a word to Adrian, he swung his arm with lightning speed.

“Smack!” The sharp sound echoed like a whip cracking. Before anyone could react, Adrian was sent flying across the room like a lifeless puppet. “Ugh!” Adrian screamed in agony, his head slamming hard against the wall with a dull thud. But that wasn’t the end of it. He instinctively covered his burning cheek, only to feel a warm, metallic-tasting liquid pooling in his mouth.

Adrian spat out a mixture of blood and saliva, and amidst it—a tooth. Josiah had knocked out one of his teeth with a single slap. The sheer force of Josiah’s strike left everyone breathless. “Mr. Flynn,” Adrian mumbled, clutching his face. He no longer cared about the pain; survival was paramount. He had finally realized—that girl truly belonged to Josiah!

Everyone in Jriacrity knew Josiah. Over the years, he had never shown interest in any woman. This was the first time he had gone to such lengths.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know she was yours. I swear I didn’t know,” Adrian stammered, words tumbling out in desperation.

“Get out,” Josiah’s voice was cold, devoid of tolerance. His gaze remained on the girl curled on the floor, trembling. “Okay,” Adrian, now completely sober, scrambled to his feet. Pride forgotten, he stumbled out of the room in a panic.

Josiah deliberately stepped forward and stopped in front of Sienna. He extended his hand, the gesture soft yet commanding.

Henry, the manager, rushed in with security guards. “Mr. Flynn!” Henry exclaimed, relief and anxiety warring on his face.

Sienna snapped her head up, her eyes blazing with defiance. Her lips curled into a sarcastic smile. “Yes, I’m selling myself. But what about you, Mr. Flynn? A buyer—what gives you the right to judge me!”

Josiah’s face darkened instantly, his jaw tightening. Sienna stood her ground, her voice unwavering. “I’m here dancing. I’m using my skills. I’m not stealing, not breaking any laws. What’s wrong with that!”

Josiah’s eyes narrowed, fury simmering. “Sharp tongue, indeed,” he sneered. “After all these years, you’ve grown bold. No arguments—pack your things now. The Flynn family won’t endure this humiliation!”

“That’s impossible,” Sienna replied, lifting her chin defiantly. “This is my job. I’m not leaving.”

Josiah froze, his eyes narrowing sharply. He clenched his jaw and warned, “Do you really think I won’t smash this place if you don’t leave with me today? You’ll have nowhere to perform!”