Chapter 58

Sienna quietly held the medicine tightly. With this medicine, she wasn't afraid anymore.

That evening at Maze, after the performance, Henry led Sienna to a private room. "Ryan is inside."

"Okay," Sienna replied, raising her hand to knock.

Henry offered one last piece of advice: "Be careful."

"Got it."

"Come in."

Sienna took a deep breath, opened the door, and said, "Mr. Jones."

The private room was softly lit; a gramophone played a soothing tune. Ryan rose and courteously pulled out a chair. "Have a seat."

"Thank you."

Ryan sat opposite her, gesturing towards the table. "Are you hungry? I ordered something for you."

"Really!"

A brownie sat on the table, accompanied by a bowl of yogurt sprinkled with bits of fruit.

Ryan explained, "I asked Henry. He said you liked it."

"Yeah, I do." Sienna felt emotional, her nose tingling slightly. Despite his age and their secretive relationship, he'd cared enough to learn her preferences. Perhaps life with him wouldn't be too difficult. "Thank you."

Sienna picked up a spoon and began eating. Having removed her makeup and changed into her own clothes, her simplicity, radiant youth, and innocence were clearly visible.

Ryan looked at her and asked, "How old are you?"

"Oh, so young," Ryan remarked, his gaze sharpening.

"I'm full," Sienna said, putting down her spoon. She stood, extending her hand. "Mr. Jones, thank you for the meal. How about a dance?"

"Sure," Ryan laughed, taking her hand.

In that fleeting moment of touch, Sienna instinctively frowned, a brief discomfort passing over her. Ryan stood, his other hand resting on her waist.

Sienna placed her hand on his shoulder and moved with his steps, swaying gently to the music.

"Sienna," Ryan looked down, asking cryptically, "Do you know what I want you to do?"

"Yeah," Sienna looked up, nodding. "I know."

"Are you willing?" Her willingness had been clear from the start, but Ryan felt he should ask.

"Yeah," Sienna nodded again, confirming. "I'm willing." A smile curved her lips. She was already a delicate flower; her smile was like a blossom.

Ryan felt a sudden dryness in his mouth, lifting a hand to gently stroke her hair. "It's late. I need to leave."

Sienna was surprised he wasn't taking her with him.

"Maybe another day," Ryan saw her confusion and smiled. "I'll take you out for dinner. Not here. You're so young. You should be treated well." He let go of Sienna's hand, but still held it. "Come on, let's walk you out."

"Oh, okay." Sienna quickly regained her composure, allowing him to lead her to the front door.

Meanwhile, Josiah was driving, nearing Maze. It had been a while since his last visit, and he hadn't planned on coming tonight, but he needed to find out who Sienna's boyfriend was.

He didn't want to be obvious. This was something he needed to investigate himself. He parked across the street from the entrance, to see Sienna as soon as she emerged.

As her soon-to-be ex-husband, he was acting like a big brother. He might even win the 'Good Ex Award,' a thought touching enough to move him.

Then, he saw Sienna coming out. She wasn't alone; a man beside her held her hand. Valets had already brought Ryan's car around.

Sienna looked up at Ryan. "Mr. Jones, drive safely and take care."

"Okay," Ryan smiled, releasing her hand and turning towards his car. After a moment's hesitation, he called back, "Sienna."

"Hmm?" Sienna smiled.

Ryan nervously pursed his lips. "Can I kiss you?"

Sienna was surprised and instinctively clenched her palms, but still smiled. "Of course."

"Okay." Ryan stepped closer, lifting his hand to cup her cheek. Then, he leaned down.

Suddenly, Sienna closed her eyes, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. Seeing her nervousness, Ryan hesitated, then kissed her forehead.

Sienna slowly opened her eyes, looking a bit confused. "Mr. Jones…"

"Well," Ryan laughed, "Don't be nervous, take it slow. You need time, and give me some time to get ready, too."

He let go and got into the car. Sienna stood there, somewhat dazed. "Take care." Her heart raced, but she should feel grateful. Henry hadn't deceived her, likely out of respect for the Yates family. The man he'd found for her was indeed one of the better backers. Sienna chuckled softly, pushing aside the unease in her heart. She was already out here, putting herself on the line, so she shouldn't worry so much.

"Sienna!" Suddenly, her wrist was seized tightly, as if to crush her bones. The pain made Sienna wince and cry out. Looking up, she saw Josiah's Adam's apple, and above it, his face contorted with uncontrollable anger.

Even in anger, he was remarkably handsome. "You?" Sienna couldn't understand why he was there or so upset.

"Is he your boyfriend?" Josiah's forehead bulged with veins; his voice was icy cold.

"Yeah," Sienna nodded.

"Hmph!" Josiah's face was overtaken by fury. "Do you even know who he is? Ryan Jones! He's old enough to be your dad!"

"Yeah," Sienna remained calm. "I know. Older guys can be more thoughtful and caring, you know…"

Before she could finish, he grabbed her chin. "Sienna!" Josiah squeezed her chin tightly. "Have you lost your mind? Are there no other men in the world? And you pick someone like that?"

He suddenly thought of something and reached out to Sienna's forehead, rubbing it forcefully. "You let him kiss you? Huh? You actually let him kiss you?"

He rubbed so hard it seemed he'd peel off a layer of skin.

"Ouch!" Sienna winced, trying to dodge the pain, but tears welled up. "Josiah! Stop it! Stop…"

"You deserve it! How dare he kiss you? What kind of fool thinks he deserves to kiss you?"