Chapter 64

Josiah's casual toss made it seem as if he were discarding something soiled. "What?" Ryan looked up in confusion, catching it. He opened the bag and found the ring he had given Sienna.

Sienna saw it too and quickly raised her head, looking at Josiah. She thought he had thrown it away that night.

"Well," Ryan's smile tightened, becoming awkward as he held the ring. He knew Sienna wouldn't wait for him anymore. She was with Josiah now. Josiah was younger, wealthier, and had fewer concerns.

Ryan put the ring away, looked at Sienna, and said, "Consider what I just said forgotten. Being with Mr. Flynn is your good fortune. So I'm leaving."

Sienna was stunned. She didn't know Ryan would assume she had that kind of relationship with Josiah. Josiah disliked her intensely. Being misunderstood like this might drive her crazy.

"No—" Sienna covered her throat, eager to clarify.

"Tsk," Josiah shot her a fierce glare and said with displeasure, "The doctor told you not to talk. Do you want to end up… worse?" Looking at her expression, he wondered if Sienna had any feelings for Ryan.

Sienna was at a loss for words. She knew Josiah was truly angry, but she couldn't explain herself. The unintentional closeness between them wasn't lost on Ryan, who could only offer Josiah a wry smile before turning and walking away.

Sienna instinctively took a couple of steps forward, her mouth opening slightly. "Mr. J—"

He cut her off with a nod. "Mr. Flynn, goodbye." Then he—

"Sienna!" Josiah couldn't bear it any longer. He grabbed her wrist, stopping her from leaving. "Don't you dare chase after him!" His hand loosened the tie around his neck. He took a deep breath, pulled Sienna inside, and closed the door.

Furious, Josiah raised his voice. Sienna didn't know what had upset him this time. Her throat hurt too much to argue, so she simply turned her head away, choosing to ignore him.

"Hmph," Josiah let out a sarcastic laugh, gripping her chin to make her face him. His face was dark and threatening. "Who's that sour look for? Don't tell me you've actually fallen for that old guy!"

Sienna glared at him furiously. She thought Josiah knew nothing about it. He didn't even understand her. She lifted her chin stubbornly, her voice hoarse. "Yes! I like him!"

Hearing this, Josiah froze, shock and disbelief spreading across his face. "Are you crazy? That old man? What do you like about him? That he could be your dad? Sienna, are you missing fatherly love or something?"

Sienna's small face was tense with anger. "It's none of your business!"

Suddenly, Josiah realized he had crossed a line. He said the wrong thing. Sienna had been an orphan since she was young. She truly lacked a father's love.

"I—" Josiah opened his mouth, wanting to apologize, but as someone used to being aloof, it was hard for him, especially since he never really liked Sienna. In that moment, he just couldn't bring himself to say anything.

"Get out!" Sienna wasn't concerned with what he thought. She just didn't want to see him. She raised her hand to his chest and pushed him away. "Go! Just go!"

Feeling guilty deep down, Josiah didn't resist this time, allowing her to vent and letting himself be pushed out the door. The door closed so fast it almost hit his nose. Josiah rubbed it with his hand and muttered, "What a temper."

But just now, she actually said she liked Ryan. He thought her craving for fatherly attention might be why she preferred older men. "No, no way." Josiah shook his head, denying the thought.

Sienna used to like Josiah. And she had liked him for many years. Since she liked him, she couldn't possibly go for someone like Ryan. She was just confused and naive, easily deceived at her young age.

Josiah was worried, thinking that if Sienna could be tricked once, she could be tricked again. He had to keep a close eye on her. Being her ex-husband was turning out to be more stressful than he thought.

Two days later, Sienna had mostly recovered. Although her voice was still affected, at least her throat wasn't sore anymore. After talking with Henry, she went back to performing.

Chapter 61

That evening, while Sienna was putting on her makeup, Henry came in. "Sienna!" Henry beamed with a big smile. "Great news!"

"What's the good news?" Sienna was confused. Her voice was still a bit weak, barely a whisper.

"Haha!" Henry couldn't hide his laughter. "Mr. Flynn is here!"

"It was a shame you broke up with Ryan. But who would have thought Mr. Flynn would show up? God has a plan for you! Haha!" Ryan was fine, but he was no match for Josiah.

But Sienna couldn't bring herself to smile. She knew too well that Josiah wasn't here to be her backer. He was simply here to watch her. As he said, he felt she had embarrassed the Flynn family.

"Sienna," Henry, still remembering the unpleasant incident she had with Josiah before, spoke earnestly. "You need to calm down and sweet-talk Mr. Flynn no matter what. He's a guy with big plans. Isn't a bit of male ego to be expected? Keep him, and you can have whatever you want."

He blinked and whispered, "At least, you'll get much more than you would with Ryan!"

Sienna forced a smile and nodded. "I understand."

"That's the spirit!" Henry patted her shoulder. "Get busy, Mr. Flynn is waiting to see you perform."

After the show, Sienna removed her makeup and exited through the staff passage, only to find Josiah standing there with his tall frame. Without wasting words, he said, "Follow me."

Sienna silently followed behind him. Outside, Josiah walked to the car and opened the passenger-side door. "Get in."

Sienna took a deep breath and bent down to enter the car. As the car started moving, Sienna glanced at him, trying to speak. "Could you maybe stop coming to Maze in the future?"

"Sure," Josiah nodded. "When I'm busy, even if you want me to come, I might not make it." Switching the topic, he grinned at Sienna. "But I've already spread the word. Now, in all of Jescrity, anyone who knows me won't dare mess with you."

"Spread the word?" Sienna didn't understand. "Spread what?"

Josiah cleared his throat, not answering. "Zip it! Why so chatty? Your voice has just started recovering, and you're already pushing it!"

Sienna shut her mouth, and the two quietly returned to 12th Avenue. Josiah didn't escort her upstairs. Instead, he waited below until the lights in her apartment came on, then he was about to head off—

Suddenly, the whole world was plunged into darkness.