Chapter 67

“Hmm,” Josiah murmured, a hint of surprise in his eyes after hearing about the birthday party. “Grandma, what did you just say? A ‘good match’?”

Miranda gave him a sharp look. “Don’t you know what a match means?”

He did. Precisely because he did, Josiah felt restless. “Grandma, please don’t be like that,” he said, believing Miranda must be joking. She had actually considered throwing a party for Sienna to attract eligible bachelors.

“Grandma,” Josiah rubbed his forehead, “everyone in Jelacrity knows about her and my relationship.”

Miranda smirked. “Who can you blame for that? If you were willing to be with her properly, would I be this worried?”

“Tut, Grandma—”

“Stop talking,” Miranda said firmly. “I’ve made up my mind. I’m handling this. Otherwise, left to her own devices, she might find another…old man.” Miranda shook her head. This must not happen again. “Josiah,” she said, looking at him and sighing, “you’re the one who left her. You let her down, and so did I. If I don’t see her happily settled, I won’t rest in peace.”

Josiah was at a loss for words, completely helpless. He had no choice but to agree. “Alright, let’s do it your way.”

“Okay,” Miranda said, satisfied. “Yvette is not here, so I’m leaving this to you. When the time comes, make sure to invite all the good young men from Jelacrity.”

“Alright,” Josiah nodded, the word almost catching in his throat.

“Oh, and,” Miranda added, “don’t let Sienna know about this for now. We’ll tell her once I find a suitable candidate.”

Sienna’s situation made finding someone suitable challenging. In Jelacrity’s high society, there were always reservations. If nothing materialized, Sienna might be upset. However, suggesting Miranda lower her standards and settle for someone from a normal family was unacceptable to her. She cherished Sienna deeply; Sienna was fit to be her granddaughter-in-law. She wouldn't allow Sienna to marry just anyone. Sienna must marry well. Even if it meant marrying again, it needed to be a step up.

Leaving the study, Josiah headed back to his room. It was late, and he didn’t feel like returning to Silver Beach, so he decided to spend the night there. But as he passed Sienna’s bedroom, he stopped. Sienna had joined the family at fifteen and, of course, had her room in the house. Even after marrying him and spending years abroad, Miranda ensured her room remained untouched.

At that moment, the room door was firmly closed. Josiah squinted, thinking, “What’s she up to now?”

Suddenly, the door opened. Their eyes met, and Josiah, feeling awkward, looked away.

“Josiah,” Sienna called out.

He frowned, instinctively blurting out, “What did you just call me?”

“What?” Sienna looked surprised. “Josiah.”

He heard her and furrowed his eyebrows even more. Only then did he realize how she addressed him.

“What’s wrong?” Sienna asked, noticing his upset demeanor.

Josiah couldn’t quite explain it, only that he remembered she never used to call him that. She used to call him “Mr. Flynn,” then just “Josiah.” Hardly anyone ever used his full name; it usually suggested formality or distance. It seemed like ever since he came back, that was how it had been. He found it odd. Feeling uneasy, he asked, his tone unpleasant, “What do you need from me?”

Seeing his expression worsen, Sienna got straight to the point. “I wanted to ask if you could keep my dancing at Maze a secret from Grandma. Just say I go to the center at night to teach kids how to dance, okay?”

Josiah nodded slightly. “Understood.” After a moment, he added, “This isn’t a long-term solution. I think you should leave Maze sooner rather than later.”

Upon hearing this, Sienna’s face froze, but she forced a smile. This is my job. It’s how I support myself.

“Do you really have to?” Josiah asked, clearly dissatisfied. “Even if you don’t do this, you’re not going to starve!”

Sienna chuckled helplessly. “How’s that even—”

“I’ll feed you!” Before she could finish, she was interrupted by his unexpected words. Sienna was taken aback. “What did you say?”

Josiah was startled by his own words. He didn’t know why he’d said something like that. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he tried to remain calm. “What I mean is, the Flynn family can support you. Grandma cares for you so much, she treats you as her own granddaughter. Do you think they would let you starve?”

Sienna sighed with relief and smiled softly. “But I’m still not part of the Flynn family. Grandma may care about me, but I can’t be shameless and ungrateful. I’ve already owed the Flynn family a lot.”

Saying that, she waved. “It’s late, I need to sleep now. Goodnight.” She stepped back and closed the door.

Josiah stood outside, narrowing his eyes slightly. The current Sienna handled things with grace and tact. Some of the young elites might ignore her past and fall for her… Josiah closed his eyes tightly, thinking, “Why have a birthday party?”

Even though he was reluctant and frustrated, he knew he couldn’t shirk his responsibilities. After all, it was Sienna’s birthday. Putting everything else aside, Josiah actually wanted to give her a proper birthday celebration. Sienna only found out on the day itself.

Early in the morning, Sienna was having breakfast with Miranda. The housekeeper, Linda, and her team began preparations. Delivery people, temporary chefs, waiters, and others arrived.

Sienna realized late and asked, “Grandma, are we having guests over today?”

“Yes,” Miranda replied with a smile, patting her hand. “It’s for your birthday party.”

Sienna was surprised. “Grandma, it’s really not necessary. It’s just a birthday.” She hadn’t celebrated her birthday for many years and completely forgotten it was her birthday.

“It’s necessary,” Miranda shook her head apologetically. “Last time at the welcome party, you felt wronged. This is the perfect opportunity to make it up to you. I want everyone in Jelacrity to know you’re my wonderful granddaughter.”

“Grandma—”

“Everything’s ready,” Miranda said with a smile. “Invitations have been sent, the evening’s staff is here, and you just need to look pretty and be happy.”

Meanwhile, at the front gate, the wrought-iron gates opened as a black Bentley Mulsanne slowly drove in.