Chapter 76

The next day was the weekend. Josiah visited Howard. He had obtained the medicine the doctor recommended from Mordonia, and it was already being administered.

"Does the medicine work?" Josiah's face remained impassive, but he was filled with anticipation.

"Mr. Flynn," the doctor said cheerfully, though cautiously, "so far, Howard seems quite responsive. His deep reflexes have significantly improved in the last few days."

Josiah's eyes lit up. "Really?"

The doctor pointed to the monitor. "Mr. Flynn, you can try talking to him."

Even without understanding the specifics, Josiah followed the doctor's instructions. He sat beside the bed, gazing at Howard. He spoke softly, "Howard, it's Josiah. Can you hear me? Grandma just had heart surgery. She's been waiting for you to wake up all these years. You've been asleep too long, it's time to wake up."

"Look, Mr. Flynn," the doctor interrupted, pointing again at the monitor.

Josiah looked up. Though medically unsophisticated, he noticed Howard's heartbeat had quickened. "Is this...?"

The doctor nodded, smiling. "Mr. Flynn, though he hasn't opened his eyes yet, he can hear. Of all human senses, hearing is the last to fade and the first to recover."

Josiah paused, a glimmer of joy appearing between his brows. "So, Howard will wake up...?"

"I wasn't 100% sure. Considering his condition, there's a good chance. No doctor would dare guarantee it, but this assurance is comforting."

"Great, you've done a great job," Josiah said, genuinely grateful. "Thank you for your hard work."

"It's my duty, Mr. Flynn," the doctor replied before leaving.

Josiah sat for a moment, looking at his brother, and said softly, "Howard, if you can hear, there's something I want to tell you. I want to be with Sienna. You'll agree, right?"

Of course, Howard couldn't answer.

"If you don't say anything, I'll take it as a yes," Josiah murmured. He left the hospital feeling relieved.

Yvette was returning to Jeiscrity, and Josiah was to pick her up. The flight was on time, and shortly after Josiah arrived at the airport, Yvette emerged from the gate, her team trailing behind.

Tall and slender, even with sunglasses and a mask, she was strikingly noticeable. Yvette was undeniably beautiful; otherwise, she wouldn't have captured the hearts of both Howard and Josiah. Ultimately, Yvette chose Howard. Josiah squinted, his thoughts drifting back to their youth, many years ago.

"Are you tired?" Josiah opened the car door, shielding the roof with his hand. "Come on."

"Thanks," Yvette said with a smile, bending to enter the car.

Josiah followed. Yvette removed her sunglasses and mask, revealing a makeup-free face that looked slightly weary.

Josiah surmised she hadn't rested well during filming. He frowned with concern. "Is there anything else to do? How about going straight back to rest?"

"Not yet," Yvette shook her head. "There's an event tonight, and I need to get there immediately. Just drop me off."

Josiah was unhappy. "Why is your schedule so full?"

Yvette shrugged and smiled. "Oh, I don't want to, but everyone's putting in a lot of effort."

Josiah quickly interjected, "You don't need to. You're not like those without background or resources." It was obvious he was defending her. Yvette paused and smiled at him.

Josiah was stunned, as if he'd said something wrong. "I mean, you shouldn't work too hard. Howard will worry about you."

Yvette thought, Howard, huh? You're just making an excuse. She smiled gently, not exposing him. "I know, and I'll be more careful."

The rest of the ride was silent. The driver took Yvette to her destination. The crowd was large, so to avoid causing a commotion, Josiah remained in the car.

Suddenly, Josiah called out, "Yvette."

"What?" Yvette turned, looking at him with confusion. "What's up?"

"Nothing," Josiah shook his head. After a moment's thought, he decided to tell Yvette about Howard when he woke up, adding, "Don't forget to rest and eat."

"Okay, got it," Yvette said with a teasing smile. "You're such a nag." Though complaining, her voice held no annoyance, only sweetness.

After dropping Yvette off, Josiah received a call from Yosef.

"Where are you?" Yosef asked.

Josiah replied, "What's up?"

"How about going to Mare tonight? It's been days since we all went together."

Josiah smiled. "Who else is going?"

Yosef chuckled. "Who else! As usual, you, me, Thomas. Oh, right, and Cedric."

Josiah's expression tightened. "Alright." He'd already planned to go, but Cedric's presence made him feel he had to be there.

When Josiah arrived, Yosef and the others were already there, chatting excitedly.

"What are you all talking about?" Josiah asked, casually glancing at Cedric. "Sounds interesting."

Cedric awkwardly coughed under Josiah's gaze. Ever since discovering Sienna was Josiah's ex-wife, he'd been uneasy around him. He greeted him, "Hey Josiah."

Josiah nodded calmly, noticing Cedric's discomfort. He wanted to observe Cedric and Sienna's interaction firsthand.

Backstage, Sienna received a package.

One of Sienna's colleagues asked curiously, "Did Mr. Flynn send something just for you today?"

"Oh, isn't that how it should be? After all, she always gave us those gifts," another colleague chimed in.

Sienna smiled, saying nothing. She knew this wasn't from Josiah; it was a bowl of pumpkin soup.

Her phone beeped with a message from Cedric: Do you get the pumpkin soup?

As expected, it was from Cedric. However, Sienna frowned with worry. She wasn't stupid; she knew Cedric had feelings for her. But it was impossible for them. If Miranda knew, she might do everything to get them together. Sienna couldn't allow that, having been married and having a child.

Her future was uncertain, but Sienna would spend her life only with Joyce. Even if there were a chance to remarry, her husband wouldn't be Cedric. Meanwhile, Cedric was distracted, glancing at his phone repeatedly. Finally, he received her reply.