Chapter 81

On the other end, Josiah answered quickly. His deep voice was calm and steady. "Hello."

"It's me, Sienna," Sienna said nervously, gripping the phone tightly.

"Do you think I wouldn't know it's you?" He teased, "Did you call just to tell me that?"

"No, it's not," Sienna furrowed her brows and took a deep breath. "I'm at Maze now…"

"Oh, that thing," Josiah interrupted, not letting her continue. "I've got something to take care of right now." He paused, seemingly instructing someone nearby, then picked up the phone again. "If you have something to say, come find me."

Sienna was taken aback but nodded in agreement. "Okay." She didn't really expect to change his mind with just one call, anyway.

"Where should I find you?"

Josiah replied, "At this time, of course, I'm at the office." It wasn't even five yet; naturally, Josiah wouldn't be free, he'd be at work.

"Alright. I'll come over right now."

After hanging up, Sienna immediately headed to Flynn Tower. When she arrived, she stopped at the reception. It wasn't her first time at Flynn Tower. She used to come by often, but it had been years, and the receptionists had changed, so no one recognized her anymore.

Sienna said, "I'm Sienna. I've arranged a meeting with Mr. Flynn; he told me to come see him."

Upon hearing this, the receptionist immediately greeted her with a smile and increased politeness. "Ms. Shaw, Mr. Flynn informed us. Please follow me… This way, please."

"Thank you," Sienna replied with a nod.

She took the private elevator and smoothly reached the top floor. A young assistant led her into the CEO's office. "Mr. Flynn, Ms. Shaw is here."

"Hmm," Jonah was busy and just waved his hand. "Alright, you can get back to work."

"Okay."

The assistant left, leaving Sienna alone with him. Seeing how busy he was, Sienna didn't dare disturb him, fearing one wrong move would escalate his displeasure.

Sienna moved to the side and sat quietly on the couch, waiting patiently. She definitely wouldn't be able to dance today. "Waiting it is," Sienna thought.

Fortunately, he didn’t keep her waiting too long. Soon enough, Josiah put down his work, looked up, stood, and came toward her. Sienna started to get up.

"Su…" "Josiah motioned with his hand. "Stay seated."

He then sat down across from her, one arm resting on the couch's armrest, his deep eyes focused on her. "So, what brings you here?"

Was he just pretending not to know? Sienna clasped her hands tightly in front of her. "I came to ask you something. Why did you stop me from…"

The barely funded… when Josiah chuckled. His deep eyes looked at her. "Oh, that? Because I got rejected, and I'm not happy about it."

Sienna was at a loss for words. She was shocked. "So it is true. Because I didn't go along with him, he stopped my work! He's just the same as he was four years ago…"

Unfortunately, she had no choice but to humble herself before him. After all, he was Josiah, the one who practically controlled everything in Jelarrity.

Sienna suppressed her anger and frustration, pursing her lips. "I was being ungrateful. I'm really sorry."

"No need to apologize." Josiah sat up straight, leaning in slightly, his eyes deeply locking with Sienna's. "What I want… is you."

Sienna was left speechless, feeling a sharp pain in her heart. She struggled to speak, "I…"

"Enough." But as soon as she began, he cut her off. He had to stop her. Whatever she wanted to say, Josiah could guess, even without trying. "Are you sure you want to refuse me?"

Sienna was at a loss for words. She didn't dare. The last time she refused, her job at Maze was put on hold. If it happened again, what else would she have left? she wondered. Sienna remained silent. Josiah wasn't pleased either, but it was better than outright rejection. At least she was still afraid.

Josiah glanced at his watch, a slight smile on his lips. "It's late, and I'm hungry." He got up, looking at Sienna. "Sienna, come have dinner with me."

Sienna was surprised, suddenly looking up, not understanding how the topic changed to dinner so quickly.

The man raised an eyebrow. "Not coming? Do you want to make me upset?"

"No—" Sienna shook her head quickly, biting her lip and hesitating. "If I have dinner with you, would you let me go back to Maze to dance?"

"Tsk," Josiah clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction. "You're making conditions just to have a meal with me, Sienna. Have you always been this unlikeable?"

"Unlikable?" Sienna was taken aback. If I'm so unlikeable, why did he say he wanted me! He must have other intentions, she thought.

"Let's go." Without giving her time to say anything else, Josiah turned and walked ahead. "Follow me."

Having no choice, Sienna quickly caught up.

Once in the car, Josiah asked Sienna, "What do you want to eat?"

"Anything's fine."

"There's no 'anything' on the menu." Josiah was a bit irritated, feeling she wasn't interested in accompanying him for a meal. Sienna felt awkward.

Zaid spoke up for her, saying, "Mr. Flynn, Sienna hasn't returned to Jelarrity in many years, so she's probably not very familiar…"

Josiah reluctantly accepted the explanation. With a slight nod, he said, "Alright, I'll make the decision—let's go to Cozyroam." And then, turning to her, he added, "I feel like having steak today. Is that alright with you?"

"Fine," Sienna nodded repeatedly. Did I really have a choice? she wondered.

They arrived at Cozyroam. Josiah booked a private room and ordered the Nurmira. "Do you like this?"

"Yeah," Sienna nodded again. "Anything's fine."

"Alright." Josiah closed the menu and handed it to the waiter. "Bring us a bottle of red wine too."

Red wine! Sienna kept her patience and silently hoped that his mood would be better after the meal.

The meal was served, and the two sat facing each other. Across from her, Josiah enjoyed his steak and red wine with great appetite, his posture elegant. Meanwhile, Sienna barely touched her food, chewing it with little interest, likely on the verge of indigestion.

"Why aren't you eating?" Josiah looked up at her, noticing the untouched steak on her plate.

Josiah sighed as he walked over to her, took her knife and fork, and carefully cut her steak into small pieces. Then he handed the utensils back to her. "It's ready. Enjoy your meal."

Returning to his seat, he smiled faintly. If I hadn't cut it, were you planning on starving yourself?

Sienna was speechless. I didn't mean it like that! Seriously, is something wrong with Josiah?

After finishing their meal, Josiah stood up. "I'm full. Let's head home."

Sienna quickly put her glass down and followed him.

Suddenly, Josiah stumbled, his whole body leaning towards her.

"Josiah!" Sienna was startled but managed to catch him.

Josiah took the opportunity to open his arms wide and leaned completely into her embrace, a satisfied grin on his face.