Sienna and Rosie descended the stairs together at the break of dawn. Rosie was heading out early for work, while Sienna planned to visit the nearby market to buy Joyce her favorite crab ravioli.
Rosie had returned home late the previous night and was already rushing out again this morning. Sienna could not help but worry about her health.
"I'll lend you some money if you're in such a hurry to pay back Howard. You'll wear yourself out running yourself ragged like this," Sienna said.
"No," Rosie refused outright. "Borrowing money to pay off another debt? That's just robbing Peter to pay Paul." She smiled. "Don't worry, I'm fine. I stayed up late doing reports last night, and I have an early shift today..."
Rosie's voice suddenly trailed off as she spoke. She then tugged at Sienna's sleeve. "Sienna."
"What is it?" Sienna asked.
"Look over there." Rosie pointed to the sycamore tree at the corner. "Isn't that Josiah's car?"
Sienna looked up and nodded. "Yes," she said, furrowing her brows as she strode toward the sycamore tree.
Inside the car, Josiah saw Sienna approaching. He immediately pushed open the door and stepped out, standing stiffly with his hands at his sides.
"Sienna." Josiah smiled sheepishly.
"Why are you here?" Sienna frowned, her soothing voice laced with confusion and displeasure. "Don't tell me you were here all night."
Josiah gulped nervously as he nodded. "I was."
"You were?" Sienna was taken aback. "Why?"
"I was worried about you," Josiah hurriedly explained upon sensing Sienna's displeasure. "I was afraid Tania would bother you again."
"Why would you be worried about me?" Sienna remained unmoved as a faint smile graced her lips. "Have you forgotten your promise to me?"
Josiah felt his throat tightened. He shook his head with difficulty. "No, I haven't forgotten."
'I won't bother you again for any reason,' Josiah thought. That was the promise he had made to Sienna. "But Sienna, I'm not here to bother you," he explained.
"Mr. Flynn." A car pulled beside them, and Chester poked his head out the window, waving to Josiah.
"Chester and James?" Josiah was surprised. As the vehicle came to a stop, the two brothers, Chester and James, stepped out and approached Josiah. "What brings you two here?" he asked.
"Mr. Howard Flynn said you needed us," Chester explained. "Zach told us you were here, so we came."
"That Zach..." Josiah sounded hesitant. He had clearly ordered Zach to find him two reliable bodyguards.
"Mr. Flynn, we've worked together for a long time. Who could be more reliable than us when you need someone trustworthy?" Chester asked.
"Exactly," James said. "Mr. Flynn, just tell us what needs to be done."
Chester and James spoke one after another. Upon hearing their words, warmth surged through Josiah's chest. He hesitated for only a heartbeat before nodding. "All right."
Josiah then turned to look at Sienna. "Sienna, let Chester and James stay here for the next few days and keep watch, okay?"
"When Tania left, she made it clear she wouldn't let this go easily. I know you don't bother, but what about Joyce? Joyce is just a child. What if Tania tries something against her? Can you risk that?" Josiah added.
Sienna froze, momentarily speechless. She had to admit that Josiah had a point. There was nothing that Tania wouldn't stoop to. However, Joyce's safety shouldn't be compromised as she was about to undergo surgery.
"Let Chester and James stay and keep watch, okay?" Josiah bent down and coaxed Sienna in his low-pitched voice.
"I'm not the second son of the Flynn family anymore, and they aren't working for me. This has nothing to do with me. They're here because of Howard," Josiah explained.
Josiah was quick to distance himself from them, as if afraid Sienna would refuse.
Under Josiah's expectant gaze, Sienna felt a weight settle in her heart. In the end, she nodded. "Okay." Logic told Sienna she couldn't refuse—not for Joyce's sake.
"Great." Overjoyed, Josiah let out a sigh of relief. With Chester and James there, he could finally put his mind at ease. "Sienna..." Josiah's gaze fell upon Sienna, his smile fading slightly. His thin lips parted as he spoke. "I'll be going now."
Sienna curled her lips into a faint smile. "Then... take care."
"Okay." Josiah turned and instructed Chester and James, "I'll leave this to you two."
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