Chapter 238

His gaze was fixed on her, his eyes burning with intensity, as if the answer held profound importance. Sienna felt a wave of discomfort; she wriggled in his embrace, deliberately avoiding his question. "I'll get you a spoon…"

Josiah saw through her evasion, feeling a pang of disappointment. But at least Sienna didn't outright deny that she liked him. He held her tightly. "You're so stingy! Is it really that hard to say you like me?" Leaning down, he kissed her gently. "I'll go get the spoon myself. I'll finish every last bite of what you made for me!"

Releasing her, he turned toward the cupboard. Watching his back, Sienna felt disoriented. For an instant, she even wavered in her resolve. She thought, What if he can accept Joyce and treat her well? Perhaps we can get married! This thought sent her head reeling and her heart racing. Sienna hurriedly grasped the table for support, waiting for the dizziness and palpitations to subside.

Late at night, Howard was jolted awake by his ringing phone—it was Hervey.

"Howard!" Hervey, usually calm and composed, sounded frantic. "Bobby is missing!"

Howard was startled, all sleep vanishing instantly. His lips pressed into a tight line as he struggled to contain his anger. "You incompetent fools! You can't keep track of a three-year-old?"

Bobby had been temporarily placed in Hervey's care, and Howard hadn't yet figured out how to discuss this with Yvette. Hervey remained silent, not contesting Howard's fury.

After the outburst, Howard regained his composure. Hervey had other responsibilities and wasn't solely responsible for the child. Howard had hired two babysitters on a rotational basis; there should have been ample support. As he approached the window, he noticed it was already two in the morning. He couldn't understand how Bobby could have gone missing.

Hervey explained, "At 8 p.m., the babysitter put Bobby to bed, and everything was fine. However, in the middle of the night, the nanny checked on him, concerned he might need the restroom, only to discover he was missing. The nanny immediately informed me."

Hervey had checked the home surveillance footage and contacted security. The footage showed Bobby escaping the house at least four hours earlier.

As Howard listened, his expression grew increasingly stormy. "Howard," Hervey said, "I've already contacted the police, and our people are searching as well." In short, Hervey had done everything he could, but there was still no news. This was a matter of great importance, and he had to inform Howard.

Howard asked, "Where are you now?"

"At your front door. As your subordinate, I anticipated you wouldn't remain calm. After completing my tasks, I awaited instructions at the Flynn residence."

"Alright. I'll be out soon." After hanging up, Howard quickly changed and hurried out, only to collide with Yvette. "Yvette!" Howard froze, a fleeting flicker of alarm crossing his face. Knowing him for so many years, Yvette understood him well.

Yvette scrutinized him, her expression calm but heavy with foreboding. "Where are you going at this hour?"

Howard furrowed his brow. "Hervey needs to discuss something with me."

"What is it?" Yvette wasn't easily deceived.

Yvette suddenly stepped closer, locking her gaze onto his. "Tell me the truth! What could possibly be so important that it requires you to be out in the middle of the night?"

Howard was still on medical leave and in rehabilitation. With Josiah and Yvette, nothing should be so pressing as to warrant disturbing him. Yvette's instincts told her tonight's incident was far from ordinary. She felt something significant was about to be revealed.

At that moment, Howard felt his eyelids twitch violently as he steeled himself. He hadn't intended to hide this indefinitely; that would be impractical. Eventually, the child would return to the Flynn family, and she would have to know sooner or later. However, fate often diverged from plans. He wished to find the right moment to speak with Yvette, yet unexpected twists had brought them to this critical juncture.

"Listen to me…" Howard stepped closer, grasping Yvette's hand. "I can tell you the truth, but you must promise to remain calm and listen until I finish, alright?"

"Go ahead," Yvette narrowed her eyes. "What is it?"

After a moment of silence, Howard replied slowly, "The reason I'm out so late is that… my child is missing."

Yvette's gaze faltered, struggling to process the information. "What did you say?"

"I said," Howard took a deep breath, repeating, "My child is missing. I have to go find him."

A rush of blood surged to Yvette's head, overwhelming her with pressure that nearly caused her to lose her balance. Clutching her head, her body swayed.

"Yvette!" Howard rushed forward, attempting to steady her.

"Don't touch me!" Yvette instantly pushed him away, her eyes wide with horror, as if she were staring at some monstrous creature. "Your child?"

Howard furrowed his brow, silently nodding. Yvette's eyes brimmed with tears. She suddenly grabbed Howard's collar, trembling. "Your child?"

"Yes." Howard looked down, only able to nod. An oppressive silence blanketed the air. Yvette's complexion turned pale, and she bit her lip, seemingly oblivious to the pain as it bled.

"Yvette!" Howard grasped her chin. "Don't hurt yourself!"

"Do you still care about me?" Under duress, Yvette released her grip, her laughter devoid of warmth. She slapped Howard hard across the face.

The sound echoed sharply; Howard took the hit without evasion.

"Howard!" Yvette glared at him, on the verge of an emotional breakdown. "And you said you didn't cheat on me? You have a child! What am I?"

The commotion awakened Miranda, who emerged in her nightgown. "Are you two arguing again? What happened?" "Grandma!" Yvette cried, rushing into Miranda's embrace. "You have to stand up for me! Howard!" As they spoke, Hervey hurried up the stairs. "We got news about Bobby!"