Chapter 247

Sienna, witnessing Yvette's furious expression, felt a pang of sympathy for Josiah. "Yvette," she said, "do you have a grudge against Josiah?"

Yvette, taken aback, retorted, "What are you talking about?"

Sienna, a hint of a contemptuous smile playing on her lips, nodded. "Then you're incredibly selfish. To put it bluntly, you like both brothers, but can only marry one. You can't save Josiah, yet you're unwilling to let him go, and can't bear the thought of him with another woman."

"Sienna! Shut up!" Yvette interrupted, anger flaring on her face. "What nonsense! How dare you say such things? Your heart is dirty, that's why everything looks dirty to you! Josiah and I grew up together; I want him to be happy more than anyone."

"Don't be sanctimonious," Sienna replied indifferently. "If you truly felt that way, you wouldn't have said, in front of me, that he'll always remember you." The implication of her words was clear.

"You! Hah!" Yvette laughed derisively. "What are you even worth?"

Sienna tilted her head, feigning confusion. "Ah, yes, what am I worth? I'm puzzled too. When Josiah was taken in, he said to remember... that his injury was for me, not related to you. What do you think that means?"

Sienna flicked her hair, then turned and left, leaving Yvette speechless and wondering, Did Josiah really say that? Does he... does he love Sienna?

Howard, having finished signing paperwork, bumped into Sienna. "Howard," she greeted politely, preparing to leave. She didn't want to face Yvette again.

Howard glanced at Yvette, then lowered his head. "Can we talk? I have something to say to you."

Sienna couldn't refuse. "Sure, Howard."

He led her to the lounge. "Here, Sienna," he offered a glass of water.

"Thank you, Howard," she said, accepting it.

"No need," he replied, sitting opposite her, pondering how to begin.

Sienna apologized first. "Today's incident was my fault. I take responsibility. Though unintentional, I did hurt Josiah, causing a second surgery."

Howard, shaking his head, said, "Don't be nervous. I'm not here to blame you. I don't know the full story, and I don't have the right to judge."

Sienna's eyebrows twitched. Then what does he want?

Howard sighed, speaking slowly. "I can see you and Josiah have misunderstandings, and it's because of Yvette, isn't it?" Sienna was startled. This was a taboo topic within the Flynn family.

Seeing her apprehension, Howard chuckled softly. "Relax, it's okay. I know everything. Including the rumors in Jelacrity about the two Flynn brothers and the same girl."

Sienna was speechless. He's so calm, being one of the parties involved.

Howard sipped his water. "I've never explained before, mainly because there was no way to counter the millions of mouths spreading rumors. What the truth is, I know in my heart, and that's enough."

Sienna fell silent. So, there's a hidden story! Are the rumors fabrications?

Howard put down his cup. "Both Josiah and I were very kind to Yvette. That's true... one hundred percent true. Sienna, do you want to know why?"

Sienna's heart rate increased. She nodded. "Yes."

Howard sighed, seeming to struggle. "This is rarely mentioned in the Flynn family because... it's not a pleasant memory, especially for Josiah."

He spoke slowly, recounting the past. "When Josiah and I were young, we were kidnapped. Our parents were also kidnapped. It caused a sensation in Jelacrity. The police investigated tirelessly but never found them. After their disappearance, the kidnappers never contacted Miranda Flynn. The police deduced it wasn't about money, making it far more complicated."

The case remained unsolved for half a year. The police eventually found Howard and Josiah in a criminal gang's hideout, starving and injured. Josiah was being carried by a girl, around his age, ragged and bony, having carried him ten kilometers.

After the rescue, the police wanted to take them to the hospital, but the girl refused; she still needed to find Howard. She couldn't carry him, but since Josiah was safe, she had to go back. Thus, under her guidance, the police rescued Howard. But their parents... their whereabouts remained unknown. The police speculated they perished.

This past was buried in the hearts of the Flynn family, rarely spoken of, as it reopened painful wounds. Howard's voice was distant. "That's how it was."

Sienna's vision blurred. "Yvette was that girl?"

Howard nodded softly. "The world only knows we were good to her, but they never knew she deserved it."

Sienna thought, Indeed. Without Yvette, the Flynn family might have vanished. Miranda, an old lady, alone and destitute... no wonder Yvette acted with impunity. There was such a history!

Howard's voice was hoarse. "Josiah is my younger brother. I know him well. He likes you, probably more than he realizes."

He glanced at his watch and stood. "He's straightforward. His kindness to Yvette is gratitude, but with you? His kindness is simply because he wants to be kind. If that's not love, then what is?"