Chapter 317

With the holidays approaching, Sienna and Tara busied themselves preparing for Christmas Day. As arranged with Rosie earlier, Sienna went to the nursing home two days beforehand to collect her. Since Sienna wasn't a direct relative, the paperwork took some time.

"Finally done!"

After returning, Sienna helped Rosie pack. "Hope I didn't forget anything. If I did, you can borrow mine," she said.

"Okay," Rosie replied with a smile, nodding.

"Hey," Sienna exclaimed, bewildered. "Why do you have so many Christmas goodies here!"

"Is it a lot?" Rosie's eyes were slightly unfocused. "Jane said they came from the nursing home."

"The nursing home really thought this through," Sienna murmured, casually flipping through the items. A strange familiarity struck her; these were just like the ones Josiah had sent her a few days prior. The nursing home's gifts were surprisingly nice. Sienna frowned, sensing an unsettling feeling.

"Sienna," Rosie said, ready to leave. "Can we go now?"

"Sure!" Sienna snapped back to reality, helping Rosie up. "Let's go home."

Sunshine Neighborhood was safe; Daniel was unaware of their presence, allowing them to enjoy the holiday without worry.

The day before Christmas, bright and early, Joyce woke. Sienna dressed her in a red sweatshirt, tying her hair into two little buns and adding a touch of red lipstick to her forehead.

"All done!"

Joyce dashed to the mirror, admiring herself. "Wow, I look fabulous!"

"Ha!" Sienna laughed.

"Haha," Rosie chimed in, grinning. "Joyce is so adorable!"

Joyce corrected her, "Rosie, it's fabulous, fabulous."

"Right, right," Rosie laughed, correcting herself. "I misspoke. It's fabulous!"

Sienna ruffled Joyce's buns. "Be a good girl and play with me, okay? I can't see very well, so you have to take care of me, alright?"

"Yeah, I know," Joyce nodded seriously, then asked, "Mom, when is Josiah coming over!"

The little one hadn't forgotten Josiah's promise. Sienna paused. Since that night, she hadn't heard from Josiah. He probably wasn't back in Jelacrity yet. She wasn't sure if he could come that night.

"Mommy, mommy," Joyce tugged at her mother's shirt. "Hurry and tell me!"

"Joyce, sweetie," Tara interjected, smiling, to help Sienna.

"It's your secret pact with Josiah. Your mom doesn't know either. Besides, look at the time! He said he'd come over to keep you company for Christmas Eve. It's still bright out; we're not in a rush," Tara explained.

"Do we have to wait until it's dark?" Joyce pouted, peering at the afternoon sun. "Oh, fine! I'll just go hang out with Auntie."

The day was busy. Sienna and Tara prepared Christmas Eve dinner together. Although there weren't many people, they set a large table, ensuring modest portions to avoid waste.

"Rosie," Joyce said, passing a dish to Rosie. "You should eat this."

"Thanks, Joyce," Rosie smiled gently. "You're such a little angel!"

"Yep!" Joyce replied, eating and watching the window. "Mom, it's getting dark."

"Keep eating, sweetheart," Tara said, wiping Joyce's mouth. "Josiah is having dinner with his family right now too."

"Oh, right," Joyce replied.

As evening approached, the winter day shortened. Once the sun set, it was instantly dark. Sienna turned on the TV. The four of them—three adults and one child—sat on the couch, watching TV and snacking.

"Mommy, has Josiah and his family finished dinner yet?" Joyce nestled in Sienna's arms, sleepy.

"Not yet," Sienna replied, glancing outside to avoid Joyce's disappointment. "Josiah is still having drinks and taking his time with the food."

"Oh," Joyce's eyelids drooped. "So, Josiah will come, right?"

"Are you sleepy, Joyce?" Sienna asked, unwilling to dismiss her concern. "Why don't you take a little nap! I'll wake you when Josiah gets here."

"Okay," Joyce murmured, closing her eyes. She snuggled into her mother's embrace. "Mommy, remember to call me when Josiah arrives."

"Okay," Sienna replied.

Joyce drifted off to sleep. Sienna gently carried her to bed. It was past eight, and Sienna felt a slight unease. If Josiah had returned to Jelacrity, he would have contacted her by now.

At Jelacrity International Airport, in the VIP exit, Josiah hurried out with Yvette, followed by Chester and James. He spoke on his phone to Zach. "I'm in the garage. Okay, we're heading straight over." He glanced at Yvette, who looked exhausted. "We're heading to the garage."

Yvette nodded, tired. "Okay."

At the garage, they met Zach. Josiah checked his watch. "How many cars are ready?"

"Two."

"Alright," Josiah confirmed. "Take Yvette to the Flynn family home. Grandma and Howard are waiting for her."

"Yes, Mr. Flynn," Zach replied.

"Josiah," Yvette interjected, puzzled. "Aren't you coming with me?"

Josiah shook his head. "I have something to take care of."

"What is it…"

"Yvette," he interrupted urgently, "I'm in a hurry and really need to leave."

He led Chester and James to another vehicle.

As the car pulled away, Yvette stood, perplexed. How could anything be more important than family on such an occasion?

Meanwhile, Chester, driving, changed demeanor. "Mr. Flynn, something feels off with the car."

"What do you mean!" Josiah straightened, alarmed.

"It's the brakes!" Chester frowned, panicked. "They're not working!"

James added, "Someone tampered with the car."

"It's not just the brakes; the steering wheel is messed up too," Chester said. The car sped uncontrollably toward a concrete pillar. A collision would be disastrous—a total wreck, no survivors.

"What do we do now!"

"Jump, Mr. Flynn! It's the only way!" Chester yelled.

The car accelerated. Jumping was dangerous, but their only option.

"Okay," Josiah nodded.

They exchanged glances, grabbed the doors, yanked them open, and leaped out simultaneously. Yvette and Zach followed, slamming on the brakes.

"What's going on?" Yvette shouted, running towards them. "Josiah!"

"Stay back!" Josiah shouted as he heard metal colliding with concrete. The car hit the pillar.

The force of the jump sent Josiah sprawling. The impact caused him to tumble violently, nearly knocking him out.

"Josiah!" Yvette's eyes filled with tears, fear and anger mixing as she wanted to rush to him.

"Ms. Young!" Zach grabbed her arm. "It's too dangerous. Mr. Flynn wouldn't want you risking yourself for him!"

A sharp pain shot through Josiah's head. Everything blurred, fading into darkness. He raised a hand to his head, feeling something warm and sticky. The metallic scent of blood filled his senses. It was his own.