CHAPTER 138: CHAPTER 138: FATHER’S DEATH

One week later, Sienna Johnson received the paternity test results.

The report stated: "According to the STR analysis, and after ruling out identical multiple births, consanguinity, or external interference, the results support Sienna Johnson as the biological mother of Curly Baby."

With this identification report in hand, Sienna confirmed Curly Baby was indeed her daughter.

"I told you Curly Baby is your daughter, but you wouldn’t believe me! You insisted on taking her for a paternity test. If Curly Baby knew, she’d be heartbroken," Kiki complained.

Sienna’s expression remained unchanged, but her gaze softened as she looked at Curly Baby. "But I don’t remember anything. To me, you’re all strangers. Should I be foolish enough to believe everything you say?"

"Mai," Kiki began, still using the old name, "will you be able to remember things eventually?"

"Sienna Johnson!" Sienna corrected sharply. She disliked the name Mai; deep down, she loathed it.

"Alright, Sienna..." Kiki conceded. She was so used to calling her Mai that ’Sienna’ still felt awkward for her to say.

"I don’t know. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t."

"Oh." Kiki sighed, still hoping Sienna would regain her memories.

"I’m returning to Sileria City tomorrow. Are you sure you want to come with me?"

Kiki was unusually resolute. "Of course, we’re going! Wherever you and Curly Baby go, we’ll go. You can’t get rid of Lucas and me. Lucas used to be with the CIA in Westoria; he’s very capable..."

CIA?

Sienna glanced at the unassuming Lucas Robertson, finding it hard to believe this man had been with the CIA. Sensing her disbelief, Lucas said sarcastically, "You don’t need to doubt me. If it weren’t for me, you’d never have escaped Adrian Desmond’s grasp."

"Who is Adrian Desmond?"

Kiki felt a pang of sorrow for Adrian Desmond; Sienna had completely forgotten him. "Adrian Desmond is Sixth Master, Sixth Master is Adrian Desmond, and Adrian Desmond is Curly Baby’s father."

"Sixth Master? Is he very old?" Sienna asked. She had wondered about this the last time Kiki had told her about the memories she’d lost.

Kiki didn’t answer.

Sienna continued, "Curly Baby’s father isn’t some little old man, is he? Being called ’Master,’ he must be quite old."

Lucas also said nothing.

Kiki finally explained, "Sixth Master is ranked sixth in the Desmond family, so everyone respectfully calls him ’Sixth Master.’ He’s not old at all; he’s very young and incredibly handsome. It’s just... his eyes are terrifying."

Young, handsome, terrifying eyes... Sienna tried to form an image of Adrian Desmond in her mind, but no face appeared.

"Understood. Since we’ve escaped, we have nothing more to do with that Sixth Master. Let’s not mention him again."

Just then, Noah Phillips called. Sienna pushed thoughts of the young Sixth Master to the back of her mind.

"Brother..." Sienna stood up and walked towards the balcony.

Watching Sienna’s retreating figure, Kiki whispered to Lucas, "Lucas, do you think Mai—oh, no, Sienna—and that Noah Phillips are having an affair?"

Lucas glanced at the guileless Kiki. "Kiki, have you ever heard the saying?"

"What saying?"

"Curiosity killed the cat!"

Kiki fell silent.

「Sileria City.」

Noah Phillips, worried about her, had accompanied her personally. As their black minivan drove into the familiar Sileria City, Sienna felt a wave of apprehension.

Her family lived on Rose Street. The Johnsons’ old house was an edifice dating back to the Harald and Norden Dynasty. It had originally been a prince’s mansion, but after his descendants squandered the family fortune, the residence was sold and subsequently bought by Sienna’s ancestor.

Generations of the Johnson family had lived and prospered here.

"Sienna, this place is beautiful!" Kiki exclaimed.

Rose Street, ironically, was not lined with roses but with Phoenix Trees. It was the season for their blossoms, and the tall trees with their delicate, light purple flowers were a lovely sight. The fragrance of Phoenix Tree flowers drifted in through the open car windows.

In contrast to Kiki’s relaxed mood, Sienna’s grew heavy. Noah Phillips sensed her unease and took her hand. His was warm and dry; hers was cold and clammy.

"Don’t be afraid," Noah reassured her.

I wonder what expressions they’ll have when they see the resurrected Sienna? Sienna thought. It would be best if I could scare Sabrina and Frederick to death. But I’m worried about Father. I hope he won’t be frightened too.

Noah, with a hint of dark humor, suggested, "Why don’t you dress up a bit? Give them a real ’surprise’?"

"More like a scare," Sienna retorted.

"If they’ve done nothing wrong, what’s there to be scared of?"

Sienna and Noah met each other’s gaze. They had always shared a tacit understanding, and a single glance was enough for them to know what the other was thinking.

"Brother, I still won’t be soft-hearted towards those who bullied me," Sienna said, a warmth spreading through her.

"Back then, Sweetheart, you only had me. If I didn’t protect you, who else would?"

Back then, young Sienna only had Drew.

As they arrived at the Johnson family’s house, Sienna saw white mourning cloth draped over the door. Beside it, fire basins burned spirit money, and white funereal banners were hung, indicating a death in the family.

Noah knew more about the Johnson family’s affairs over the past two years than Sienna did. She looked at him and asked, "Brother, what’s happened? Who died?"

Noah hadn’t paid much attention to the Johnson family since finding Sienna, so he didn’t know either.

"I’m not sure."

Who had died?

Grandmother?

But she remembered her grandmother had always been in good health. The last time they visited Purity Temple, the abbot had read her grandmother’s fortune and said she showed signs of a long life.

As soon as the car stopped, Sienna handed a sleeping Curly Baby to Kiki and stepped out. The Johnson family was one of the most influential in Sileria City, so many people had come to pay their respects.

At the entrance, welcoming guests, was Curtis Johnson, Sienna’s older cousin. He was typically composed and adept at hiding his emotions, but upon seeing the resurrected Sienna, even he couldn’t hide his shock.

"You... you..." he stammered.

Sienna glanced at him coldly. "I’m a person, not a ghost!"

"What on earth is going on?" Curtis stared at the living, breathing Sienna before him. He couldn’t comprehend it; they had held a funeral for her two years ago.

"Whose funeral is this?" Sienna asked.

Curtis’s expression darkened. Seeing the reluctance and what seemed like pity in his eyes, Sienna grew more anxious. "Who died?" she pressed.

"It’s your father."

What?

"Sienna, your father... he’s passed away."

"Dad..."

A sharp cry pierced the silence of the mourning hall. Sienna rushed inside, the crowd parting to make way for her.