Chapter 181
Josefina hit redial on her phone, and Luke’s anxious voice crackled through the speaker. “Boss, big client alert!”
Josefina raised an eyebrow. “Which client?”
“The one who dropped a fortune on your self-portrait last time. Well, he’s back for more.”
Josefina let out a sigh. A self-portrait, again?
“Luke, tell this guy I’m swamped. I have no time for brushwork.”
“Are you turning down cash? Since when were you not in it for the green?”
Luke caught on quick. Josefina was notorious for her money-making hustle. If she was passing up this payday, something was up. He whispered, “What’s the deal? Is the art collector your nemesis or something?”
“You’re overthinking it.”
Luke’s excitement spiked. “Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve been the cash queen. No job is too big, and no fee is too small. What’s the story this time? There’s gotta be more to it, and I don’t buy for a second there isn’t.”
Josefina leaned back on the sofa, cradling a glass of juice, and replied with slight irritation, “Luke, with that imagination, why aren’t you writing novels?”
“Well, it’s not Oliver, is it?”
Josefina paused. Busted. He guessed it.
“Wow, the world’s richest man’s got the hots for you. Can’t say he doesn’t have taste. You’re top-notch, and him landing you would be his lucky day.” Josefina rolled her eyes. “You’re too chatty. I’ve got stuff to do. Later.” She ended the call and buried herself in her work.
Lena tossed and turned in bed, rest eluding her. Her phone rang, its familiar tone prompting her to answer swiftly.
“What’s with the fumbles, Lena? Ever since Josefina got back, you’ve been off your game.”
The oppressive voice on the other
end sent shivers down Lena’s spine.
Her teeth chattered uncontrollably,
betraying her unrest. “It’s like
형.net
Josefina’s onto every plan. My horse
went berserk, which was probably
herdoing. She touched it, and next
thing I knew, I was in trouble.”
The man’s voice was cold, dismissive. “Really? What is she, some kind of witch doctor?”
Lena, desperate not to seem defensive, said helplessly, “Ever since her return, nothing’s gone right. And today, I noticed Emily, Garrett, and Hattie… are all clean of toxins.”
“What!” He hadn’t expected his schemes to unravel so suddenly. “Stay your hand for now. I’ll have someone look into this.”
Lena dared not act recklessly, fearing she’d botch his plans and meet a grizzly end.
“I sent you to the Harrison family for a reason. Serve well,” he reminded her.
“I know, sir. My life is in your debt. I’ll be good and repay your kindness.”
The call ended, and Lena lay back, the luxury around her meaningless.
Brandon sat in his room, his brow furrowed in concern. When Bennett came in with a tray of food, he noticed Brandon’s mood. He set the meal down and approached. “Sir, if there’s something bothering you, why not spill it? Maybe I can help.”
Brandon hesitated. “Well, there is something. Josie finally spends a night here, and there’s no spark flying with the young man. At this rate, when will I see my
о
great-grandkids?”
Bennett pondered for a moment before responding, “Sir, best not to worry. The kids will find their way. You should focus on resting.”
Brandon hatched a cunning plan. “Then maybe I should play sick a little longer.”
He couldn’t very well leave them alone together overnight, could he?
Chapter 182
Bennett couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head at the lengths Brandon was going to in order to keep Ms. Josefina around.
Josefina woke up in the morning. She opened her door and was greeted by a line of servants, each one cradling different items in their arms.
“What’s all this about?”
Bennett explained, “Ms. Josefina, these are clothes and accessories. I don’t know what you’d prefer this morning, so I had a stylist remotely put together a dozen outfits for you. Take a look and see which one you fancy.”
The stylist had exquisite taste and a unique vision, crafting outfits that complemented Josefina based on her photos. There was an array of styles: chic, innocent, casual, professional, and more.
Some servants held garments, others displayed accessories, and Bennett handed Josefina a tablet. “Ms. Josefina, the tablet contains images of the ensembles, and what the servants are holding are the actua items. If you’d rather not go through each piece by hand, just pick your favorite style from the tablet, and I’ll have the servants present the corresponding clothes for your consideration.”
Josefina was taken aback by Bennett’s meticulous efforts. Such grand gestures were indeed worthy of Westwood’s prestigious Baldwin family.
“Bennett, I can’t thank you enough,” Josefina said with genuine gratitude.
Bennett blushed with modesty. “Ms. Josefina, there’s no need for thanks. This is simply my duty.” Josefina’s thanks seemed to humble him.
On the tablet, Josefina chose a casual outfit that suited her plans for the day. She did not have to go to work and just wanted something simple and comfortable.
“Ms. Josefina, I’ll have the items brought in for you, just a moment. If it’s not to your liking, we can try other outfits.”
After Bennett had the clothes brought in, Josefina asked the servants to leave them and exit so she could change. She slipped into sportswear and tied her hair into a high ponytail, looking effortlessly fresh and innocent.
When Josefina stepped out of the elevator, Oliver’s gaze was fixed on her, captivated by her strikingly beautiful yet pure visage. Even in the simplest of sportswear, Josefina radiated an undeniable elegance. The servants were equally stunned.
“Ms. Josefina looks stunning. Even common sportswear looks high-class on her.”
“Such flattery could be risky, but
you’re speaking the truth. No wonder Oliver Kas been single for so long. He just hadn’t met a woman who could match his caliber.” S
“Ms. Josefina and Oliver together seem like the perfect match, as if destined by the heavens.”
The servants murmured quietly, fearing their voices might carry to Oliver or Josefina.
As Josefina approached the
breakfast table, she could already see it laden with a variety of dishes. She had grown accustomed to such displays.
She settled down, and the servants offered her soy milk, almond milk, juice, oatmeal, and even muesli, leaving the choice to her. Oliver, noticing her preference for American cuisine, had instructed the kitchen to prepare some breakfast options suited to her palate.
“Where’s Brandon?” Josefina inquired.
“He’s not doing very well after that shock. He probably needs a couple of days to recover,” came the reply.
Josefina doubted her medical skills were at fault; after her examination and treatment yesterday, Brandon should have been fine.
Her skeptical ook didn’t go
aljook
unnoticed, but Oliver maintained a
steady countenance. “He was already frail, and yesterday’s phone call took a heavy toll. If it weren’t for your care, he likely would’ve been in worse shape.”
Brandon had to suppress a huff while listening in – was he angling for a funeral?!
Bennett gestured a silent ‘shush’ to Brandon, cautioning him to keep quiet. If Josefina found out, it would all be over.
Just then, Josefina’s gaze drifted upwards…
Chapter 183
Brandon cowered behind, his voice locked in his throat, while Bennett was sweating bullets. Ms. Josefina’s mind was like a steel trap; nothing slipped past her keen eyes. Oliver peeled a boiled egg and placed it on her plate. “What’s up?”
Frowning, Josefina muttered, “The weather’s off. I checked the forecast yesterday, and it was supposed to be sunny today. But now it seems like it’s drizzling outside.” She’d agreed to Luke’s get-together. Was it going to be a washout?
With a doting tone, Oliver said, “Let’s roll with the punches. Even if it rains, there will be a moment when the sun shines through. I heard you’re into sports. How about I show you our home gym later?”
Bennett approached from the elevator, speaking respectfully, “Ms. Josefina, the weather seems iffy, like it’s going to rain. If you’re bored after breakfast, we’ve got badminton, volleyball, even soccer and basketball courts at the house.”
Josefina sighed. Was the weather really that unpredictable?
She set down her cutlery and decided, “I should head home before it starts pouring.”
As she stood and walked out, carrying the clothes she’d changed out of the day before, Oliver quickly followed. He barely made it to the door when a torrential downpour began outside.
Josefina was completely surprised. A perfectly fine day suddenly turned into this? The weather seemed eerily abnormal!
“Ms. Josefina, look at the rain. Why don’t you stay a bit longer until it stops?” Bennett urged, genuinely concerned.
Josefina was firm. “No need, I can drive myself home.”
“But,” Bennett continued regretfully, “unfortunately, all the cars are out for maintenance.”
“Not a single one left?”
“Well, there is one, but it’s not the best for driving. If anything were to happen to you on the road, I couldn’t live with myself.”
Oliver almost chuckled. This was the
first time he saw Bennett’s
humorous side. He was telling tall tales with a straight face. He was quite the character. These two old
hands were outdoing each other in fibs to keep Josefina around.
The housekeeper chimed in with concern, “Ms. Josefina, this rain looks like it’s settling in for a long haul. Driving now would be really unsafe.” “Ms. Josefina, safety first,” another maid pitched in.
And Bennett added, “Please take our
advice, Ms. Josefina. How could
explain it to your family if something happened to you? Mr. Brandon
would have our heads if we let you leave.”
“Nowadays, jobs are so hard to come by. I’ve got an eighty-year-old mother and a newborn grandson. Without this job, how would I support them?” Josefina was speechless. She just wanted to go home, yet the conversation made her feel like the grim reaper holding sway over life and death.
“Alright then,” Josefina conceded, “I’ll stay a while longer until the rain lets up.”
Everyone exchanged relieved glances. They had managed to keep Ms. Josefina!
Bennett relayed the incident to Brandon, who was tickled pink. Joy did wonders for the spirit; Brandon looked spry, belying any sign of ailment.
Bennett whispered, “Sir, you’re brilliant. That artificial rain scheme kept Ms. Josefina here.”
Brandon, invigorated and smiling,
said, “Inform Oliver to seize this
hard-won opportunity. We can’t keep up the rain forever. I’m afraid Josie
might catch on. She’s a sharp one, that girl.”
Chapter 184
“I’ve told Mr. Oliver to seize the opportunity, given how fond he is of Ms. Josefina,” remarked the butler, a knowing twinkle in his eye. Both shared a smile, their happiness evident.
Josefina recorded the deluge pounding outside and sent it to Hattie, explaining she was stuck and would head home when the rain eased up.
Hattie peered through her window at the clear blue skies, utterly baffled by Josefina’s video. [Josie, it’s all sunshine and rainbows here. How on earth is it pouring buckets at your end?] She shook her head, “That’s just not adding up.”
Comparing the photo Hattie had sent back, Josefina couldn’t deny the stark contrast.
[Josie, better stay put for now. The rain’s coming down way too hard for safe driving. Even the Baldwin family’s seasoned chauffeurs can’t drive in this weather. I’m worried.]
[Alright, no worries. I’ll head back once the rain lets up.] Josefina replied, then dialed Luke to cancel their dinner plans. This rain didn’t look like it would stop anytime soon.
Luke grumbled, “Do you think the Baldwin clan pulled some strings for a rain dance just to keep you there?” Frustration laced his voice. “I’ve got all the grub ready, and now you’re stuck with them!” The Baldwins sure played a crafty game!
As Josefina gazed out, Luke’s words echoed in her mind. “I’ll go check it out,” she said, hanging up.
Stepping outside, Josefina encountered Oliver. With his glasses on, he stood out sharply.
“I want to show you something.”
Cutting to the chase, Josefina asked, “Did your family orchestrate this downpour?”
Oliver nodded. “I didn’t do it.” Truth was, he wasn’t to blame. And he wasn’t lying.
Taking her hand, Oliver led the way. “Come with me.”
Following Oliver’s stride, Josefina found herself on a secluded path sheltered from the rain. Flowers and greenery ined the walkway, their vibrant colors blooming fiercely adding a subtle fragrance to the moist air.
Josefina walked along, her eyes alight with wonder. Such beauty deserved to be captured, and she reached for her phone to take photos. She admired the view through her lens, while Oliver admired her capturing it.
The floral display was overwhelming, and as she passed an arch entwined with blooms, her eyes sparkled with delight. “Oliver, your gardeners have outdone themselves. This floral arch is stunning.”
Josefina turned to face Oliver, with the floral arch behind her. She herself was a vision, more radiant than any flower. Oliver watched her intently as if she were a fairy, enchanting and luminous against the backdrop of flowers. S
“I made this,” he said with tender pride.
Josefina was taken aback.
“After meeting you, I planted this flower path and built this arch, hoping that when you came here, you’d take a moment to enjoy it and love it.”
The flowers weren’t grown from scratch; Oliver had them brought in, planted, and meticulously cared for to keep them vibrant.
Surrounded by the blooms, with the soft patter of rain and the tranquility enveloping them, Josefina found herself at a loss for words. Her astonished, bashful expression spoke volumes in silence.
She continued down the path until it
Penet
ended at a pond. Inside a gazebo overlooking the water, Josefina’s eyes lit up at the sight of the fish darting freely. She had always adored fish, envying their easy grace as a child.
asa
Oliver handed her some fish food, and as Josefina fed them, there was a sense of serene simplicity to the moment.
Chapter 185
Josefina had spent a radiant day at the Baldwin estate, marveling at the stretch of blooming gardens and feeding the fish. She and Oliver had also engaged in a lively two-hour badminton match. Sweaty from the exertion, Josefina took a refreshing shower and slipped into a pale pink dress that seemed almost to blush with her youth. The soft hue complemented her delicate features, making her appear even more radiant than the fabric itself.
The two sat down for lunch, side by side, at a rectangular table. Josefina took the seat facing south while Oliver settled beside her, closing the distance between them.
In the midst of their meal, Bennett descended the staircase.
“Bennett,” Oliver inquired, “what’s up?”
“The guard at the gate informed me that Miss Shay Baldwin has arrived,” Bennett announced.
A shadow fell across Oliver’s face, his displeasure at the visitor evident.
Josefina caught the exchange of looks between Oliver and Bennett. Shay? A Baldwin by association – was she unwelcome here?
Without a hint of remorse, Oliver instructed, “Grandfather is resting and will not receive visitors.”
“Understood. I’ll deliver the message personally,” Bennett assured him.
At the gate, Shay stood under an umbrella. Her attire was speckled with rain, and her demeanor was one of forlorn vulnerability. With a beaming smile, she greeted Bennett, “It’s been a while, Bennett. You look just as you always have, well-preserved indeed.”
Bennett responded with a grin. “Miss Shay, you seem unchanged as well.”
He carried on, “I apologize, but Mr. Brandon is indisposed and cannot entertain guests. I must ask you to leave.”
Shay’s visage flickered with disappointment, but she quickly recovered with a smile. “No worries, I’ll visit Grandfather another time.”
She handed Bennett a gift bag, “This is for you, Bennett – a token of my appreciation. It’s a health supplement. It’s good for your body.” “Thank you, Miss Shay,” Bennett said, accepting the gift and watching her depart.
Back upstairs, he informed Brandon
broke into a
Brandon’s face
of the encountering smile, his surveillance footage of the gatel net
phone screen displaying the
“That girl knows I won’t see
her, and
her gift was only meant for you.
Clearly, she plans to return.”
Bennett remarked, “Miss Shay is Sydney’ daughter and has always longed to be embraced by the Baldwin circle.”
However, the Baldwin’s circle was not one easily penetrated, especially not by outsiders like her and her mother.
Josefina did not inquire further about Shay’s identity, focusing instead on the lunch before her. The servants had discreetly retreated to their quarters, not wishing to disturb the private lunch date.
Oliver broached the subject of Shay’s lineage, “She’s Sydney’s daughter, ostensibly my sister, with no blood ties.”
Josefina recalled the previous encounter with Rowan and understood the connection.
“Even if you meet her in the future, you needn’t pay her any mind,” Oliver added.
Josefina nodded, “She probably won’t seek me out. We’re strangers to each other.” Oliver said no more on the subject, instead urging Josefina to finish her soup.
After leaving the estate, Shay returned to Rowan and Sydney’s residence. A bodyguard stood watch, denying entry to strangers.
Shay’s demeanor turned icy as she confronted the guard, “Why can’t I enter? I am a Baldwin heiress! Am I not allowed to visit my parents?”
At that moment, the guard received a call, and Shay was allowed through.
Inside, Sydney was surprised to see her daughter return unexpectedly. “Shay, why are you back so
suddenly? Didn’t I instruct you ton et
stay away for now? You’re aware of the current situation – your father is under house arrest.”
Chapter 186
Shay slouched on the sofa as Sydney directed the housekeeper to whip up a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup.
“Your clothes are soaked. Have some soup to warm up,” Sydney said with a tinge of concern.
“I went over to the family estate,” Shay replied.
Sydney’s voice dropped to a scolding whisper, “Why would you go there? Don’t you know that old bastard never cared for us?”
“Mom, you can’t be so bitter. Grandpa is still our family. The first thing I did after coming back home was to pay him a visit. It doesn’t matter if he saw me or not. What matters is that I’ve done the right thing,” Shay retorted, clearly annoyed.
Sydney, noting her daughter’s irritation, softened her tone, “Alright, alright, I know you’re the good-hearted one. It’s just that they never welcomed us. Look at your dad. He was ousted from his position and barred from the company. His shares were seized.”
Shay wasn’t in the mood for Sydney’s complaints and looked around, “Where’s dad?”
“He’s turned into a barfly. If he’s not drinking, he’s on his way to get a drink. At this rate, he’ll drink himself into an early grave!”
“Mom, you need to talk some sense into him. I’ll go have a word with Oliver. After all, we are family. He can’t just stand by and watch dad fall apart.”
“You always think of everyone, darling. But Oliver might not listen. I heard he’s got a new girlfriend. He spoils her rotten and spends all his time courting the Harrisons, practically wearing a path to their door!” “Enough, Mom,” Shay said, her head spinning from the family drama.
Sydney fell silent, shifting the conversation to less contentious matters.
Brandon gazed out at the rain, his mood blossoming with glee. “Ah, this rain is perfect, Bennett. Tell them to keep it up for three days and nights.”
Bennett replied dryly, “Sir, the rain will continue as the weather dictates.”
In the middle of their talk, Bennett received a voice message. His
expression flipped in an instant.net
“What? They’re at the door? Are you sure? Is this for real?”
After hanging up, Bennett reported to Brandon without waiting to be asked, “Sir, trouble’s brewing. Robert’s here with Garrett and Hattie They’ve come to take Ms. Josefina home. Sir, I don’t think there’s any stopping them today.”
Brandon, frustrated yet helpless, instructed, “Go greet them. Tell them I’m still asleep.”
If the Harrisons knew he was awake the moment they arrived, wouldn’t that be too obvious?
Bennett descended to welcome the Harrison trio while Oliver and Josefina sat in the living room.
Hattie came in and took Josefina’s hand. “Josie, I’m here to take you home.”
Garrett added, “Your mother’s been
losing sleep and not eating. Says
she dreamt you were taken by
villains. She’s scared and insisted on
fetching you herself.”
Josefina was touched, realizing her family cared even more than she thought.
Robert asked, “Bennett, where’s Brandon?”
With due respect, Bennett answered, “Mr. Brandon is still unconscious.”
Unperturbed by Bennett’s demeanor, Robert strode to the elevator and made his way to Brandon’s room like he’d done it a hundred times before.
Chapter 187
Brandon was pretending to be asleep when he heard the door open. He didn’t jump to his feet because he recognized that the footsteps didn’t belong to Bennett.
“Brandon, you still playing possum? Think you’ll be cradling a great-grandkid if you keep this up?”
Brandon stayed silent. He was faking slumber, so how did Robert catch on?
Robert sat at the edge of Brandon’s bed, his piercing gaze fixed on him. “Come on now, who’re you trying to fool? There’s no one else here. Putting on a show for my precious granddaughter, are you?” Brandon opened his eyes and sat up with a sheepish grin. “Robert, I knew it. Nothing gets past you, does it?”
Robert shot him a disapproving look. “So, this is how you treat my darling granddaughter, Josie? Taking advantage of her good nature?”
“Robert, that’s a bit harsh, isn’t it? I’m quite fond of Josie myself. Too bad she’s your granddaughter. Would’ve been lovely if she were mine.”
“If she were your granddaughter, how would she marry your grandson?”
Brandon fell silent. Robert knew just where to hit where it hurt.
Grinning, Brandon replied, “Robert, we’ve been friends for years, and my grandson and your granddaughter get along like a house on fire. Tell me, what’s wrong with bringing the two families closer?” “What’s good about it? I may be Josie’s granddad, but I can’t dictate her love life. You sly old fox, you think because your grandson pulled that cloud seeding stunt to keep Josie around, he’s got her heart?” Brandon blushed slightly. “How did you know about the cloud seeding?”
“I didn’t get any rain on my end, and the forecast was clear. Only your place got drenched. We’re both old enough not to play these ghost stories with each other!” Brandon was caught again; nothing got past Robert’s keen eye.
Robert continued, “Your grandson has a temper as unpredictable as the weather. My Josie is delicate and meek. Marrying Oliver would be like throwing her to the wolves.” Brandon scrambled to explain, “You’ve got it all wrong! Oliver’s tough with strangers, but at home, he’s henpecked!”
Brandon panicked. Had he played his hand wrong? No, he had to try convincing Robert again.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Hattie spoke plainly, “Oliver, your grandpa seems fine. Let’s take Josie home.”
Garrett agreed, “Yes, let’s head back early.”
Bennett noticed Robert hadn’t come
down yet and knew Brandon
must’ve been caught. He stepped forward with a congenial smile. “Garrett, Hattie, you know us. We’ve already told the kitchen to start cooking. Dinner’s almost ready. Why don’t you eat before heading back?”
Oliver’s usually cool tone warmed up a bit, “Let’s eat before leaving. Josie’s been such a help these past days. She deserves it.”
Bennett chimed in, “Garrett, Hattie,
it’s been a while since you’ve visited. It’d be a shame to leave without a meal. When Mr. Brandon’s awake, he’d blame me for not being a good host if you left without eating.”
With that, Garrett nodded. “We appreciate the hospitality then.”
“There’s no need to be formal, Garrett. We should be thanking Ms. Josefing. Without her, Mr. Brandon’s health wouldn’t be where it is today. He’s said it himself – Ms. Josefina is the savior of the Baldwin family.”
Chapter 188
The atmosphere downstairs was warm and convivial as Robert descended the stairs with Brandon in tow. Upon seeing Brandon’s confident stride, Josefina greeted him with a smile, “Grandpa Brandon, you’re up.”
Brandon replie with an affectionate nod, “Josie, darling, I owe you one. If you hadn’t arrived just in time, this old bag of bones would’ve been done for.”
Oliver chimed in, “Josie, to thank you for saving my granddad. I’ve picked out a special gift for you.”
A servant unveiled a box, within which lay a set of glittering jewelry. Earrings, a necklace, a ring, a tiara-everything was there.
Josefina was becoming almost immune to such extravagant gifts. Ever since her return to the Harrison family, the gifts she received from them had been eye-opening.
Then there was Oliver. The gifts he gave were even more astonishing.
Did these two families have more money than they could ever spend, all being lavished on her?
Still, Josefina declined the gift, insisting, “I was only doing what anyone would, and I really can’t accept such valuable presents.” She couldn’t recall how many times she had repeated those words. Each time, they felt so familiar.
“Josie, please take it. I have nothing left but money, and compared to money, my life is surely more valuable. You saved my life, so you deserve these gifts.”
Standing by Josefina’s side, Oliver’s voice was indulgent, his gaze upon her fiery with affection. “I picked these out just for you. Please accept them.”
Robert gave Josefina a knowing look. “Josie, since it’s from your Grandpa Brandon, you should take it. Money’s what Brandon here has in spades. Don’t be shy with him.”
Brandon chuckled in defense, “Robert, you’ve got it wrong. What I’m short on isn’t money-it’s a granddaughter-in-law.”
Robert was at a loss for words, feeling as if he’d dug a pit only to fall into it himself. Brandon was always harping on about a granddaughter-in-law. He was truly relentless!
Choosing to ignore him, Robert took
a seat beside Josefina instead.è “Josie, we’ve come to take you home. You’ve been working so hard these past few days. We’ll fatten you up properly. You’ve lost weight, I can tell.”
Watching the subtle battle of wits between the elders, Oliver politely offered, “Mr: Robert, why don’t you dine with us tonight? The meal is ready and I’ve even set aside some of my granddad’s prized wine for you.”
The mention of fine wine sparked a gleam in Robert’s eye. With neither Garrett nor Hattie objecting, he resigned himself to staying for dinner.
As Robert surveyed the lavish spread before him, he recalled his promise to nourish Josefina back to health.
The dishes were clearly fortifying. There was chicken soup, oysters and abalone, and several medicinal dishes to boot.
Oliver ladled a bowl of chicken soup for Josefina, “Josie, have some more. It will build your strength.”
Next, Oliver deftly peeled some shrimp for Josefina, his elegant movements producing a perfectly intact morsel.
Josefina realized that no matter
what Oliver did, it was always a pleasure to watch. Amidst the others’ conversation, she passed a wet wipe to Oliver, whispering, You don’t need to peel shrimp for me. Focus on your food. I’ve had plenty.”
Her soft, tender voice seemed to fill the void in Oliver’s heart. Surrounded by the voices and the presence of those he cared for, Oliver was utterly entranced.
He smiled, his devilishly handsome face lighting up with fervor, “It’s no trouble. As long as you want to eat shrimp, I’ll peel them for you.”
And he meant it, for a lifetime.
Chapter 189
Lena woke from her nap to the sound of silence-her family had vanished. She called out to Regina, seeking an explanation.
Regina hesitated before replying, “They’ve gone to pick up Josefina. Ms. Hattie made it clear I was not to wake you, saying you needed your rest.”
Fury ignited within Lena. “Oh, they’re worried about my sleep, or are they just afraid I’ll rain on their parade? All this talk of treating me like their own flesh and blood, yet I’m always the odd one out!” Regina tried to soothe her. “Miss Lena, please don’t be cross. It’s not worth your health. I think they went to uphold ties with the Baldwin family, not just for Josefina.”
Lena scoffed. “Josefina claims she’s got healing skills. I don’t buy it! If she’s cozied up to the Baldwin family, that’s her own cunning at work.”
Regina clammed up. The Baldwins were the world’s richest family, after all. For the Harrisons to have an alliance with the Baldwins was a boon beyond compare.
Regina whispered, “Miss Lena, if they didn’t take you, you can still go yourself.”
Struck by the idea, Lena dashed upstairs. She applied minimal makeup, slipped into her sporty chic outfit-mirroring Josefina’s style without realizing it—and drove off to the Baldwins’ home.
Upon arriving, Lena found everyone had finished dinner and were preparing to leave. Brandon and Oliver were seeing them out to the gate.
After Lena stepped out of her car, beaming, she moved to speak with Oliver. He, however, was deep in conversation with Josefina, eyes only for her. Every twitch of his expression was a reaction to Josefina’s every move.
Hattie noticed Lena first. “Lena, what brings you here?”
Lena, about to address Oliver, was interrupted by Hattie and couldn’t help but suspect it was deliberate. She smiled through gritted teeth. “Mom, I heard you were fetching Josie. You should’ve woken me. We’re family, and we should’ve come together as one.”
Hattie’s voice was gentle. “Lena, you need your afternoon rest. Poor sleep during the day leads to insomnia at night. + couldn’t bear to wake you. We had enough hands to bring your sister home.”
Lena bit back further words, not wishing to upset Hattie.
Robert paid little attention to Lena, busy bidding Brandon farewell. “Brandon, we must be going. Take care of yourself.”
“Garrett, thank you for your concern. Safe travels.”
Brandon turned to Josefina. “Josie, visit anytime. Our door is always open to you.”
Oliver’s gaze, full of tenderness, rested on Josefina. “Josie, if the flowers we planted bear fruit, I’ll let you know.”
Josefina nodded, bidding farewell to
both Oliver and Brandon. The family drove off, leaving Lena feeling
doused in cold water, not
core.
IMS
…
Back home, Lena was a whirlwind of activity-pouring water for Garrett, massaging Hattie’s shoulders, the epitome of dutifulness.
“Dad, you seem a bit flushed. This chamomile tea should cool you down.”
“Mom, your shoulders seem tight. Let me work on them.”
Josefina watched Lena’s flurry of gestures without a hint of
annoyance. She approached, taking
a seat by Garrett. “Let me see your hand,” she said.
Garrett, puzzled but obliging, extended his hand to Josefina, ready to fulfill any request she made.
Chapter 190
Josie took Garrett’s wrist between her fingers, feeling for the rhythm of life pulsing under his skin. “I’ve got just the thing for you,” she said with a confident smile. “A bottle of herbal pills, perfect for cooling down and calming the storm inside. These are all-natural and way safer than your regular pharmaceuticals.” She fished the bottle out of her bag and handed it to Garrett.
Lena’s forehead creased in concern but quickly smoothed it away with a forced smile. “Josie, did you whip those up yourself? They haven’t been through clinical trials, you know. Isn’t that kind of risky?” Josie’s smile broadened. “Who told you they haven’t been tested? The big pharmacy at your hospital stocks them, doesn’t it?”
Lena’s frown returned, deeper this time. She hadn’t been aware of that.
“And it’s not just your hospital. Check out some of the drugstores around town if you don’t believe me,” Josie added, her voice carrying a note of triumph. Garrett chuckled. “Josie, you’re something else. Way ahead of your three brothers. You care about us and take care of our health-seriously impressive!” Hattie, sitting nearby, reached out a hand. “Josie, could you check me out, too? My sleep’s been all over the place these past few nights.”
Josie moved to sit by Hattie and took her pulse, their features mirroring each other’s. Hattie’s gaze was soft and indulgent as she watched her daughter. Lena, sitting close by, saw the exchange in vivid detail. Blood ties were undeniable, she thought. There was a clear bias.
Seated apart, Lena watched the two with a growing bitterness, which she hastily concealed when Josie’s eyes flicked her way, replacing it with a smile. Josefina suddenly offered, “Let me take a look at you, too, Lena.”
Lena shook her head vehemently, the very thought of Josie examining her sending waves of panic through her. “I just had a check-up yesterday. No need to trouble yourself, Josie,” Lena said, her hands nervously entwined as if to ward off any insistence.
Josie was curious. It was just a pulse reading; why was Lena so jittery? Did she have some secret she was hiding?
Though intrigued, Josie wasn’t one to force her help on anyone. She’d have to find another way to satisfy her curiosity.
Billy’s company had just about
weathered the storm, but it had cost him dearly Sitting in the Antonio
family’s opulent villa, he couldn’tnet”
help but feel sour. If he couldn’t turn things around, his lifestyle would
plummet. t
When Ruby descended the stairs, spotting Billy lost in his worries, her instinct was to retreat. But he caught sight of her. “Ruby, come sit,” he called out.
Ruby braced herself and settled onto the plush sofa, her demeanor a blend of politeness and grace.
“Ruby, you’ve got a knack for fashion design, right? Where are your sketches? I need to see them. It’s time for a fresh start.”
Actually, Ruby knew nothing of design. She had pilfered Josie’s work and used it all up. “Things have been hectic at home. I can’t find peace of mind, let alone inspiration,” she lied.
Billy’s face darkened, his displeasure evident as he glared at Ruby. “I asked you to talk to Xavier about investing in the company. How did that go?”
Ruby was silent, her worst fears realized. “Xavier’s been busy, and his mother keeps a tight leash on him,” she muttered.
Billy’s mood grew colder than a
winter gale. Ever since Josie left, their fortunes had nosedived.
Without a change, they might as well brace for tough times ahead.
“Get to Xavier now. I don’t care how you do it, but you’d better secure some funding.”
Ruby flinched, nodding her compliance. What could she possibly do?
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