Chapter 74
Chapter 74
Oliver whipped out his phone and shot off a quick text message, then poured a glass of juice for Josefina. "Here, have some juice to soothe your throat," he said with a casual grin. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
Josefina nodded and took a couple of sips.
Brandon chimed in, "Josie, I heard you started working. Why not make the most of summer break and have some fun? Don't wear yourself out, young lady."
With a smile, Josefina replied, "I'm not tired."
Brandon appreciated her more when he heard Josefina wasn't tired. "Well, if that's the case, I've got a few businesses up my sleeve. I might as well hand them over to you for kicks."
Garrett and Hattie exchanged glances. This was hardly a playful gesture. Brandon was clearly looking to pass on some assets to Josefina.
However, accepting such a gift was out of the question. Josefina declined outright, "Brandon, with Oliver's capabilities, I'm sure a few companies would mean nothing to him. He could manage hundreds without breaking a sweat."
Brandon cast a glance at Oliver and sighed, "Ah, Josie, you don't understand. Oliver can't keep running businesses forever. He's not getting any younger. Settling down and finding a wife is what's really important."
Oliver kept his composure and nodded. "Grandpa's absolutely right."
Garrett and Hattie weren't keen to engage in this conversation. Their precious daughter had only just been found. They were not ready to entertain the idea of suitors.
Caught in the middle, Josefina felt the awkwardness keenly. If he could, Brandon would probably move a bed in for her and Oliver himself.
After dinner, which they continued without further ado, Hattie and Garrett quickly whisked their darling daughter away from the scene. Any longer, and they feared she might be swept off her feet.
Brandon and Oliver watched Josefina's car drive away, and the old man let out a deep sigh. "Oh, my future granddaughter-in-law, when will you join our family?" he lamented.
Oliver could only laugh. "Grandpa, haste makes waste."
"Hmph! I just can’t wait any longer. If you're so capable, bring Josie into the family right now."
Oliver massaged his forehead, exasperated. "Grandpa, you'll scare Josie off with all this marriage talk. The Harrisons saw you coming, and they ran the other way."
Brandon's expression softened as he realized he might have been too eager. “Next time I see them, I won't bring it up. Tomorrow morning, I'll pay a visit to Robert and sing your praises. Oliver, I'm telling you, I'm bending over backward for you."
...
Lena sat in the living room, glancing around impatiently for their return.
Sylvie was babbling incessantly on the phone, "Lena, let me tell you, the scene was epic! It was like she descended from the heavens, a warrior angel among mortals."
Lena responded half-heartedly, "You've said that like eight hundred times."
"Alright, alright, I'll stop. But Lena, has your sister come back? We've got a get-together tomorrow. Why don't you invite her, too? We can show her the ropes."
Lena's eyes lit up. That sounded promising. "Okay, I've got to go. I hear a car; my folks are back." She hung up the phone and dashed toward the door, eager to greet them.