Chapter 1003

Finley clenched his teeth, his frustration reaching a boiling point. "I don't believe in hitting women, Shay, but today, you've really pushed me to the edge!"

Shay held her cheek, still stinging from the force of Finley's slap, as stars danced in her vision. It felt as if he'd poured every ounce of his being into that one explosive motion.

"Go ahead, hit me all you want! Even if you beat me senseless, your child won't come back! Livia doesn't love you anymore, and she's never turning back. Face it, Finley, we're both unloved, miserable souls!"

"No, Shay, we're nothing alike," Finley shot back, stepping away to take in the sight of the woman who had once been so full of life but now seemed cold and

calculating.

The innocent, carefree girl he once knew was long gone.

"I regret ever meeting you, Shay! With your venomous heart, no one could ever love you!"

Finley's emotions teetered on the brink of collapse. Knowing Shay was behind everything made his blood boil with a desire to tear her apart.

Shay immediately regretted her words but couldn't take them back.

Before she could say anything else, Finley roared, "I don't believe a single word you say. Shay, you'll have plenty of time to think and repent in prison!"

He turned on his heel and walked away, Shay's pleas falling on deaf ears, her regret echoing in the air as Finley moved further away without looking back. But regretting was pointless; there was no turning back time.

Inside the cozy warmth of Oliver's home, a lavish dinner awaited. The winter chill outside demanded an indoor celebration.

Ayala and Evan arrived with Mandy in tow, their eyes widening in surprise at the sheer opulence surrounding them.

Mandy couldn't help but gasp. "Wow, Oliver's place is something else! They even have marble pendants under the streetlights!"

Ayala quickly pulled her hand down. "Don't point, sweetie. We don't want Oliver's family thinking Josie's folks are out of their depth."

Evan nodded in agreement. "Your mom's right, Mandy. Let's not embarrass Josie."

Mandy promptly covered her mouth, deciding to keep her excitement in check as they continued towards the entrance.

A butler greeted them, guiding them to the dining area. Oliver's house boasted a dedicated event space, fully equipped for a grand evening.

As they entered, Mandy almost exclaimed again, but with staff around, she managed to hold her tongue.

Once the coast was clear, Mandy whispered, "This place is huge! You could totally get lost in here. I even spotted a sports court on the way in."

"Mandy, keep it together. We're about to go in," Ayala reminded her.

Feigning exasperation, Mandy teased, "Are you really my dad?"

"Of course I am, just giving you a friendly reminder," Evan replied with a chuckle. Mandy grinned, linking arms with her parents as they made their way inside.

Though it was just a family dinner, Oliver spared no detail. Fresh flowers and fine wine were flown in, and a chef was ready to whip up the meal on-site.

Josefina, wearing a stunning canary yellow gown with her hair elegantly swept up to reveal a graceful neck

was charting with Hattie. Her

was luminous, her demeanor

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graceful, so much so that even the

usually chatty Mandy was

momentarily awestruck.

Josefina was a natural beauty even on an ordinary day, but tonight, she was nothing short of breathtaking Mandy couldn't help but blurtout, "Josie, you look incredible!

Spotting Mandy, Josefina approached with a warm smile. "Mandy, so glad you could make it."

"Josie, congrats! But why no wedding? This is such a big deal; you should totally have a ceremony!"

Unaware of Josefina's pregnancy-something Hattie had sworn everyone to secrecy about-Mandy was genuinely curious.

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Josefina explained, "I chose not to have a wedding. Given Oliver's position, if we went publie, it would, cause a frenzy, and I'd never get a moment's peace at school