Chapter 1004

Mandy shot a thumbs-up, her grin stretching from ear to ear. "You've always had a knack for seeing the big picture. Everyone says you're all sweet and adorable, but step into that lab, and you're sharp as a tack."

Josefina raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. “Is it that obvious?”

Mandy chuckled. “Josie, you're looking absolutely stunning today, just gorgeous."

“Thanks,” Josefina replied, then added with a smile, "There's a spread of snacks over there. Let me show you. They're super tasty."

These two food lovers were like two peas in a pod, always chatting about their next delicious find.

Just as Josefina was about to take a bite of her lemon tart, Oliver slipped up beside her, whispering, "With all these treats, are you sure you've got room for dinner? We've got roast lamb, suckling pig, and your favorite barbecue lined up.”

Josefina looked at the tart in her hand, but her mind was all about that roast lamb. With a playful grin, she handed the tart to Oliver, "Here, you take it."

After all, she couldn't put it back after touching it.

Oliver chuckled warmly and polished off the tart.

Mandy watched their easy rapport, feeling a twinge of envy.

Ayala noticed Mandy's expression and teased, "If you're that envious, maybe it's time to find yourself a partner. Then you won't have anything to envy."

The idea of dating made Mandy shudder. "Oh, heaven forbid. I once had my fortune told, and the psychic said I'm destined to live like a nun. Even if I tie the knot, it's bound to end in divorce. So, I'm opting out of the dating game."

With that, Mandy made her getaway. "I'm outta here!"

She wandered over to Hattie, offering her congratulations.

Hattie, looking at Mandy with warmth, seemed to drift into nostalgia. "Mandy, Josie's hitched now. When are you going to find someone special?”

Mandy felt the familiar frustration

rise. No matter where she went, she couldn't dodge the pressure to find a partner first, they pester you about, dating, then it's marriage, and then it's kids. But Mandy was set on sticking to her guns-no dating, no pressure.

Elsewhere, Brandon and Robert were sitting together, one grinning like the Cheshire Cat, the other not so much.

"Brandon, your grin is so wide, I'm worried your face might cramp!”

Brandon let out a hearty laugh. “Even if it does, I'd still be over the moon. Garrett, why the long face? Josie's your granddaughter, and she's mine now too. Don't worry, she's

becoming the lady of the Baldwin

house I'd take her word over

anyone's Oliver included We're

thrilled to have her." .

Bennett chimed in at just the right moment. "The boss even had a custom set of jewelry made just for her."

Brandon waved it off. “Let's not talk about money; it's from the heart. Garrett, today's

a day for celebration. As they say, laughter is the best medicine."

Grandpa Robert snorted, still looking a bit displeased.

Brandon pressed on, "I promised Oliver that after the wedding, they could live at your place."

Grandpa Robert was skeptical. "You're not worried about people talking? You're usually such a traditionalist."

"Let them talk," Brandon shrugged "We don't care. Besides, once they're married, they'll have their own kome. No matter what Oliver decides, I'l back him." Content belangs

Understanding Brandon's gesture of goodwill, Grandpa Robert allowed himself a smile. Both grandfathers were beaming by the end of it.

Meanwhile, Bennett's phone buzzed. He answered it, looking both anxious and excited. "Sir, we found Cole!"