Chapter 1005

Brandon was caught off guard, torn between disbelief and joy, as he quickly grabbed the phone.

"We've pinned down Cole's whereabouts. He's made a home in Japan," said the voice on the other end.

Tears of relief ran down Brandon's cheeks.

"That's great. Don't reach out to me anymore; just wait for my go-ahead," Brandon instructed before hanging up.

Grandpa Robert shared in Brandon's joy. "So, you've tracked down Cole?"

"Yes, finally. That stubborn kid, always flying off the handle. He left over something so small and stayed away for years."

Brandon wiped his tears. "Sorry you had to see that."

"Oh, please. We go way back. I'm just as thrilled for you. What's your next move? Are you heading to Japan, or will you get him to come here?"

"I'm still mulling it over. I'll have a chat with Oliver later and see what he thinks."

Brandon had a lot of faith in Oliver's judgment and knew he'd give solid advice.

Hearing this, Grandpa Robert became even more fond of Oliver, his grandson-in- law.

As they chatted, Livia made her entrance, with Finley trailing just behind.

Livia slipped off her long winter coat to reveal a stunning white evening gown.

"Josie, congrats on tying the knot!"

"Livia, you made it!"

Josefina's gaze naturally flickered over to Finley.

"Livia, it's not what it looks like. We just bumped into each other at the door. No plans to come together," Livia quickly assured.

Josefina laughed, "I just glanced at him, and you're already explaining. Is there something between you two?"

"No way, there's nothing going on," Livia insisted firmly.

Finley, who was nearby chatting with Oliver, kept an ear on their exchange.

Hearing Livia's words, Finley's mood nosedived.

Oliver nudged him, "Hey, keep it together. It's my big day, try to crack a smile."

"Smile? Are you kidding?" Finley slumped into a chair. "Livia won't

าวเ

even look at me and says there's no chance for us. How could I possibly smile?"

Oliver sat next to him, grinning at his friend's glum demeanor. "But you hurt her first."

"I know I messed up, and I want to fix it, but Livia's not giving me a chance. Oliver, what should I do?"

"Matters of the heart? That's a foreign language to me."

Finley scoffed, "Really? And yet you're getting hitched? Oliver, are we still pals?"

Oliver genuinely shrugged. "With

Josie, it was mutual. I never

considered hurting her and I wouldn't. She's my treasure. ve

never hurt her, so I don't know what to tell you."

Finley sighed deeply. "Show-off. Kelsey, is that you?"

Oliver just rolled his eyes and stood up, opting to ignore Finley's grumbles.

Right now Finley was in such a bad mood

Wanat if a couple of dogs,ne

wandered by, he might just give them a nudge for being in his way.

He shot a longing glance at Livia.

Livia felt his gaze, turned her head, met Finley's eyes, then quickly looked away. Josefina couldn't help but laugh, "Finley looks like you did him wrong somehow." "Please, he's just playing the victim."

Livia picked up a glass of red wine and took a sip. "Alright, cue the music and let's dance."

Soon, the music started, and a waltz filled the air.

Oliver and Josefina led the way onto the dance floor, with others following suit.