Chapter 1009

Oliver's face was as unreadable as ever, showing no hint of what he was feeling.

Dominic was stumped, unable to figure out what was going on in Oliver's mind. The uncertainty about whether Oliver would team up with him was making Dominic uneasy.

Trying to keep his cool, Dominic decided to stir the pot a bit. "Oliver, your love for Josefina doesn't seem all that deep, does it?"

Oliver leaned in slightly. "What are you trying to say?"

"What I want to say depends on what you decide," Dominic replied.

Oliver shot back, "You can't even get your words straight, yet you expect me to let you off the hook."

He started to leave, but Dominic quickly called out, "Danger is closer than you think! And I'm the only one who knows just how close."

Oliver's eyes darted to George, who was shaking like a leaf. "Mr. Oliver, it's not me, I swear! I'm as loyal as they come!"

Oliver turned his attention back to Dominic, mulling over his words. Without another word, Oliver walked out. He left his intentions unclear, leaving even George guessing. Dominic smirked with a touch of menace.

...

Brandon made his way into Oliver's office, leaning heavily on his cane. Oliver returned after a short wait.

"Oliver, where did you disappear to? Have you thought about what we discussed last night? What do you think is the best move?" Brandon asked, his voice tinged

with worry.

Oliver poured a cup of hot tea for Brandon and settled into the chair opposite him. "I don't think it's necessary to meet him face-to-face."

Brandon paused, a bit thrown by Oliver's response. He'd been worried that Cole's return could shake up Oliver's standing. Even though Oliver was a level headed guy, Brandon feared the family dynamics could get tricky.

"Grandpa, it's not that I don't want Cole back. I've just weighed it all up," Oliver explained, pausing briefly

before continuing. "First, Cole knows we're Westwood. He left at fifteen, so he knows where home is Unless he's got amnesia-which he doesn't, according to our info Second he knows he's your Son now If he wanted to come back, he'd do it himself. Third, he's settled in his life now, and forcing him back might

mess things up."

Brandon finally felt some relief from Oliver's reasoning. He sighed deeply, "I guess I wasn't seeing the whole picture."

"Grandpa, it's only natural to worry. If you really want to see Cole, you could fly to Japan. I'll arrange for some security to go with you."

Oliver had no intention of going himself; he needed to stay in Westwood. If they all went to Japan and something went south, there'd be no one to steer the ship back home.

Brandon nodded, still a bit troubled, unsure of what to do next. Just then, his phone rang with a number he didn't recognize.

Answering it, his worried face broke into a smile. "Cole, you finally called!" Brandon was so overcome with emotion, his eyes welled up with tears.

As he listened to Cole's excited voice, Brandon wiped his eyes. "Dad, I'm sorry for worrying you I'm back in Westwood just checked into a hotel. If you're free, I'd love to treat you to dinner tonight."

"You silly boy, you've got a home here in Westwood. Why are you staying at a hotel? Tell me where you are, and I'll come to get you."

"Dad, you don't need to come. I'll meet you. Let's go to that restaurant you love so much."

"Alright, alright, it's a date," Brandon agreed, feeling lighter than he had in a long time.