Chapter 1016

Josefina packed up her things and wheeled her suitcase out the door. Livia pulled up in her car, ready to whisk her away for a bit of gift shopping.

As Josefina settled into the passenger seat, Livia brought her up to speed. "So, about this guy Cole-he's been working in banking over in Japan. His wife, Makiko, comes from a well-to-do family and helped him settle in when he first arrived. They got hitched, had three kids, and the neighbors say he's a real stand-up guy. His bank transactions and social circles seem totally normal."

Josefina took a sip of her iced coffee. "Guess I was just overthinking it."

Cole and his family seemed to be on the up-and-up.

"Still, I'll have someone keep an eye on things, just in case. Like you always say, Josie, better safe than sorry."

They shared a knowing smile as Livia drove them to a boutique to pick out some outfits. Josefina had decided to buy clothes for Cole's whole family, so they wouldn't have to worry about shopping if they needed to attend any events.

Walking into the store, they overheard a conversation that was both familiar and foreign.

Sandi was encouraging Makiko to try on a dress. "Mom, give this one a go. Dad loves it when you wear dresses."

Makiko shook her head and replied in Japanese, "It's too pricey. Just because your dad found his biological father doesn't mean we should live lavishly. We can't forget where we came from."

Sandi sighed. "It's always about Dad. Mom, you're your own person. Why do you always have to do what Dad says?"

Makiko replied earnestly, "Because he's my husband, my everything."

Sandi rolled her eyes, feeling drained by the conversation. Having studied abroad, she understood gender equality well, but for Makiko, her husband was her world, and she couldn't see them as equals.

Josefina and Livia watched the scene unfold. Josefina stepped forward, greeting them warmly. "Makiko, Sandi."

Makiko returned the smile, greeting them in fluent English.

Josefina said, "I was just about to pick out some gifts for you all. Since you're here, why not try on some clothes? Iffcover the bill. We can pick Something for Cole and

too, and take it all back."

Makiko quickly declined. "Thank you, Josefina, but that's really not necessary."

"Makiko, Grandpa's already prepared gifts for you, and these are from me and Oliver. You've accepted his gifts, so you have to take ours too."

Josefina called over a sales assistant to help Makiko and Sandi with their shopping. She and Livia. sat back waiting, as the two tried on clothes.

Livia leaned over and whispered, "Good thing I know some Japanese. Makiko is head over heels for Cole."

Josefina just smiled, watching Makiko and Sandi sort through the clothes. Soon enough, they were nearly done.

Josefina approached and told the sales assistant, "Wrap up everything they've tried on." She handed over a sleek black card.

Makiko's eyes widened. "Josefina, you can't! It's too much."

"Auntie, this is my store. Consider it a little boost for my sales."

Sandi's eyes went wide. "Wow, you own this place, Sis? That's incredible!"

Josefina responded graciously, "Sandi, I heard you graduated in fashion design interested in joining my company? It could be a great place to start."

Makiko glanced at Josefina, surprise written all over her face.