Chapter 1021

Sandi was practically glowing as she asked, "Dad, are you cool with me starting my own fashion line?" She couldn't contain her excitement.

But Cole, with a no-nonsense look, shut her down immediately. "Absolutely not! You need to head to the University of Melbourne for further studies first. Your granddad and I discussed it, and you're all set to start this semester."

Sandi was left speechless, her dreams feeling just out of reach.

Feeling frustrated and disheartened, Sandi got up and walked away, not wanting to exchange another word with Cole.

Watching her retreating figure, Cole remarked, "Look at her! She hardly seems like my daughter with that attitude."

Makiko gently took his hand, lowering it. "Ning Ning's just being a bit headstrong. You're her father; you need to be a bit more understanding."

Then Makiko turned to Wilder, "Wilder, what do you plan to do? Your dad and I have decided it'd be best for you to start an internship at the company. No more hospital work."

Wilder, it seemed, was the last to know about his own future plans. Remembering his parents' previous hints, he felt a shadow pass over his eyes. "Alright, Mom and Dad, I'll follow your plans."

Both Makiko and Cole were visibly pleased with Wilder's agreement.

Cole, feeling proud, gave his son's shoulder a reassuring pat. "Wilder, do your best. Someday, all this will be yours to manage."

Makiko added, "Wilder, make sure you get some rest."

Wilder got up, "You too, Mom and Dad. Rest well."

As the door clicked shut, Makiko turned the lock and settled back down beside Cole. "Cole, I'll run you a bath," she offered.

Cole held her hand, looking at her with deep affection. "Makiko, I'm sorry for bringing you back here, so far from home."

"You're my husband. Wherever you go, I'll follow. Cole, I'll give you everything I can, no questions asked."

Snuggling into Cole's shoulder, Makiko's face softened with tenderness. Cole

wrapped his arm around her, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.

...

Meanwhile, Oliver was getting

dressed as the morning light gently stirred Josefina awake She stepped into the walk-in closet, picked up a tie, and looped it around Oliver's neck.

Oliver met her gaze, a smile spreading across his face as he playfully ruffled her hair.

She expertly knotted the tie, returning his look. "You're up early."

"Cole's starting at a company today. I'm heading over to see how things go. Grandpa wants Cole in the company, and Wilder will start from the ground up."

Josefina had seen this coming. Brandon had subtly hinted at it before. She agreed, after all, the Baldwin family business was as much Cole's as anyone's.

"Josie, Grandpa made it clear that I'm still the one in charge. Cole won't have a position higher than mine." Oliver was determined to keep it that way. The role of CEO wife

reserved solely for Josefina.

"I know, Grandpa's always had a soft spot for you."

Oliver pulled Josefina close, his eyes gentle as he whispered in her ear, "And my

heart's always belonged to you. Always. I love you."

Josefina smiled warmly, hugging him tighter. "I love you too."

...

The couple descended the stairs for breakfast. Oliver kept it simple with a cup of coffee and some toast, but Josefina playfully insisted he eat a few croissants before letting him. head to work.

With the day off, Josefina planned to lounge at home a bit before tackling her afternoon tasks.

As they all sat around the table, Hattie leaned in and whispered, "I heard Cole and his son are joining the company too?"