Chapter 1030

The bodyguard, all nerves, gently ushered Finley into the car, settling him in with care. Although he'd been dead drunk not too long ago, Finley's eyes were now open, filled with a raw hurt.

The bodyguard let out a sigh of frustration. “Sir, this isn't going to work. You might want to rethink your strategy. Ms. Livia isn't buying into any of your antics."

"So what am I supposed to do? Livia's not swayed by anything. What are my options here?" Finley slouched back in the seat, the sting from his wound making him more alert rather than woozy.

“If I kicked the bucket, maybe Livia would finally come to see me, don't you think?"

The bodyguard hit the brakes hard, causing Finley to almost take a nosedive onto the floor.

"Are you trying to kill me?" Finley grumbled, clutching his side and resettling himself.

“Sir, you can't think like that. If you die, Ms. Livia will just move on, marry someone else, have kids. Would you really be okay with that?"

Finley was at a loss for words. "Well, you've got quite a way with persuasion, don't you?" he mumbled.

Lounging in the car, Finley dialed Oliver. "Hey Oliver, I got stabbed. Can you come over?"

Oliver replied, sounding doubtful, "You sure about that?"

"Seriously, do you want me to send a photo of the wound?"

"With the way you're talking, it's hard to believe you've been stabbed," Oliver quipped and hung up.

Finley just stared at his phone, feeling utterly dismissed by everyone.

...

Back at home, Oliver put the phone down and cozied back up next to Josefina. She laughed, “What if he really did get stabbed? Shouldn't you go check?"

"No need," Oliver said as his phone buzzed again. He looked at it and saw a photo from Finley.

Josefina peered over. "That bandage is definitely Livia's handiwork," she noted, recognizing the distinct style.

They shared a glance but kept quiet. The tangled mess between Finley and Livia was anyone's guess whether it should continue or be cut off.

Josefina decided it was time for prenatal check-up. Early the next

mornings she headed out exer

an

empty stomach, with Oliver joining

her, also fasting.

Hattie was up early too. “Josie, I'll come along. We women know how to handle these hospital visits better."

Garrett, who was about to tag along, hesitated. Maybe it wasn't his place after all.

Just then, Annika arrived with a thermos. “Ms. Josefina, I packed your breakfast. Make sure to eat after your check-up."

"Thanks, Annika,” Josefina responded with a warm smile.

Oliver took the thermos, and with Hattie in tow, they made their way to the hospital.

...

The driver steered the car, with the three seated in the back. Oliver held onto

Josefina's bag, which contained her documents.

They arrived at a private hospital,

where Qliver had set everything up in advance. Inside, Josefina lay on the

examination bed, with Oliver and

Hattie by her side

Soon, an unintelligible image

appeared on the monitor. The doctor

grinned and reassured the Af eight weeks, it's tough to see much. Let's listen to the heartbeat, @kay? Just relax."

As the fetal heartbeat filled the room, the three of them were overwhelmed with awe.

Oliver, keeping his phone on silent, snapped a picture and sent it to Brandon.

At the time, Brandon was trying to stomach a less-than-tasty breakfast. Seeing Oliver's message, he opened it with curiosity.

"Oliver, what is this? Planning to expand the company or launch a satellite to the moon?" Brandon teased in response.

Oliver saw the reply and was momentarily at a loss for words.