Chapter 1032

Cole's brow knitted together, clearly fed up with all the nonsense.

"That's enough! Let's get the investigation underway and keep our experiments on track. If anything goes wrong, it's your neck on the line!" His words sliced through the air, sending shivers down the spine of the woman crouched on the ground. Her makeshift leaf cover quivered along with her.

"What? Talk!" Cole demanded, his patience worn thin, his usual polished demeanor giving way to a fierce, intimidating presence.

The woman stuttered, "047 went missing during the destruction process."

Without warning, Cole's boot came crashing down on her fingers. She bit her lip to stifle a cry, terrified of provoking his anger further.

"Fool!"

He didn't lift his foot, his mind racing to find someone who could handle this mess properly.

"Get lost!" he snarled, storming off, leaving a trail of fury behind him.

The woman lay there, blood seeping from her mouth, too scared to utter a sound.

Josefina arrived at Hunter's place with a new batch of medicine. Caiden greeted her at the door and escorted her to Hunter.

Placing the medicine on the table, she said, "Hunter, I've jotted down all the instructions on this card."

Hunter's face lit up with warmth, wishing she were his granddaughter. With a wave, a servant presented a pot of vibrant red geraniums.

Caiden, seated beside Josefina, kept a courteous distance.

"Josefina, Grandpa's health is getting better, and it's all thanks to you," Caiden said sincerely.

"Josie, I heard Cole's back?" Hunter chimed in, astonished at the return of someone who'd been gone so long. "Why didn't he come back sooner?"

"Yes, Cole married a woman from Tokyo, and they've got three kids now," Josefina replied.

Hunter's face twisted with

disapproval. How could he marry someone from Japan? Your grandfather would be livid He might not pusty for a divorce, but he sure won't be rolling out the welcome mat."

Josefina nodded in agreement.

Sydney was also of Japanese descent, a fact Brandon and Rowan struggled to accept.

"I'll talk to your grandpa tomorrow, see if I can ease his mind," Hunter offered, eager to do what he could for Josefina.

"Thank you, Hunter."

Hunter chuckled warmly, "It's me who should be thanking you. Without you, I'd be in a tough spot."

After some more polite exchanges, Josefina got ready to leave.

Caiden walked her out, handing her a dagger as they ambled down the path.

"Josefina, take this dagger. It's said to be forged from ancient iron, sharp enough to

slice through anything. Keep it for protection."

Josefina examined the plain-looking

dagger, finding it hard to believe it legend claim

was as sharp as

Stil she accepted it with a smile.

"Thank you, Caiden."

"Josefina, if you ever need anything, if there's anything the Rowland.

family can do, just ask. I'd give l.ne

everything I have to help you, Caiden said earnestly.

Meeting his sincere gaze, Josefina smiled politely. "Thank you, Caiden. I should be going now."

A servant carried Josefina's medical bag to her car as she made her departure.

Caiden watched her leave, rooted to the spot.

"Son, why didn't you ask Josie to stick around for dinner?" Sandy, looking vibrant, approached with a knowing grin.

Caiden turned to her, "Oliver's taking her out."

Sandy leaned in with a mischievous glint, "Do you have a thing for Josefina?"