Chapter 1033

Caiden took a couple of steps back, looking a bit frazzled. "Mom, I'm sorry, but I have no clue what you're going on about. I'm up to my neck in work, so I've got to dash."

He turned on his heel and practically bolted, like he couldn't afford to linger even for a moment.

Sandy watched him leave, her brow furrowed in confusion yet certain of what she had witnessed.

"What do you make of it, Mrs. Ho?"

Mrs. Ho, Sandy's ever-loyal housekeeper, stood by her side with a knowing look.

"Ma'am, I really can't decipher what the young master is up to."

Sandy chuckled softly. "Oh, Mrs. Ho, it's not that you can't figure it out. You just don't want to stir the pot."

Mrs. Ho laughed along. "You know me too well, Ma'am."

Unable to piece together the puzzle, Sandy let out a sigh. "Oliver jumped the gun, way too soon."

As they walked, she mused aloud, "Josie's such a catch. Who wouldn't be head over heels for her? I can't really blame Oliver."

...

Nightfall had cast a hush over the prison, leaving Dominic lying on a wooden plank so uncomfortable it robbed him of sleep. Every muscle ached, and his eyes burned with a fierce resolve.

Suddenly, he heard the soft echo of footsteps drawing near.

He turned his gaze towards the iron door, silence hanging heavy in the air. The door creaked open.

Dominic stepped back, his eyes darting around for anything he could use to defend himself. But even the toothbrushes were designed to prevent any harm.

He clenched his fists with a wry smile. How could his fists possibly match up to these guys?

The figure that entered carried an air of danger, moving towards Dominic and looming over him in the corner.

...

Mandy wandered into the Harrison family home with a bottle of bourbon in hand. The living room was so quiet, it felt like stepping into an empty house.

But a closer look revealed everyone was absorbed in their own little projects, each lost in their own world.

Hattie was busy making hair accessories, Garrett was trying his hand at knitting a scarf, and Emily sat under a lamp, embroidering.

Mandy stood there, slightly baffled. Was she missing something?

"Aunt Hattie?" she called out softly.

Hattie glanced up, welcoming Mandy with a warm smile. "Oh, Mandy, sweetie, come on in and make yourself at home."

Mandy set the bourbon down on the table. "Dad sent me over with some bourbon for Uncle."

Spotting the half-finished hair clip, she asked with surprise, "Aunt Hattie, are you making a hair clip? Is it for Josie?"

Hattie laughed. "It could be for Josie, but I'm having a bit of a struggle with these stitches."

Mandy, a fan of crafts, jumped in eagerly, "Let me have a go, Aunt."

After a quick video tutorial, Mandy's fingers flew, and soon enough, she had whipped up a cute little cat-shaped hair clip.

Hattie was over the moon and egged her on, "Mandy, you're brilliant! You're an absolute star."

Mandy beamed, fueled by the praise. "Aunt, I can even whip up clips with different designs."

Hattie blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"Absolutely, Aunt! Just you watch."

Mandy grabbed the yarn again and got to work with gusto, while Hattie clapped and cheered her on.

When Josefina reached the doorway, she couldn't help but shake her head, half- amused at the lively scene.

Hattie: "Mandy, my amazing niece, you're just too good!"

Mandy: "Aunt, I can even make a banana-shaped one!"

Hattie: "Bananas aren't quite as charming. My dear niece, how about a little star bag?"

Mandy: "Of course, Aunt. Just you wait!"

Josefina walked in to find Mandy surrounded by a heap of knitted hair her

Cnts exuberant praise.

surrourning them out under t

Mandy was knitting like she was in a speed competition.

Hattie clapped her hands and kept the compliments coming, "Mandy you're so clever and quick Whoever ends up marrying you will be one

Fends person."

Josefina nearly burst out laughing.

Garrett joined Josefina, whispering with a grin, "Sweetheart, you wouldn't believe it-your mom's managed to praise her way to a whole basket of hair clips, and there's a little bag in progress too."