Chapter 1041

Another storage unit, a bit of a hike away. Josefina juggled the keys before finally unlocking the door to the second storage room. The place was massive, and the sight of all those dazzling diamonds and glittering jewels nearly knocked her socks off. With her tablet in hand, Josefina continued her inspection, lost in thought.

She picked up a small box without much thought and found an antique pocket watch inside. When she popped it open, the photo inside caught her off guard. The woman in the picture-cradling a little boy with such a warm smile-looked all too familiar.

"I can't believe I'm seeing her here too," Josefina thought, completely floored. Just as she was about to dial someone to confirm her suspicions, her phone buzzed with a call from her mom, Hattie.

"Hey, sweetheart! We're here with your grandparents. We'll be taking care of you for the next few days."

"Mom, what are you guys doing here? I'm only here for a short while; you didn't have to come all this way for me."

Josefina secured the door behind her as she stepped outside. “Josie, you're expecting a baby. How could I not be here?" Tears welled up in Josefina's eyes, overwhelmed by the warmth and love her family provided-something irreplaceable.

Her steps quickened as she hurried to see her mom.

...

Grandpa Robert, Emily, and Hattie strolled into the estate, soaking in the surroundings. Grandpa Robert marveled, "That Oliver sure is something else. Compared to Brandon, he's definitely outdone him."

He skipped right over Rowan, bringing up Brandon instead. If Rowan were there, he'd likely be used to it by now-too many digs, and you grow immune.

Emily chuckled, nudging him gently, "Watch your words now that we're here, old man. Whatever Rowan's faults, he's still Oliver's dad. It's not our place to comment."

"You're right, love. My tongue slipped. I'll watch it," he conceded with a sheepish grin.

The three of them continued their banter until they ran into Josefina. Hattie's eyes lit up, and she quickly approached Josefina, linking fer arm through hers. "Josie, did something happen? You didn't want us worrying, so you came late?"

Josefina knew it was best to loop them in, so they could stay vigilant. As they strolled together, Josefina filled them in on everything. Grandpa Robert, Emily and Hattie stopped their tracks, taking a few steps back.

Hattie was visibly anxious. "Josie, hold on. Let me check your grandparents to make sure they're alright. If I'd known, I wouldn't have come. I didn't mean to add to your troubles."

Emily's heart ached for Josefina's ordeal. "Those scoundrels! Trying to harm my precious granddaughter!"

Josefina quickly soothed them. “Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, none of you have any of that scent. I made sure of it before coming to get you."

Hattie still hesitated, worry etched on her face.

"Mom, I wouldn't joke about my child's safety," Josefina reassured her, linking arms with Hattie. "Let's head in. I'm starving."

Josefina's certainty eased their worries, and they moved inside.

...

Lunch was a simple, nourishing affair, letting the natural flavors of the ingredients shine. Grandpa Robert and Emily enjoyed it too. At their age, their appetites weren't what they used to be so lighband tasty meals hit the spot.

“Josie, seeing you and Oliver so happy, with him taking such good care of you, it

eases my mind,” Emily said warmly.

Grandpa Robert chuckled, "Has one meal won you over that easily?"