Chapter 1069

The girl came to a stop just behind Joelle, causing her to jump.

"Hey, are you—"

Joelle nearly fell into the lake from the shock.

"What's your problem? Trying to give someone a heart attack in the middle of the day?"

Still catching her breath, Joelle clutched her chest and gave the girl a sharp look.

"I was just worried about you, thought you might need someone to talk to." Joelle retorted, "Me? You're the one who needs help. Your whole family does."

She had thought it through-better to hang in there and face whatever came her way. No way was she giving up just like that.

Joelle sat down, throwing a disdainful glance at the girl who tried to comfort her. Unfazed, the girl sat on a rock across from Joelle.

“Hi, I'm Lydia. I was at the gate earlier and heard what those people said. It was totally uncalled for. You didn't do anything wrong; they're just being awful."

Finally, Joelle gave her a proper look.

"They say the eyes are the window to the soul, Lydia, and it seems yours are wide open. You really see things for what they are."

Lydia chuckled, "Well, thanks."

With a bright smile, Lydia added, "It's all on them, really. Blowing things out of proportion like that... How could they not just let it go?"

"They're just jerks,” Joelle said, her tone surprisingly appreciative. “But not you, Lydia. You're great."

Lydia was caught between wanting to laugh and not knowing what to say.

Joelle launched into a tirade, sharing all sorts of gossip and half-truths about some people.

Lydia listened with interest, nodding along occasionally.

Joelle quickly warmed up to Lydia.

After talking herself hoarse, Lydia handed Joelle a bottle of juice.

"Just bought it, still nice and cool. It's yours."

Joelle was delighted. "Lydia, we should definitely be friends. It's like you read my mind; I was so thirsty."

She drank it all in one go.

Lydia gave a knowing smile, as if she had accomplished some secret mission.

Josefina was driven home by Dorian.

As they arrived, she saw Annika directing the security staff.

"Make sure that chicken coop is sturdy. It's for Ms. Josefina." "And you guys, handle that carefully, don't break anything."

"You, go help the carpenter with the framework."

Josefina walked over, curious. "What's going on here?"

When Annika saw Josefina, her formal expression softened into warmth and kindness.

1.n

"Ms. Josefina, I'm having them build a chicken coop. I'm planning to raise chickens, ducks, maybe some fish too. You never know with store-bought stuff, could be full of hormones and whatnot Even though we can get organic foed, homegrown is always better and healthier. Don't worry, the coop's way off on the far side of the estate, so no unpleasant smells will reach you."

Annika really had everything figured out.

This kind of fresh, homegrown food would be perfect for Josefina, especially now

that she was expecting.

"Thank you, Annika." She was always looking out for her.

Having someone like Annika around was truly a blessing Josefina was grateful for.

"Ms. Josefina, it's breezy out here. You shouldn't stand in the draft. K

bet

go check on the progress, you

head inside and have some lunch."

Annika briskly set off to oversee the work.

Dorian walked alongside Josefina as they headed into the house.

"Sis, did you send Logan away?"

bet

"Yes, staying in Westwood wasn't safe for him. I suspect Makiko might have met wogan, but he doesnt.. remember, and Makiko denies it."

Despite all efforts, nothing useful had turned up.

Ever since Sydney's death, some leads had just vanished into thin air.