Chapter 1104

Sandi nodded, even though she wasn't quite sure she got the whole picture.

"Don't try to figure out what Mom and Dad are thinking. You've got to check in at the University of Melbourne tomorrow, so get some sleep."

Sandi got up, feeling a bit dazed, and headed out.

...

It was late when Brandon dropped by. Oliver suggested Josefina hit the hay,

promising he'd wait up for the old man.

Josefina couldn't argue with him, so she reluctantly headed to bed.

When Brandon stepped into the living room, it was nice and cozy inside, so he shrugged off his coat.

"Since you tied the knot, your visits are as rare as hen's teeth," Brandon teased.

Oliver grinned, "Are you more keen on seeing me, or are you hoping for a great- grandkid?"

Brandon let out a hearty laugh. "I can't win against you; only Josie can keep you in check."

As Brandon settled into a chair, Bennett stood nearby, leaving the three of them in the snug living room.

"Josie asked me to give you this burn ointment. It was late, so I sent her to bed, even though she thought it was a bit rude," Oliver explained.

"Oliver, you did the right thing. I shouldn't be dropping by so late," Brandon admitted.

Oliver gave a knowing smile. "I have a hunch you didn't come all this way just for burn ointment."

"Looks like all the smarts in the Baldwin family landed in you," Brandon said, offering high praise.

Oliver just smiled, waiting for Brandon to spill the beans on why he was really there.

Brandon leaned in, lowering his voice. "I think there's more to Makiko's injury than meets the eye."

Oliver raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"

"Think about it; a curling iron burn shouldn't be that bad."

Oliver chuckled, "You sound like you've been burned by one before."

Brandon gave Oliver a playful glare. "I might not have used one, but I've seen them! And Makiko's wound was pretty big."

"So what are you getting at?" Oliver asked, intrigued.

Brandon gave a cryptic smile. "I suspect Cole might be roughing her up."

Oliver paused. "You can't be serious. They look pretty happy together. Don't you know your own son?"

"I may be his dad, but he didn't grow up with me around. I can't always tell what's happening," Brandon confessed.

Oliver thought for a moment. "If it's not abuse, maybe she's either

clueless or trying to hide something

with that wound."

Brandon's eyes widened with realization as Oliver's insights hit home.

"Master Brandon, Oliver's theory makes a lot of sense," Bennett chimed in, backing up Oliver's take.

Brandon nodded thoughtfully. "I'll keep an eye on things."

If Makiko was using the burn to hide

something, the situation was

messier than it seemed. He needed,

to rethink his approach.

.net>

"Grandpa, don't stress about it too much. At your age, worrying isn't good for you."

Brandon picked up the burn

ointment and stood up with a huff.

"What's that supposed to mean?

Think I'm ready for the scrap heap?

Let me tell you I've got plenty of fight left ll be around for ages yet!"

Oliver chuckled, knowing the old man was sensitive about his age these days.

Bennett understood Brandon's worries; getting older often came with loose ends and a fear of what's to come.

"Sir, we should probably head back. Staying too long might not be the best idea," Bennett said, smoothly easing the tension.

With Bennett by his side, Brandon made his exit.

Oliver later shared the night's revelations with Josefina.