Chapter 1122

Oliver was caught off guard by the kiss. Josefina was getting more and more

forward, but he wasn't quite as into it as she was. It was all just show and no go. "Let's wait it out a bit," he thought. "Maybe in three months, things will settle down."

"Once I get home tonight, I'll talk to my parents about what's going on," he decided.

Josefina mulled it over. Maybe she and Oliver could come up with some secret code or something. She leaned back in her chair, thinking until she drifted off to sleep. Oliver noticed and, during a red light, gently draped a light blanket over her.

---

Cole had to move out, no two ways about it. If he didn't, handling things would get tricky.

"Dad," Cole said, "I bought a place about ten minutes from your house. I'll be back to visit often."

Wilder chimed in, "Grandpa, you should come over sometime. We can play chess together."

Sandi added, "Grandpa, I've been learning to cook some Italian dishes. Once I get the hang of it, I'll make you something special."

Brandon beamed, "Good, good. As long as you're all doing well, I'm happy."

Cole wanted to say something, opened his mouth, but the words didn't come.

"Dad, take care of yourself."

"Don't worry about me. I've still got some good years left. Now that you've come back, I've fulfilled my wish," Brandon said, his weathered face breaking into a smile.

Cole grabbed his suitcase. "Dad, we're heading out now. Once we're settled, we'll throw a housewarming party and have you over for dinner."

With that, Cole and his family left. After a short drive, they arrived at their new place.

Sandi looked at the house and thought back to living at Brandon's. "Dad, isn't this place a bit small?"

Wilder stayed silent-it was a bit snug.

Cole teased, "Well, if you think it's too small, how about you two buy a house and your mom and I move in with you?"

Wilder and Sandi couldn't say a word. They couldn't afford it. So, they just got on with moving their things inside.

Cole and Makiko sat in the bedroom. Makiko looked around, unable to hide her furrowed brow.

Cole explained, "We can't just spend that money openly. If my dad finds out we've got cash, the whole inhentance thing might get complicated."

Makiko nodded. "Cole, I get it. As long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter where we

live."

Cole loved Makiko's trust and understanding. They were in sync, both mentally and physically.

Holding Makiko close, Cole

promised, "Makiko, I'll make you the happiest woman in the world!! world! Wete

at a crucial point in our plans and we can't mess this up."

"I understand, Cole," Makiko replied, determination in her eyes.

"Makiko, how's that thing I asked you to take care of coming along?" Cole asked, letting her go.

Makiko spoke softly, "Everything's set. She's thrilled to work with me. Knowing I can help her out made her really happy."

Cole nodded, satisfied. "I knew you'd handle it perfectly. Makiko, you're my lucky charm."

Makiko leaned against Cole's

shoulder, her face lit up with

contentment. In her mind, she was

calculating just how much longer it

would take for Cole to complete the business empire she envisioned. After all, she'd already given Cole plenty of time!