Chapter 1133

Cole strolled over quietly and asked, "How's everything coming along?"

"Josie said her whole family is joining us," came the reply.

Cole nodded, "Alright, make sure everything's set. Today's all about our friends and family. We need to make sure everything's perfect."

Makiko reassured him with a smile, "Don't worry, we've been at this for a while now. Everything's under control."

Cole relaxed a bit after hearing Makiko's confidence.

Just then, Sandi arrived in a light blue dress, with Cassandra tagging along.

"Dad, this is Cassandra, the president of our medical society. I invited her to our housewarming party."

Cole gave a warm smile, "Cassandra, welcome! Sandi just started at the University of Melbourne, so she's still finding her feet. I'd be grateful if you could help her out."

Cassandra was pleasantly surprised by Mr. Rowan's friendliness and quickly assured, "Mr. Rowan, don't worry, I'll make sure to look out for Sandi."

Even though Cassandra was also new to the University, she was determined to be helpful.

As Cole went off to handle other things, Sandi turned to Cassandra, "Feel at home, okay? My parents are super chill, especially my dad. He's far from strict."

"Sandi, you're so lucky. I'm a bit jealous," Cassandra replied.

Sandi grinned, feeling grateful for her good fortune.

Not long after, Josefina and her family made their entrance. Josefina wore a light purple sweater and pants, subtly made up. Hattie donned a purple dress in the same shade, making them look like sisters.

Cassandra stood nearby, unable to ignore Josefina's striking presence, feeling a twinge of jealousy.

"Sandi, what's Josefina doing here?"

"She's Ms. Josefina from the

Harrison family. Our families go way back," Sandi explained, carefully omitting the detail about, Josefina's marriage to Oliver, as Grandpa Brandon had advised discretion.

Cassandra hadn't expected Josefina to be from the esteemed Harrison family. If she was back with her own family, why was she eyeing the Stark family's wealth?

Cassandra's irritation with Josefina grew. She discreetly took a photo of Josefina and sent it to her family group chat.

Cassandra: "Fiona, that sneaky woman, is actually the Harrison family's real daughter."

Cassandra's Mom: "She's with the Harrisons? Wasn't she an orphan?"

Cassandra: "It's all a trick by that old hag! Mom, they're deceitful!"

Cassandra's Mom: "Stay calm. I'll head over to Westwood to check things out."

Cassandra slipped her phone back into her pocket, watching Josefina with disdain.

Meanwhile, Hattie had selected gifts that were both thoughtful and valuable. Her generosity reminded

Cole of Brandon's likely similar treatment toward the Harrison family.

Makiko and Cole expressed their thanks, caught off guard by Hattie's friendliness.

Brandon chimed in, "Folks, don't just stand around. Come in and make yourselves comfortable."

He added, "Josie, the pastry chef today is quite talented. You ought to try the freshly baked lemon drizzle cake."

"Alright, I'll give it a try," Josefina responded cheerfully, making her way to the dining

area.

As she reached the table, Josefina's eyes gleamed at the sight of the beautifully presented pastries, each one more tempting than the last.

Cassandra sidled up to Josefina, her

voice laced with venom, "Fiona,

you're the Harrison family's Ms

Josefina. Why are you af

the

Stark family's fortune?"

Josefina stepped back, quipping, "Who let the mad dog in? All I hear is barking."