Chapter 1148

Brandon let out a weary sigh, "There are just some things I can't help but worry about."

...

Makiko and Cole returned to their cozy little house, complete with a white picket fence that fit right into the suburban landscape. As soon as they entered the bedroom, Cole turned the lock with a decisive click.

Cole paced back and forth, frustration etched across his face. "I told you not to go out, but you just wouldn't listen, would you?"

Makiko shrugged, crossing her arms defensively. "I didn't think your dad would spot me. What's he doing out wandering at night anyway? Aren't late-night strolls a bit much for someone his age?"

"Who saw you isn't the issue. The problem is that you've been spotted. Makiko, you need to be extra careful from now on," Cole warned.

Makiko nodded, her eyes filled with a determined fire. "Got it."

"For the time being, steer clear of the base. I'll have Little Red take care of things," Cole instructed, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Makiko kept her thoughts simmering beneath the surface, her mind a storm of emotions.

...

Josefina couldn't stand staying in the hospital any longer. With Oliver gone and Hattie back to work, she felt the itch to move and decided to head out as well.

She made her way to the university, diving headfirst into the whirlwind of managing the medical society. As she pushed open the door, she found herself face-to-face with two unwelcome figures.

Cassandra's mom, Tammie, was there too, wrapped in a black coat that only amplified her bossy attitude. Josefina, familiar with Tammie's overbearing ways, simply took a seat, ignoring her completely.

Tammie's expression soured at Josefina's indifference. "Fiona, the old lady always said you were well-mannered. What happened? Did your manners pass away with her?"

Josefina shot her a knowing smile. "Before you start, maybe check behind you."

Startled, both Tammie and Cassandra turned to see Tori and Jett standing at the door, exuding the same intimidating vibe as always Tori had once tossed. Cassandra out of a room, leaving her with a broken leg and a hospital stínt. Seeing Tori again sent shivers down Cassandra's spine-she was genuinely scared.

Cassandra was visibly shaken.

Tammie, having experienced Jett's strength firsthand, found her confidence wavering.

"You think you can intimidate us with your friends?" Tammie sneered, trying to keep her cool.

Josefina shrugged casually, "Me, intimidate you? What are you then, hiding behind others like a scared little puppy?"

"Who are you calling a puppy?" Cassandra snapped, her voice brimming with anger.

"Whoever answers must be," Josefina replied with a cheeky grin.

Cassandra was left speechless.

Tammie shot Cassandra a look before speaking again, her tone more controlled. "Fiona, I'm not here

#

for a fight just want What's

rightfully the Stark family's. Return it, and you'll never hear from us again."

Josefina's face turned serious. "What do you want?"

Tammie spoke with clear intent. "The jade pendant your grandmother gave you.

Give it back, and I promise we won't trouble you again."

The image of the jade pendant flashed in Josefina's mind. Her grandmother had made her swear to keep it away from the Stark family. If Tammie was so desperate, it must be valuable. All the more reason to keep it.

"Dream on!" Josefina shot back. "That pendant was a gift from my granny, and it's legally mine. If you want it, go ask her yourself. See if she agrees. If she does, I'll hand it over."

Tammie and Cassandra's faces flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. Asking them to consult the deceased was a bold move, and they knew it.

"And Cassandra," Josefina added with a hint of warning in her voice, "coming to the University of Melbourne with Tammie to bother me? I wonder if those backing you will still think it's worth it."