Chapter 1216

"I've made all the arrangements, sir. Sandi and Ms. Josefina will be here soon- everything's set, and they'll have fresh coffee as soon as they walk in." With that, Bennett headed outside to wait for Josefina.

Brandon's words left little doubt: Makiko and Sandi were only getting this treatment because of Josefina. If it weren't for her, none of them would even get a hot drink tonight.

Makiko and Sandi showed up holding gifts, spotting Bennett by the door.

Sandi whispered, "Wow, Bennett's really rolling out the red carpet for us. He's Grandpa's right-hand man and he's actually waiting. Grandpa's being so kind."

Makiko gave her a knowing smile. "It's not often your grandpa goes to this much trouble."

Trying to sound casual, Sandi said, "Bennett, did we keep Grandpa waiting? We're not late, are we?"

Sandi's voice was polite, but Bennett just smiled. "Not at all. It's cold out-please, come inside."

Makiko and Sandi started towards the door, but after a couple steps, Makiko realized Bennett wasn't moving. He didn't even glance at them.

Makiko blinked. Wait-wasn't he waiting for them?

Sandi noticed too. Bennett wasn't here for them at all.

The embarrassment hit hard.

Sandi turned on her heel and hurried away, cheeks burning. Makiko followed, her mood sinking. They hadn't gone far when the sound of a car engine caught their attention.

A moment later, Bennett's cheerful voice rang out, "Oliver! Ms. Josefina! You're finally here. The master's been waiting."

When Josefina and Oliver walked up and saw Bennett at the door, Josefina instantly knew this was Brandon's doing.

"Bennett, why are you out here? It's freezing—you should be inside,” Josefina said as she approached.

Bennett beamed. "It's not cold at all. Seeing you and Oliver together-warms me right up."

Oliver grinned. "Come on, Bennett, let's go inside."

"Of course." Bennett followed them in.

Meanwhile, Makiko and Sandi felt even more humiliated. How could they have thought Bennett was waiting for them? Brandon was so obvious about playing favorites. Did only Josefina matter? Did Makiko and her own daughter not even count?

Sandi muttered under her breath,

"Mom, Grandpa's being so unfair Josefina's just his

granddaughter-in-law! I'm his actual granddaughter and he still takes her side over ours."

Makiko shot her a look. "Watch what you say. Don't get yourself in trouble."

Sandi groaned, "It's just so annoying.

Cassandra made such a mess at school and almost got caught, but she turned around and became a witness. The old medical

association collapsed, but,

els

Josefina's clinic is still going strong."

"

Sandi kept complaining, not noticing Makiko's face growing darker by the second.

Cassandra still hadn't left the country-she needed to cooperate with the investigation. Until things were cleared up, she wasn't going anywhere.

"Mom, am I really just not as good as her? How does Josefina have these insane skills? Who taught her? I want to meet her mentor."

Makiko pulled Sandi along, cutting her off. “Enough. This isn't our house. Be careful what you say—someone might be listening."

She didn't want to run into Josefina right now. Her emotions were all over the place, and she knew if she wasn't careful, it would show.

They hurried away, but Josefina, ever observant, spotted them anyway.

"Makiko doesn't look like she wants to see us," Josefina said quietly.

Oliver slipped his arm around her waist, his voice warm and low. "She knows she can't compete. She's embarrassed to face you."

Josefina almost burst out laughing. “Oliver, you really know how to put things."