Chapter 1223

"Oliver?"

That's a pretty intimate way to greet someone.

Josefina turned around and found herself looking at a woman who looked like she'd walked straight out of a fashion magazine confident, stylish, wrapped in a sleek gray coat. A tiny beauty mark sat just under her left eye, and her loose curls framed her face with a hint of wistfulness.

The woman's eyes lit up with surprise and genuine delight as she stepped up to Oliver.

"Oliver! What are the odds?"

He smiled back. "You're back in town?"

"Just got in today." She laughed softly, glancing at Josefina, then back at Oliver. "Our college group chat exploded when they heard I was coming back. Everyone wanted to get together-throw me a welcome party. Oliver, why aren't you in the group chat? It's like you dropped off the map. Where have you been all these years? We couldn't find you anywhere!"

Josefina could practically smell the gossip in the air. Was this beautiful woman Oliver's old flame?

She kept quiet, just watching from the sidelines.

Oliver caught her wide, curious eyes-she looked like she was waiting for the tea to spill.

He almost laughed. That was so Josie. Instead of getting jealous, she wanted front- row seats to the drama.

He cleared his throat. "This is my...girlfriend, Josefina." He turned back to the other woman. "And this is Selah, a friend from college."

He'd wanted to say "wife," but Josefina liked to keep things low-key. Even the label “girlfriend” felt a little overwhelming for her sometimes.

Selah looked genuinely surprised, struggling to hide it. Then she let out a knowing laugh.

"Wow, Oliver. You're full of surprises. Congratulations—you two look perfect together."

She reached out with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you."

Josefina shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, too."

Selah grinned. "We're having a get-together tonight. Why don't the two of you come along?"

Oliver didn't hesitate for a second. "Sorry, I have to work late tonight. No time.”

No way was he dragging Josefina to a party full of strangers. That just wasn't his scene and he knew it wasn't hers either.

He added, "We've got to run. See you around."

He took Josefina's hand, leading her away quickly and without looking back.

She had to practically jog to keep up. "Hey, could you slow those long legs down? Are you trying to kill me?"

He stopped right away. "I just thought you'd get curious and say yes to the party. Josie, you need to take it easy from now on."

She pouted. "Was I that obvious?"

He grinned.

"Don't worry. I won't go chasing after any forbidden gossip."

Josefina slipped her arm through his, and together they strolled off.

Later, Makiko sent a phone number to Oliver through Cole.

Oliver was in his office when the message popped up. He called for George.

"Here's a number for you. And remember-Mr. Zhang is allergic to chestnuts. Make sure he's careful."

George nodded. "Already gave him a heads-up. He knows what to watch out for."

Working with Oliver all these years,

George might not have picked up his

boss's steely nerves, but he always sure not to let Oliver down.

"Be extra careful," Oliver reminded him.

"Yes, Mr. Oliver."

George left to double-check with Mr. Zhang-again, just to be safe.

Oliver also forwarded the number to Josefina, asking her to have someone look into

it. He liked knowing what he was up against.

At that moment, Josefina was at the university.

The University of Melbourne's

leadership team was all gathered in

the conference room. The second

Josefina walked in,

walked in everyone stood

up-almost automatically.

Only after she sat down did the others take their seats.

In this room, even the most senior professors acted like juniors in front of Josefina.

Mr. Marquez spoke up, looking both relieved and determined.

"With something this serious happening at the university, we have to investigate Jacob thoroughly. He approved Cassandra's actions on campus, and the fallout has been terrible it's damaged the

university's reputation." .net