Chapter 1230

Percy's voice was calm and gentle as always—so steady you'd never guess there was anything wrong.

"Get some rest," Josefina said, then ended the call.

She didn't ask any more questions. Instead, she told the driver to take her straight to Percy's place.

This time, she wanted to talk things through honestly. She was tired of second- guessing and doubting him.

If Percy needed help, she was determined to give him everything she could.

...

Percy stood up, walked to the hidden room, and opened the door. He didn't go in, just lingered in the doorway, his voice low and serious. "Josie's starting to get suspicious. Stay in here for the next few days-don't come out unless you absolutely have to."

With that, Percy left the lab and went to the living room.

He'd barely sat down when the doorbell rang.

A guy in a delivery uniform stood outside.

"Hey, delivery for you. Need a signature," the man said, holding up a big box.

Percy walked to the door, eyeing the delivery guy and the oversized package. There was no way to get it inside without opening the door.

He sighed and opened it. "Just leave the box here."

The delivery man set it down, didn't ask for a signature, and quickly started backing away-so fast Percy's heart skipped.

The moment Percy started to react, Josefina stepped into view behind the courier. "You can go now," she said.

The delivery guy took off, practically running.

That's when it clicked for Percy-the delivery man was just someone Josefina had hired to put on a show. There was never a real package.

"Josie, you could've just come to see me. Why all the drama with the delivery guy?" Percy tried to keep his voice casual.

"If I didn't do it this way, I wouldn't know what was really going on," Josefina replied quietly.

Percy didn't say anything.

So, she really had figured him out.

Josefina took a step toward him, and Percy unconsciously stepped back.

She moved closer; he backed up again.

She paused, her eyes shining as she smiled. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Percy hesitated, then finally nodded and let her inside.

Josefina had been here plenty of times before. She knew every corner of his house.

Nothing about the place had changed.

She settled onto the soft couch. Percy brought her a mug of hot water.

“Josie, did you come here because you need me to run some tests?” he asked.

"I'm here for something else." Josefina looked at him steadily. "Percy, are you hiding someone in your house?"

Percy's hand tightened around the mug.

"When you're nervous, you clench your hands. It's not just me-Livia and Luke have noticed it too, Josefina sard gently. She wanted him to know this was just something friends noticed-not anything more.

Percy hadn't realized he was so easy to read.

"I'm not trying to pry into your private life," Josefina continued, "but I'm worried you're in trouble. I know how much you've done for me. But if can't even keep you

you

I don't

working in the lab

anymore. Walk away, Percy. Don't let

me drag you down."

"Josie, no! I'm not in danger—I don't want to leave!" Percy shot to his feet, voice shaking.

He couldn't stand the idea of leaving her behind.

"Then what are you hiding? Is someone threatening you?"

Percy shook his head. "No. Even if

someone tried, they wouldnt

anythi

on me. I'm an

have

эле

orphan-there's nothing anyone can use against me."

Josefina's curiosity only grew. If it wasn't that, then what was he hiding?