Chapter 1251

Rhett looked up and found himself face-to-face with someone so beautiful, it almost didn't feel real.

Her dark eyes sparkled, full of light and just a hint of trouble. Up close, Rhett couldn't help but draw his own conclusion-Oliver had to be smitten with Josefina for her looks alone.

Who wouldn't be? With a face like hers-dangerously gorgeous-what guy wouldn't fall, just a little?

Rhett instinctively took a step back, needing some space between them.

"What are you staring at?" he muttered, eyes flickering away.

Josefina crossed her arms, her lips curling into a teasing grin. “I'm looking at you. Why? Can't handle a conversation up close? Or are you just scared of me?"

“As if I'd be scared of you," Rhett shot back, straightening up and trying to look tough.

Sylvie broke in, voice carrying. “Josie, he's not scared! He just wants to thank you for saving my grandma."

Rhett: "..."

That wasn't what he meant at all. Was Sylvie trying to set him up?

He pressed his fingers to his brow and sighed. “I haven't even seen Grandma yet. I'll go in and check on her first."

And with that, Rhett made his getaway.

Sylvie tried to call after him, but he was already gone-vanished before she could say another word.

"Josie, sorry about him. I'll have a talk with him later,” Sylvie said, looking a little embarrassed.

Josefina just waved her off. "Don't worry about it. Rhett and I go way back. I know how he is."

Sylvie's eyes widened. They knew each other?

At Kania's house.

After asking around, Rhett finally accepted that Josefina really had saved Kania. He felt so on edge, he couldn't sit still.

Kania gave him a long look. "Rhett, do you have a problem with Josie? You didn't bully her, did you?"

Rhett shifted, awkward. “Grandma, it's a work thing. She's basically my rival."

Kania was floored. "So the company you came back to help is going up against Josie's? Rhett, I won't let you repay kindness with betrayal."

Rhett felt stuck.

He'd already promised Makiko he'd help. If he pulled out now, Makiko's side would be left hanging no one to handle their end. What was he supposed to do?

Kania saw right through him and sighed. "Rhett, I'm honestly disappointed. Josie's a wonderful. girl How could you treat her like an eremy She's your rival? Sounds more like you're taking it out on her because you can't have her."

Rhett: "..."

That was way off base.

He rubbed his forehead, exasperated. "Grandma, there's nothing going on between us."

Kania pressed, "So why are you making things so hard for her? I've lived long enough to know when someone's good, and Josie is a good kid.”

Rhett sat there, feeling like he was on pins and needles, wishing he could just disappear.

He couldn't give Kania the answer she wanted-not yet.

"Rhett, if you want my advice, step away from that company now. Don't do anything to hurt Josie. I can't tell you how to run your life, but I'm warning you losie's talented. You might be the one who ends up outmatched."

Rhett: "..."

That stung.

His own grandma thought he couldn't measure up to Josefina.

Rhett felt totally crushed.

Cole was in his office, eyes wide in disbelief as he shot up out of his chair.

"Rhett, what did you just say? Say that again!"

Rhett stood his ground, calm but firm. "This is the last time I'll repeat myself: I'm leaving. I'm not working here for you anymore."

Wilder, coming in right then, almost stumbled at the news.

"Mr. Zhao, you can't just walk out like this! The project's already started. If you go, who's going to finish it?"

Rhett replied, “We never signed a contract, did we? As far as I know, I'm only required to finish this project before I leave, right?”

Cole and Wilder were left speechless.