Chapter 1264

What Shea couldn't manage, Wilson was sure he could pull off.

He was practically buzzing with anticipation, ready to show off until Josefina cut him off with a cool, steady voice.

"And you?" Josefina's eyes locked on his. "If I can do it, what about you? I'm not going to be the only one leaving the University of Melbourne. A bet's supposed to go both ways, isn't it?"

Mandy piped up, grinning. "Yeah! Josie's throwing herself out there, Wilson. You can't just stand around talking a big game. Put something up or shut up."

Wilson hesitated, but Mandy kept the pressure on. "Come on, Wilson, Josefina's risking everything. Are you just going to talk, or can you put something on the line, too?"

Sandi's voice shook a little as she looked at Josefina. "Josefina, are you really going to do this? If you leave the University of Melbourne... how are you going to explain that to your family?"

Sandi just stood there, stunned. Was Josefina really willing to risk everything?

Wasn't she worried about Oliver blowing up? The Harrisons would lose it if Josefina actually followed through. What kind of family would accept a daughter who just walked away from everything?

Sandi knew her own family never would. They'd always been strict, especially about school. Since she was a kid, straight As and top honors were the bare minimum. She was fluent in four languages and had a stack of certifications.

So to hear Josefina talk about betting her entire academic life like it was nothing— Sandi honestly thought she was losing her mind.

She slipped her phone out and fired off a quick message to Makiko, telling her what was happening.

Makiko's reply came almost instantly. She sounded surprised, but there was something excited in her tone, too.

“Sandi, remember that thing I told you to keep for emergencies? Did you bring it?"

Sandi frowned, confused, but replied honestly, "Yeah, I have it.”

"Good. I'll tell you how to use it. Sandi, you have to trust me on this. Just do exactly what I say."

Sandi's fingers tightened around her phone. She had a weird, sinking feeling— whatever Makiko wanted, it was definitely about Josefina.

Her hands shook as she typed back, her mind racing.

What is going on? she thought, and quickly texted, "Mom, what do you want me to

do? Are you trying to get Josefina in trouble?"

Makiko didn't hold back. Her reply came fast.

"Sandi, I just want Josefina to learn a lesson. Rhett leaving the company? That was all because of her! He listened to her, walked out, and dumped the mess on us. You've seen what she did to your dad and your brother, right just

want her to pay, that's all. Will you help me?"

Sandi stood there, her heart pounding, throat dry. She looked down, hoping no one

would notice the panic on her face.

Inside, she was torn. Should she help her mom, or not?

Her gaze drifted back to Josefina, standing in the middle of the crowd, shoulders squared, eyes locked on Wilson.

"Come on, Wilson! Be a man and say it!" Mandy shouted.

ernet

Wilson gritted his teeth, then nodded. Fine. If you fix Zachary, drop out of the University of

Melbourne. I'll quit. But if you can

Josefina, you're the one who leaves.

He looked around at the other students.

"You all heard it. You're my witnesses. Josefina, don't even think about backing out."

Josefina didn't flinch. "My word is my bond. I won't go back on it.”

Zachary let out a shaky breath, feeling like whatever hope he had left was gone. Whatever happened, happened.

Josefina pulled out her set of silver

acupuncture needles-sleek and

shining, unlike anything anyone else had brought

and started treating*

Zachary

Sandi edged closer, nerves on edge, ready to do whatever Makiko told her next...