Chapter 1282

"Dad, seriously, why would I lie to you? I'm telling the truth, every word," Cole blurted out.

"Cole, it's not that I don't believe you I'm just curious. You used to be sharper than anyone I knew, always picking up on the tiniest details. How did you end up less quick-witted now than you were as a kid?"

Cole just stared at him, lost for words.

"Dad, I had amnesia, remember? Ever since then, my life's been simple—no drama, no complicated stuff. I don't have to scheme or play games anymore," Cole said with a resigned sigh.

Sandi shot her dad a look, trying not to roll her eyes. Sure, like that was the whole truth.

Wilder kept quiet, but the thought crossed his mind: If Cole wasn't such a schemer, then why was Mom still clueless about what he's really up to?

The siblings fell silent, frustration simmering between them.

Honestly, sitting here felt like being on a set, everyone performing for an invisible audience.

It was all about who could keep up the act the longest.

Who could handle the pressure without cracking?

Before this, Wilder and Sandi had been completely sheltered from the family's mess. They'd had no idea what was really going on behind closed doors.

Now that they were starting to see the truth, no one was in a good mood—and both of them couldn't help but feel a little resentful toward Makiko and Cole.

Brandon could tell he wasn't getting anywhere. With a sigh, he got up from the table.

"I'll go see what Oliver has to say. You all eat-steak's no good if it gets cold."

He left with Bennett quietly following behind.

Cole tensed, replaying Robert's last words in his mind. Was that a warning? A threat? He couldn't tell-and it made him nervous.

On the way home, Brandon didn't say a word. The silence was heavy.

Bennett noticed and finally broke it. “Sir, you've been looking upset ever since we left Cole's. Did something bother you?"

"Bennett, you saw it too, didn't you?"

Bennett gave a small, knowing smile. “Sir, all I saw was Cole enjoying a fancy dinner. It doesn't prove anything."

"Still," Brandon said, his eyes growing colder, "it felt like he was celebrating too early, like he knows something we don't."

Bennett nodded. "Ms. Josefina's always been so smart and careful. The way things played out this time... it just doesn't feel like her."

Brandon chuckled. "Bennett, you've gotten good at reading people."

"I've been with you for a long time, sir. I've picked up a few things here and there.

Still, I could be wrong. Don't take my word as gospel."

Brandon waved him off. "If you're

not right, then who is? Bennett, you don't have to stand on ceremony

with me. We've been

too

much together for that."

Bennett smiled. “Let's just wait and see. I believe Ms. Josefina will sort it out."

Brandon shook his head, half

amused. "That kid Oliver never tells

me anything it's bad enough he's not close with Rowan, but now he's married and it's like he's forgotten all about me."

Even with everything happening, he can't pick up the phone.

But his eyes showed no anger—if anything, there was a hint of pride and fondness.

Bennett noticed. "I think Oliver just doesn't want to worry you. He cares, sir."

"Who needs him fussing over me? As long as he takes care of Josie and my great-grandchild, that's good enough. Josie's upset, and that can't be good for the baby Tell Amos to Come back."

Bennett's eyes widened in surprise.

Bring Amos back?