Chapter 366
Garrett said, "Your mom's got a point, sweetheart. We really should take that trip."
Josefina responded with a gentle insistence, "Mom, Dad, I'll take you there next time. I've got some stuff to handle this time around, and I can't stick with you guys the whole way."
Hattie and Garrett reluctantly let the matter rest. Garrett pulled out his credit card and offered it to her, "It's a wild world out there, kiddo. Carry some extra cash. Take this card with you."
Hattie chimed in, "I've got a stash of cash in the safe, I'll give you some before you leave. How's the balance on your phone's wallet? I'll transfer a million to you just in case."
Josefina laughed off their worries, "You've already given me more than enough, truly. I can't possibly spend it all. I'm only away for five days, and I won't be spending much. Don't worry about me, I'll take good care of myself."
Standing up to leave, Josefina announced, "I'd better get packing. I'm out of here in an hour."
Garrett suggested, "Josie, why don't you let the family jet take you? We've got it for a reason, and you can go wherever you need to."
"I've already got my ticket, but thanks, Dad."
With Josefina heading upstairs, Garrett stayed put, lost in thought. Hattie nudged him playfully, "Garrett, you gone soft in the head or what?"
Garrett's face broke into a wide grin, "She called me 'Dad.' It sounded so sweet and genuine. Music to my ears."
A smile tinged with exasperation crossed Hattie's face, "Josie's called you 'Dad' before, hon. You're acting like it's the first time you've ever heard it." Newest update provided by Find★Novel.net
"It's different, entirely different. Before, she'd say 'Dad' like she was addressing some random uncle. But this time, it came from the heart. It was beautiful."
With a shake of her head, Hattie said, "That's why you need to double down on being good to Josie. The more love you show her, the more she'll feel it."
Garrett nodded in agreement, "Honey, you're always right. They say a man prospers by listening to his wife. I guess that's why I'm so lucky - because I listen to you."
Hattie shot him a bashful glance, "What are you on about? I'd be embarrassed if anyone overheard you." Garrett decided to change the subject, "I'll go cut up some fruit for our girl, something to nibble on the road." Hattie decided to join in, "And I'll whip up some of her favorite snacks."
The couple buzzed around, each trying to outdo the other in showing their love.
Meanwhile, upstairs in her room, Josefina finished packing her tools and slipped a lifelike silicone mask into her bag. She didn't bother with clothes as plenty awaited her at her destination more than enough to wear. s
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Just then, her phone rang. Josefina answered, and a man's deep, affectionate voice came through,
Rosa you're landing tomorrow
morning, right? I'll pick you up at the airport."
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"Please, don't trouble yourself. I can make my own way. Just make sure to cook my favorite ribs. I haven't found anywhere else that can match the taste of your dishes."
The man's robust laughter filled her ear, "Those are my specialties, Rosa. If you love 'em that much, I'll make 'em for you every day. Ever since you left Rose Bay Island we been thinking about your non-stop of you don't come back soon, I might just have to jet over to Westwood to see you."
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"You're welcome any time. My folks actually wanted to pay you a visit, but since I'm on a mission, I couldn't bring them along this time."
"Which parents are we talking about? That bastard Billy?"
"You forgot? I found my biological parents. They're really good to me, exceptionally so."
"They'd better be, or else I'd be ready to blow their heads off. If it weren't for you holding me back, Billy would've been six feet under a long time ago."