Chapter 373

Josefina and Oliver exchanged a glance, then quickly looked away with mutual disdain.

Oliver was the first to speak, his voice firm and direct, "She's not worthy."

Josefina was taken aback. "I think you're the one who's not worthy. That ghastly mask doesn't conceal your vile nature," Josefina shot back with fiery spirit.

Hayden burst into laughter. "I think you two are like a pair of bickering lovers."

Leaning in with a mischievous grin, Hayden whispered, "Rosa, you know, you could have a sweet marriage that starts with the wedding and blossoms into love, just like those rom-coms I've been binge-watching."

Josefina was adamant. "That's not possible."

Frustrated, Josefina exclaimed, "Stop playing matchmaker. My husband would never be anything like him."

Oliver retorted, "And my wife would never be anything like her."

The elders murmured among themselves. Were these two really this disdainful of each other?

"Sir, Miss Rosa may not be a knockout, but her skills are exceptional. She's a perfect match for you."

"If your lady were Miss Rosa, we'd be on board. Anyone else, and we wouldn't stand for it."

"You can't be blinded by love!"

Oliver, brows furrowed, listened to these noisy and shortsighted comments with rising anger.

No one had the right to criticize his Josie.

Absolutely no one!

"Shut up!" Oliver's sharp gaze swept over the crowd as he declared with fury, "Who I spend the rest of my life with is my decision. I like her as a person, not because of her abilities to advance me. What kind of man relies on a woman's abilities to progress?"

Josefina couldn't help but see this man in a new light, impressed by his defense of the woman he cared for.

The elders were livid. The lord had scolded them in front of outsiders. Their pride was wounded. Follow current novᴇls on ⓝovelFind.net

Oliver continued, "I invited Hayden here to discuss a business partnership. The rest of you can go home now."

The elders grew angry once again, questioning Oliver's intent. "What do you mean by that? What's this partnership that we can't hear

about Were elders this island

and shareholders too. We have a right to know." s

"Yeah, we're part of this island too. Why can't we be in the know?"

Oliver challenged them, "How many shares do you have? You want to handle the partnership? Fine, how about I step aside and let you make, the money?" s

The mention of money silenced their protests, their faces reddening with embarrassment. When Oliver first took charge, they had all been

skeptical. Without a fuss, Oliver let

them each try their

them each try their hand at running

things for a month. And the

outcome? None of them succeeded.

s

Since then, they had no doubts about Oliver's capabilities. As long as there was

money to be made without them taking risks, life was good.

Now, seething with anger they dared not express, they had no choice but to leave.

The five old men lamented their situation. "Damn it! To be outplayed by a whippersnapper."

They had to find a way to bring him down, and put someone capable in charge.

"Stop talking about it here, if they overhear us, your life might be on the line."

"Sigh, he didn't wipe us out, and he's been fairly decent. A heartless one would've had us 'taken care of' by now."

Understanding the gravity of their situation, they sheepishly made their exits.

Back at their respective homes, they were restless, unable to eat or sleep, reaching for their phones to message Oliver.

[Sir, I've got a fine piece of jade back home. I'll send someone to bring it to you, what do you say?]