Chapter 379
"Miss Rosa, I hear you've got a knack for healing?" Oliver casually inquired.
He had decided to do a bit of sleuthing about Rosaline's identity before consulting Josie to see if she had any dirt on this Rosaline character. Just the thought of Josefina brought a smile to Oliver's face.
"I know a thing or two," Josefina responded modestly.
"Miss Rosa, I'm impressed with how you've managed the Lucifer's Breath seedlings. I was wondering if you might take a trip to Demon's Isle with me? We're looking to expand our cultivation, and I need an expert eye to determine if the new land is suitable," Oliver said.
This was the real reason for his return. He planned to assess the situation first, and if he couldn't find the help he needed, he'd reluctantly drag Josefina over to Demon's Isle. If Rosaline proved her worth, he could spare Josie the hassle of the journey. He's here, meeting with Hayden at Rose Bay Island with other intentions. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ Fɪnd-Novel.net
Hayden had an epiphany - no wonder Hellfire came, and after arriving, he first went to see the sapling.
Clever as a fox, that one!
Josefina couldn't refuse the request; after all, they had just struck a partnership. She knew Hayden relied heavily on their new allies.
"Sure," Josefina agreed without hesitation.
Grant, concerned, chimed in, "Rosa, I'm coming with you."
Oliver disagreed, "There's no need for you to come along, Grant. Your presence would only complicate things."
If Grant went, the elders would surely get the wrong idea and kick up a fuss again. Hayden understood Oliver's predicament, "Grant, hold off for now."
"But, it's too dangerous for Rosa to go alone." Grant insisted, protective as ever.
"Grant, I personally came to invite
Miss Rosa, which means I will ensure her safety and return her unscathed. If you don't you trust me,
understand But don't you trust
Hayden?" Oliver's gaze shifted, seeking confirmation.
Caught between the two staring men, Hayden choked on his drink, coughing violently. He waved a hand to signal he was fine, and said, "Cool it, Grant. Hellfire's not the enemy. He wants peace with our island and I trust him. Besides, was Rosa a damsel incapable of handling herself?
Hayden's word was law, and Grant, albeit reluctantly, consented. There was no alternative.
Plus, Josefina's reassuring gaze helped to ease Grant's worries. Rosa spoke up, and all he could do was nod.
Josefina boarded Oliver's boat. They kept a respectful distance; Josefina sat inside while Oliver ventured out.
Before Josefina was a pot of floral
tea and an assortment of pastries. She clicked her tongue in
amusement The man was gly indeed She's so well-prepared, as if he knew she'd accompany him without question.
Her gaze followed the tall figure outside, standing tall and straight, staring out to sea. His black coat fluttered in the wind, a blend of defiance and freedom.
Josefina looked down as her phone buzzed with a message from Oliver. [Josie, I miss you.]
A knowing smile spread across her face, her doe-like eyes sparkling with mischief.
Oliver turned and caught a glimpse of Josefina smiling down at something, looking so endearing. He quickly spun back around and continued their conversation via text.
[Josie, do you miss me?]
[Are you free now?] Josefina replied.
[I'll be busy in a bit, but I can take a break now. Remember to miss me, Josie, every single day.]
Oliver chuckled helplessly. Getting a simple "I miss you" from Josefina was like trying to reach the sky. When he got back, he'd make sure to hear those three little words from her.