Chapter 380

The boat nudged against the dock, and Oliver leaped onto the solid ground. Josefina emerged from inside, and Oliver, out of politeness, extended a hand cloaked in his trench coat.

Without a word, Josefina hopped down gracefully and stood firmly beside Oliver, her movements sharp and assured.

Oliver withdrew his hand, saying nothing, and started walking forward. Josefina followed at an easy pace. They reached the cleared plot of land together, and without any fuss, Josefina opened her case, took out her tools, and began to sample and test the soil.

Asher whispered to Oliver, "Sir, I don't recall ever hearing about Hayden's daughter being skilled in this stuff."

Harry chimed in, "About Hayden's daughter, some say she's a knockout, and others say she's just plain Jane. With such conflicting descriptions of her looks, I'm betting Hayden's got more than one daughter."

Asher raised an eyebrow, "That's quite the theory."

Oliver's eyes narrowed, his voice deep, "She might be wearing a prosthetic mask."

At this revelation, both Harry and Asher were gobsmacked. "That's highly probable."

Harry added, "Given Hayden's past dealings, it's no wonder he's got enemies. His daughter masking her true face makes sense. Sir, you're spot on as always."

Asher glanced at Harry who just smirked, pleased with himself. This wasn't just brown-nosing. Mr. Oliver's guess seemed spot-on.

Oliver wanted to confirm his hunch but couldn't just confront her about it. He approached Josefina and crouched beside her. "Need a hand?"

"No thank you." Josefina declined briskly.

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She continued her meticulous work, oblivious to the world around her. After a couple of hours, Josefina saw the results and breathed a sigh of relief. "It's suitable. This land is good for cultivation. It'll need a special nutrient solution, though.. prepare it tonight and have it, delivered here first thing in the morning. Once the solution is applied, give it a day before planting." s

Josefina was elated. Could she also cultivate precious herbs in Westwood? With that thought, a smile crept across her face.

Oliver couldn't fathom the reason behind the smile that played on the lips of the woman he knew as Rosaline. Was it a sense of accomplishment?

It didn't quite look like that. It seemed more like the thrill of striking gold.

Oliver was puzzled as to why she would have such an expression. When Josefina looked up and met Oliver's scrutinizing gaze, she was startled and her smile vanished in an instant.

Oliver was quite startled. Her face had changed expressions in a split second, far too quickly.

"Hellfire, my job here is done. I'll

head back now. Someone will bring the nutrient solution tomorrow morning, and I'll make sure the instructions and precautions ar clearly indicated s

Josefina closed her case and was about to hoist it onto her back when Oliver picked it up. "I'll escort you back. I made a promise to Hayden to see you safely home."

Josefina knew Oliver well enough to understand his character. Once he decided on something, no one could sway him, especially with that uncompromising tone -nobody dared to object.

She acquiesced, and Oliver led the way with her following behind. She inwardly, grumbled about his domineering ways. Despite her internal complaints, her feet dutifully kept pace with his. s

On the way back, the sea breeze was strong.

As Josefina boarded the boat, Oliver was there, ready to assist her at any moment, keeping his promise, guarding her safety like a sentinel upon the battlements.

A gust of wind swept in, and Josefina's prosthetic mask on her face was lifted by the breeze.