Chapter 478

"Josie, I messed up-big time. My head was in the clouds, and I couldn't see straight. Please, just forgive me this once," Billy pleaded, his voice thick with regret.

But Josefina wasn't having any of it, leaving Billy feeling even worse.

"Josie, it's all my fault. What's blood compared to all the years we've spent together? Come back with me, please.”

Josefina couldn't be bothered and walked away, with Billy trailing after her, apologizing non-stop.

Not a single word of Billy's apologies reached Josefina.

Billy blocked her path, desperate not to let her go.

With a cold look, Josefina pulled out her phone and said icily, “Mr. Antonio, are you asking for trouble? Should I call the cops?"

Billy reached out, trying to hold onto Josefina, begging her not to leave.

That's when Oliver came to the rescue. He swung the car door open, strode over, and grabbed Billy's wrist, twisting it sharply.

Billy yelped in pain as Oliver shoved him away.

Stumbling, Billy almost fell to the ground.

Oliver stood protectively beside Josefina, holding her hand, his eyes blazing as he glared at Billy.

"Billy, your family ditched Josie, and now you have the nerve to hassle her? She has nothing to do with the Antonios. Back off, or you'll regret it!"

Billy looked up at Josefina with pitiful eyes. "Josie, you used to call me 'Dad.' Just give me one chance."

Josefina scoffed, “I should give you a chance? Who's giving me one? Mr. Antonio, don't dish out what you can't take."

Turning to Oliver, she said, "Let's go."

Together, they got into the car, leaving Billy watching them drive away, his expression heavy with regret.

How could he have been so blind?

Billy was consumed with regret, his disdain for Lauren and Ruby growing.

...

At dinner with Oliver, Josefina recounted Billy's visit and shared the truth about Ruby's parentage.

Oliver was stunned; he had never imagined Ruby wasn't Billy's biological daughter.

"Billy's regretting his choices. He'd rather cozy up to me for a business bailout than deal with Ruby, who isn't even his own. He didn't say it outright, but I know what he's after," Josefina said, understanding Billy all too well.

"I'll send someone to warn him off," Oliver offered.

"No need. I'll handle it. I heard Dominic is back in town. He's probably aiming to take over the company, right?" Josefina said with a hint of concern.

Oliver exuded confidence. "Don't worry, Josie. Dominic won't lay a finger on the company. You're going to be the chairwoman of the Baldwin family business."

Josefina playfully rolled her eyes. "What are you talking about?”

"Just stating facts, so my Josie doesn't worry," Oliver said as he served her a perfectly sliced steak.

Josefina took a bite of the steak and let the conversation drop.

She planned to dig up some information on Dominic, curious about who he was and what he was capable of.

After finishing her steak, she nibbled on some salad.

When she looked up, she caught Oliver staring at her.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Josefina asked.

Oliver's smile was genuine as he replied, "I'm happy. Josie's looking out for me. How could I not be?"

Josefina was at a loss for words.

Was Oliver really so easily pleased?

Did he rarely receive compliments?

Suddenly, Josefina thought of Oliver's past and how hard it must have been for him.

She decided then and there to praise Oliver more often.