Chapter 482

"No way!" Oliver's voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt.

Finley flung open a window, letting the evening breeze wash over his face. "How could I ever mistake someone else for Josie? It's impossible, utterly impossible. Josie is Josie—no one could ever replace her."

But Finley was unraveling, his eyes wide with panic. He had actually confused someone else for Shay. Did this mean his feelings for Shay weren't as deep as he thought? Could he be falling for Shanna instead?

No way. Absolutely not.

"Finley, are you seriously asking me this? Have you started seeing other women as some sort of substitute?" Oliver's voice was stern, brooking no nonsense.

Finley scratched his head awkwardly, sweat beading on his forehead. "Oliver, what are you talking about? I didn't... I mean..." His voice trailed off, weaker with each word, guilt seeping through.

"Finley, how could you do something so low?"

Finley could only stare in silence.

"Oliver, I told you, I haven't done anything like that."

"Your voice says otherwise. You're lying. Come on, Finley, we've known each other

for ten years. You think I can't read you by now?"

Finley said nothing.

Alright, Oliver did know him a bit too well.

"I'm done with this conversation. I'm going to bed." Finley hung up the phone abruptly.

He sat in his study, lighting up a cigarette. The smoke curled around his face, which was etched with sorrow. He took a drag and exhaled through his nose, looking like a gentleman gone rogue.

Leaning back in his chair, his complexion was ghastly, reflecting his inner turmoil.

...

The next morning, Lena woke up to find the house empty for breakfast. She called Fia over to ask what was going on.

"I'm not sure," Fia said. "I went to water the garden first thing, and Annika was in the kitchen. Maybe you should ask her?"

Lena's tone was icy. "Is this how you handle things?"

Fia, startled, quickly replied, "Miss Josefina, ever since Jane got sick, I've had to take over the garden. I can't just leave it."

Lena frowned. "Jane still hasn't recovered? Wasn't she taken to the hospital? Why hasn't she come back?"

Fia explained, "Jane's getting old, and ever since she was poisoned, her health has been going downhill. Ryan told her to rest and not to work for the Harrison family anymore, fearing it might cost her her life."

Lena was silent. She had used such a small dose when she poisoned the food; how could it have such severe consequences?

"Miss Josefina, perhaps you should ask Annika now that she's here."

Lena nodded, and Fia poured her a cup of tea.

Annika set breakfast on the table, and Lena called out, "Annika, where is everyone? Haven't they gotten up yet?"

"They've all left. The master and mistress went out with Ms. Josefina early. They're swamped with work and didn't even have time for breakfast."

Lena felt a growing sense of unease. Was everyone avoiding her?

"My mother went to work as well?"

"Yes, the mistress mentioned how she's been extremely busy lately and may not even make it home for dinner."

Lena's suspicions deepened. Had they discovered something?

Without delving further, she headed towards her grandmother's place.

Upon seeing her grandparents dining on the first floor, Lena approached with a sweet smile. "Good morning, Grandpa, Grandma."

Emily greeted Lena with a warm smile. "Lena, dear, come over here. Haven't had breakfast yet? Please, sit down and eat something."

Grandpa Robert added, "The kitchen's made some oatmeal and baked some muffins. Have some with us."

Lena sat down, smiling gratefully. "Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma."