Chapter 530

Oliver settled into his chair, exuding calm confidence, and said, "I'll follow Josie's lead. Whenever she says it's time to tie the knot, that's when I'll come to whisk her away and bring her home."

The Harrisons, huh?? It sounded like they had already given their blessing to the marriage!

Just as Grandpa Robert was about to speak, Grandpa Brandon cut him off. "Come on, let's have another round of chess. This time, I'm sure I can beat you."

Grandpa Robert's interest was piqued, and he went off to play chess with Grandpa Brandon.

Oliver wanted to step outside with Josefina for a chat, but Dorian blocked his path. "In this heat? Do you want Josie to get heatstroke or something?" Dorian asked, concern evident in his voice.

Oliver replied, "Josie mentioned the koi in the pond are thriving. She could show me around there; it's cooler by the water."

Dorian wasn't having it. "You want to see the fish? I can have the staff take you. No need to drag my sister into this."

Oliver was at a loss for words. Dorian was dead set on keeping him at bay! In the past, Oliver would have locked horns with Dorian without hesitation, but those days were gone. He wasn't about to pick a fight with his future brother-in-law.

...

Finley's call to Oliver got ignored. The text that followed was a punch to the gut.

Oliver: I'm meeting the parents.

Finley wanted to curse out loud. Wasn't that just rubbing salt in the wound?

When Finley arrived at Livia's doorstep, he saw Luke stepping out. Without a word, Luke landed a punch on Finley, leaving a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth. "So you're Finley, the jerk who hurt Livia? I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget!"

Another punch from Luke was coming, but Finley caught it.

"And who might you be?"

"Name's Luke, and I don't hide it. I'm Livia's best, best, best friend!"

As Finley wiped the blood from his lip with his thumb, a devilish grin spread across his face. "You're into her."

Luke didn't deny it. "Yeah, I like Livia. And if you've hurt her, I'll make sure you regret it this year!"

Luke's kick came swift, but Finley dodged, and the two men began to scrap. Inside, Livia heard the commotion and opened the door. Hearing the door, Finley turned his left cheek to meet the incoming blow and took a punch.

Finley collapsed, looking pitiful yet somehow dashing with blood trickling from his mouth. Livia's instincts kicked in, and she rushed to check on him.

"Are you kidding me? He's faking it!" Luke yelled, looking at his fist.

Finley, feigning helplessness, groaned, "It hurts so much. Is my face ruined?"

Livia, concerned, began to examine him. Their eyes met briefly before Livia looked away.

Seizing the moment, Finley caught Livia's hand and pressed it to his cheek. "Livia, see for yourself. It really hurts. He was too harsh. I didn't even hit him back, just kept dodging. And him? He punches like he wants me dead."

Luke was beside himself. "What are you on about? You didn't hit me? You've got some nerve!"

"You're the dishonest one here. Didn't you hit me? Livia saw everything. How are you going to deny it now?"

Livia, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke up. "Finley, why did you come here?"