Chapter 564

"Aunt Mary, seriously, you're too kind. It's all part of the job. For Josie, I'd walk through fire without a second thought."

Oliver's words were genuine, straight from the heart.

For Josie, he'd move mountains.

Josie chimed in, "I've posted the sketch in our group chat. Anyone recognize this guy?"

Grandpa Brandon squinted at the image. "Doesn't ring a bell. Never seen him."

Emily jumped in, "I've seen him! Once, when I was at the diner, I saw Lena chatting with him by the alley. They walked off together. Thought Lena might be sweet on him, so I didn't ask."

Josie continued, "This drawing is from Lena's hypnosis session. She did it herself, so it should be accurate. But finding one face in a crowd isn't exactly a walk in the park."

Garrett, with a reassuring tone, added, "Josie, you've done a great job. We've got plenty of leads now, and we're closing in on the mastermind behind all this."

Hattie, with motherly concern, handed Josie a slice of freshly baked bread. "Sweetheart, eat a bit more. You're looking worn out. My poor girl, you've been through so much."

If only she had left Lena by the side of the road all those years ago.

Dorian suggested, "Josie, why don't you get some sleep? We'll handle the rest tomorrow. You need your rest after a day like today."

Feeling the fatigue, Josie smiled and stood up. "Alright, I'm heading to bed. Goodnight, everyone."

Oliver watched her go, his eyes full of tenderness. "Sweet dreams, Josie." After exchanging a few words with her grandparents, Josie went upstairs.

As Oliver was about to leave, Grandpa Robert stopped him.

"Oliver, you've really come through for us, saving Josie like that."

Oliver, ever humble, replied, "Grandpa Robert, you're too kind. I'm just doing what anyone would. Lena's with the police now, and they have the sketch of the mastermind. We'll find him soon enough."

Grandpa Robert murmured, "I can't wait to find out who's behind this."

Emily, always the gracious hostess, told Oliver, "Get some rest too, dear. Come by for lunch tomorrow; we'd love to treat you to a meal."

"Thanks, Grandma. I'll come by in the morning to pick up Josie for work."

Not giving Dorian a chance to object, Oliver made a quick exit. Dorian just shook his head at Oliver's smooth escape.

...

At the crack of dawn, around 4 a.m., Hattie was up and headed to the kitchen to start breakfast.

To her surprise, Annika was already there, kneading dough.

"Ma'am, you're up early. Tell me what you'd like, and I'll make it for you," Annika said cheerfully.

The rest of the kitchen staff wouldn't be in until five.

Looking at the dough, Hattie mused, "Is pasta for breakfast too much? Maybe I'll

cook up some porridge for Josie. And a few sides for a hearty meal."

Annika picked up on Hattie's deep affection for Josie.

"Ma'am, I've already started on some millet porridge. I'll make some multigrain soy milk and steam buns with three different fillings Josie's favorites. Why don't you get some more rest? I've got the kitchen covered."

Hattie was touched. "Annika, it's a lot for one person. Are you sure you're okay with this?"

Annika, smiling brightly, replied, "Not at all, ma'am. I love cooking."

After a moment's thought, Hattie said, "Then I'm doubling your salary starting

next month, Payday is ext Wednesday, and I'll let the butler

know in advance."

Annika was stunned. "Ma'am, there's no need for a raise. I'm more than happy with what I earn."

But she rose early to cook for a reason beyond money—it was all for Josie.