Chapter 570

Josie had a knack for catching eyes and turning heads, and her gaze lingered a little too long on a handsome face like Oliver's. He was the kind of man who looked like he'd been chiseled out of marble.

Her stare must've been too intense because suddenly, Oliver looked up, and their eyes met like the clash of waves against the shore.

Embarrassed, Josie quickly looked away, worried he might see through her.

"Josie, your eyes are burning holes through me. I'm starting to think you want to eat me up," Oliver teased with a playful grin.

"Of course not," Josie protested, her cheeks turning a shade of pink.

But Oliver wasn't buying it. He gently held her shoulders, keeping her eyes locked on his. "Josie, I can read you like an open book. I've already noticed."

Josie was speechless.

Oliver had this uncanny ability to see right through her. She could never hide anything from him.

Pushing him away gently, Josie stood up. "I need to get back to work, and you should take a break too."

"Why don't we both take a break? Together," Oliver suggested, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Before she could say a word, Oliver scooped her up and carried her into the break room.

He set her down on the bed with the utmost care, and she tensed, her palms pressing against his chest as she looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unspoken words.

"Oliver, please get up," she whispered.

Instead, Oliver rolled onto his side, lying next to her. He pulled her into his embrace.

"Josie, don't speak. If you keep talking, I'm not sure I can hold back," he murmured against her hair.

Silence fell, and Oliver held her close as they both drifted into a midday nap.

...

Meanwhile, Dominic sat in his car, eyes glued to the entrance. An hour ticked by, and still no sign of Josie.

A smile played on his lips at the thought of her.

His phone rang, breaking the silence. It was Shay. "Dominic, where are you? You're back in town and didn't visit? Dad's been asking about you. Come home, will you?"

The smile vanished from Dominic's face, replaced by a cold indifference. "Alright," he responded curtly before hanging up and driving back to the family estate.

Sydney paced anxiously at the doorstep until Dominic's figure came into view.

"Dominic, you're finally home. Why didn't you call when you got back? Mom's been worried sick about you."

"No need to worry about me," he said dismissively.

"I'm just scared that being on Oliver's turf, he might send someone after you. From now on, have a couple of bodyguards with you when you go out. Better safe than sorry."

"Oliver wouldn't dare lay a finger on me. If something happens to me right after I get back, it'll be traced right back to him."

As they entered the villa, Rowan greeted Dominic with open arms. "Dominic, my boy, you're back!"

With a smile, Dominic approached. "Dad, I've consulted with some doctors abroad, and they say your condition isn't serious. I'll have them come aver in a few days to perform a minor operation." '

"Always the dutiful son, unlike Oliver. When I fell ill, not even a phone call from him.

But you, you've been running around for my sake."

Sydney chimed in with a smile, "Dominicas your son; it's only right for him to care for you. As for

Oliver... well, he's never really been close to us. We can't count on him now, and even less so in the future."

Dominic remained silent as Rowan vented his frustrations.

Sydney handed Rowan a glass of water and coaxed him gently, "Don't be upset, dear. Getting angry will only harm your health, and Oliver. won't care Dominic's just gotten back, let's sit together and have a good chat. We'll have lunch together."

Rowan's mood lightened. "Tell the kitchen to whip up some of Dominic's favorite dishes. He must've missed good home cooking after all that time abroad."

The family basked in a harmonious atmosphere, a stark contrast to the tensions that brewed beneath the surface.