Chapter 665

Oliver surveyed the scene, catching Reid's unspoken cue.

"Alright, I'll head back now. Uncle, Aunt, I'll treat you to a meal next time."

Garrett smiled warmly. "Oliver, work's important, but so is taking care of yourself."

Hattie added, "Oliver, if you're free tonight, come over for dinner."

"Sure thing, I'll be off then."

After saying his goodbyes, Oliver left.

Josefina, along with her parents Reid and Hattie, headed to a restaurant for dinner.

In the spacious private dining room, Reid felt a bit awkward with just the four of them. He had told his teammates they would celebrate later that evening, asking them to rest up for now.

"This giant room feels empty," Reid lamented. "Mom, Dad, sis, I was really confident this time. I didn't expect JoyLife Tech to be so formidable, always one step ahead of me."

Josefina offered comfort, "Reid, maybe next time you'll come out on top."

"Sis, you don't know the half of it. Albert's company has this phenomenal tech guru. This person's like a ghost—comes and goes without a trace. And those JoyLife Tech folks are tight-lipped, never revealing his identity."

"How did you find out?" she asked.

"Overheard some chatter among the JoyLife Medicine crowd. Otherwise, Albert facing me directly? He wouldn't stand a chance."

A lightbulb moment for Josefina. So someone had spilled the beans about her role?

Pulling out her phone, she began texting Albert under the table.

Hattie tried to console, "Reid, wins and losses are part of the game. There's always a first and a second place. Don't overthink it."

"Mom, honestly, I'm used to it. Once we're back, I'll double down, aiming to beat JoyLife Medicine next time."

"I believe in you, son," Hattie affirmed.

Raising his glass, Reid toasted, "To my family, thanks for being here to support me. It means the world."

Josefina quickly joined in, lifting her glass. "Go, Reid!"

Their glasses clinked in a shared moment of resolve.

"Mom, Dad, Reid, I've got class this afternoon. I took off yesterday and this morning, but I can't miss this afternoon," Josefina announced as they ate.

Understanding her commitment, the family agreed to let her head to school after the

meal.

Josefina mulled over revealing her identity. She had kept quiet not to distract Reid during the competition. But mentioning it now especially after Reid's second-place finish, seemed even more awkward.

After much thought, she decided to wait a bit longer before sharing.

Their meal was interrupted by Hattie's phone ringing. It was Evan on the line.

"Mom, where are you? Grandma's taken ill at the hospital. It's serious. She was shocked by someone telling her Lena passed away. She couldn't take it and fainted

"What? Who told her about Lena? I'm on my way now!"

Fury ignited within Hattie. She had kept the news from her mother, fearing the impact.

"Which lowlife spilled the beans?"

Their appetites lost, the family hurried towards the hospital.

In the car, Hattie shared the distressing news.

Josefina messaged Percy, requesting the medical kit be sent to the hospital ASAP.

Fuming, Hattie said, "I don't know

who blabbed planned to let Mom take Josie's medicine for a while

before breaking the news gently net

With Josie's treatment Mom's condition shouldnt have worsened this much."