Chapter 676

"Alivia's survival didn't just keep Hattie and Josefina from drifting apart; it actually brought them closer, thanks to Josefina's heroics. We totally miscalculated this move!"

Sydney, leaning against the headboard, vented her frustration. "Get on it, will you? Check if I can get back on my feet. I'm starting to suspect Josefina's had a hand in my being grounded. We can't underestimate her skills."

Shay chimed in, "And the Harrison clan? Ice runs in their veins, shutting Mandy out like that."

"Mandy's just dead weight, totally useless."

Sydney continued, "Our plans are unraveling, one after the other. Losing Lena was a blow, and now, things are spiraling out of control."

Shay's face turned pale, her schemes slipping through her fingers, fueling her anxiety.

Rising to her feet, Shay paced before stopping short. "It's time Josefina learned a lesson!"

"And what's your brilliant plan?" Sydney inquired.

A sinister smile crossed Shay's face, her eyes glinting with malice. "I'm going to break her heart."

...

Josefina was up with the dawn, driving over to Brandon's place to deliver a walking stick.

Brandon, always an early riser, greeted her warmly.

"Grandpa Brandon, this isn't just any walking stick. Let me show you its secrets," Josefina offered.

Brandon's face lit up with a grin. "Go ahead, Josie. I'm all eyes."

The gift was heartfelt—a walking stick that could extend and double as a weapon, complete with a hidden blade at the press of a button, and even a lifesaving pill tucked inside.

"Grandpa Brandon, I hope you'll

never need to use its mechanisms, but it's better to be safe," she said, hoping the dangers would never come.

Brandon, visibly impressed, couldn't hide his admiration. "Josie, you've outdone yourself. I absolutely love it."

Given his status, Brandon wasn't a stranger to threats, and this gift gave him a new sense of security.

"Grandpa Brandon, as long as you're

erou and Oliver have

given

no moreme

so much please, no gifts

can't accept without earning them."

Brandon waved her off, "Wealth is fleeting, Josie. You're family. These gifts are yours by right."

Blushing, Josefina demurred, "Grandpa Brandon, I should get going. I have classes today."

"Let me drive you," he offered.

"No need, Grandpa. I drove here. I can make it back on my own."

...

After saying her goodbyes, Josefina left, leaving Brandon fondling the walking stick, deeply touched by her gesture.

"Truly a gem, that girl. No wonder

Oliver fell for her," Brandon thought calling out, Bennett, hand me that cherished talisman for Josie."

Back at home, Josefina arrived just in time for breakfast.

Hattie was rushing out when Josefina asked, "Mom, what's going on? Is it Grandma? Is she okay?"

Hattie's voice trembled, "It's not looking good at the hospital. They say she's hanging by a thread."

"I'll come with you, Mom," Josefina insisted, seeing the worry etched on her mother's face, determined to keep her tears at bay.