Chapter 682

Josie kept her cool and said, "Headache? It can't be because of the ointment. The one I made shouldn't cause any allergies."

Shay chuckled, "Let me take a look. Maybe it's just not right for my mom. She might be having a bad reaction to this particular balm."

Just as Josie bent over to check behind Sydney's ear, Sydney suddenly turned away, "I'm feeling really unwell."

Shay was about to step closer, but Oliver beat her to it, "Josie."

Sydney tore off the patch on her forehead herself, "I'm really not feeling well. Get the doctor in here."

Shay said, "Bro, why don't you guys step out for a bit? I'll have the doctor come in and take a look."

Rowan, genuinely concerned, urged, "What did you put in that balm? Show it to the doctor. You weren't trying to harm her, were you?"

Josie hadn't expected Sydney to be so cunning.

Did Sydney know what she was up to?

The powder she had hidden under her nails, sprinkled on the skin, shouldn't cause any discomfort, not in the slightest.

Forced to leave, Oliver took Josie by the hand and gave her a knowing look.

As the group walked out, Oliver and Josie didn't stray far; they wanted to know what was really bothering Sydney.

After a short wait, the doctor emerged, confirming Sydney was not in any serious trouble.

Josie asked, "What made her suddenly feel unwell?"

The doctor explained, "Her sleep hasn't been great, and she's been quite tense. She even suggested your ointment might be harmful."

Josie was silent.

"Doctor, could you check? My ointment couldn't possibly harm anyone, could it?"

The doctor reassured her, "No, I've checked. Everything you used is of good quality."

Josie didn't press further, realizing she wasn't going to be let back in.

Oliver, still holding Josie's hand, said with concern, "Josie, let's head back."

Josie nodded, and they left together, too quickly for Rowan to even get a word in.

Shay watched their departing figures, feeling a mix of jealousy and disdain.

Why could Josie stand by Oliver's side?

Why did Oliver have to choose Josie?

These were questions Shay couldn't wrap her head around.

Turning back with an innocent expression, Shay played the concerned daughter.

"Dad, it's so weird for Oliver to come with Josie. Do you think Josie is up to something with Mom?"

Rowan, basking in the joy that Oliver had shown up at the hospital, dismissed Shay's concerns, "Shay don't talk nonsense. Oliver bringing Josie here is already a big step He probably didn't expect your momto have a sudden issue. And the doctor said your mom's discomfort has nothing to do with Josie."

Shay instantly lost interest in talking to Rowan, feeling like he was missing the point.

Rowan was too happy for his own good, just because Oliver showed up, not even calling him 'Dad'.

Shay stopped the conversation and went to check on Sydney.

"Mom, what's really going on? Is Josie trying to harm you?"

Sydney shook her head, "I'm not sure, Something just feels off. Why would Josie come to visit me and bring medicine unless she's plotting something?"

Shay relayed, "Dad thinks Josie convinced Oliver to come to the hospital. Even though he didn't call him Dad, it's like he's made

amends."

Sydney pondered, seeing some logic in that.

"Regardless of the possibility, I don't want Josie anywhere near me," Sydney said

with a hint of displeasure.