Chapter 684

Ayala's voice was thick with worry as she pleaded, "My dear, can't you just listen to

me for once? Even your father thinks Xavier is bad news. Trust me, he's no good for you."

Mandy, fuming with anger, turned to Josefina, who had just walked in, and snapped, "Josefina, did you spill the beans? It had to be you! You just can't stand to see me happy!"

Josefina, looking utterly baffled, retorted, "Mandy, thinking before you speak is generally a good idea. Why don't you try it sometime? I've known about you and Xavier for ages and haven't said a word. For all I care, you could marry a scarecrow and it wouldn't bother me!"

Hattie, equally frustrated by Mandy's irrational accusations, raised her voice,

"Mandy, I've known about you and Xavier too. Why aren't you questioning me? Why take it out on my daughter?"

Evan chimed in, “I found out on my own! I saw you two having dinner together and had my secretary dig a little deeper. Turns out, he's bad news. He's been seen cozying up with Ruby, and she's no angel either. Birds of a feather flock together, Mandy. Is that what you want for yourself? To become heartless and thoughtless?"

Mandy felt wronged by Josefina but was too stubborn to admit it. She couldn't bring herself to apologize to Josefina, standing there defiantly, her eyes blazing with anger.

"Mom, Dad, I don't care what you say, I love Xavier!" Mandy exclaimed, running out in a huff.

Evan panicked, "Quick, someone go after her. Make sure she doesn't go looking for Xavier."

Ayala hurried off, visibly concerned. Hattie sent a message to the bodyguard, instructing him to intercept Mandy. It wasn't that Hattie wanted to meddle, but she worried Mandy might be sweet-talked by Xavier.

Given Xavier and Ruby's treatment of Josefina Hattie was determined not to let Xavier have his way. She'd rather see him infuriated Keeping. her composure, she consoled Evan, "Dorian, you really need to get a handle on Mandy. Look at her, acting recklessly and not listening to a word you say. This can't go on."

Evan was at his wit's end. He wasn't against his child dating, but Mandy being involved with someone like Xavier was unacceptable. Josefina stayed silent, not knowing what to say, and with a nod to Evan, she headed out, leaving him with his headache.

Next door, Alivia was also troubled. She knew her granddaughter could be headstrong, but she didn't expect her to fall for someone like Xavier. As Alivia was lost in her thoughts, Hattie and Josefina walked in.

"Mom, please talk some sense into Mandy. Xavier is really bad news."

Alivia nodded, “I'll give her a call later, see if she'll listen to me.”

Hattie said, "Josie, I'll wait for you to head back." Hattie stayed to ensure Alivia didn't inadvertently say something inappropriate to

Josefina. Alivia sensed Hattie net

congern. She knew she had to keep her spirits up and not disappoint Josefina, who had been taking care of her.

Josefina conducted a check-up on Alivia, with Percy also showing concern that Alivia might speak out of turn again. After the examination and awaiting Percy's lab results, they could decide of the best time, Allvia's surgery. Once done, Hattie and Josefina headed home

together.

Hattie inquired, "Josie, how's your grandma doing? What are the odds for the

surgery? Don't hold back, I can handle the truth."