Chapter 703

At Oliver's Front Door.

Shay was stopped by the butler, who blocked her entry.

"Ms. Nichola, did you schedule a meeting with Mr. Oliver? If not, I'm afraid you can't just barge in."

Shay, trying to bluff her way through, said with feigned confidence, "Yes, we had an appointment. I need to see him now; I don't want to keep my brother waiting too long."

The butler eyed Shay skeptically, a smirk playing on his lips. "You had an appointment with Mr. Oliver, and I wasn't informed?"

Shay was at a loss for words. Damn butler, always so stubborn, deliberately making things difficult for her!

"And why did you even ask if I had made an appointment?" Shay retorted angrily.

The butler chuckled. "Just making sure you hadn't made a last-minute arrangement with Mr. Oliver. Turns out, Ms. Nichola, you're quite the fibber."

Shay's face turned a shade of crimson. Every visit seemed to end with her boiling with frustration. She was absolutely fed up with Oliver's butler! Thinking he could run the household better than anyone?

The butler's face remained calm, his smile gentle. Noticing the anger on Shay's face, he soothingly said, "Ms. Nichola, Mr. Oliver won't see you anyway. Please, you should head back. Mr. Oliver is currently enjoying lunch with Ms. Josefina. They have afternoon tea planned later, and dinner after that."

Shay... Great, the butler knew just how to push her buttons.

"Ms. Nichola, surely you're not considering waiting at the door all night?"

Fuming, Shay turned on her heel, stormed back to her car, and drove off.

...

Josefina, tablet in hand, watched through the surveillance feed as Shay left in a huff.

"Shay came looking for you, didn't she? Was she trying to sweet-talk you into convincing me to drop the apology?"

Oliver, setting down his cutlery, chuckled lightly. "Her, a seductress? Hardly."

Josefina couldn't help but laugh. "Oliver, you can be so harsh."

"I'm only speaking the truth. Next to you, Shay doesn't even compare."

Josefina shook her head, amused,

and placed the tablet on the table

ét

"Alright, let's not talk about her Let's car or the steak will get cold

They continued their meal.

Back home, Shay slumped on the couch, stewing in her anger.

Sydney approached in his wheelchair, maneuvering close. "Shea, who's got you all worked up?"

"Who else but that little witch Josefina."

"Shea, mind your language. You wouldn't want to slip up in public, would you? It's unbecoming," Sydney cautioned.

"Can't I even vent in my own home?" Shay retorted, barely containing her rage.

"You can vent, I'm just reminding you," Sydney replied.

After Shay recounted her ordeal, Sydney's expression darkened. "Shay, have you completely ignored my advice? You know well enough that Qliver doesn't want to see you," yet you insist on seeking him out. Doesn't that embarrass you?"

"Mom, I..." Shay struggled to find her words, her face a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

Sydney continued, "Shea, I'll say it one last time. You and Oliver are siblings in

name only. Please, don't drag yourself into a scandal."

"What scandal? Oliver and I aren't even blood-related."

"Even so, you can't harbor feelings for Oliver! Remember, our family has plans, and

you don't get to choose your own partner."

Shay looked down, her eyes filled with resentment and helplessness.

The room fell silent. Sydney

softened his tone, trying to reason with her "You know the outcome

were aiming for Oliver won't be

around forever. Shea, don't let your

emotions cloud your judgment."

Shay remained silent, head bowed, as Sydney sighed, a mix of disappointment and

concern in his eyes.