Chapter 779

Oliver was always keenly aware of Josefina, noticing every little nuance about her, including the way her eyes followed the man speaking up front.

"Do you know him?" Oliver asked, genuinely curious.

"I've crossed paths with him. That's Caiden, Xavier's half-brother through Dorian. Then there's Reid, who goes by Peter. Peter and Caiden are full brothers-Caiden's the oldest, Xavier follows, and Peter's the youngest. Word is, Xavier's older than Peter. Ms. Marina was so mad once, she nearly lost it over Marina's antics with that no-good Timothy."

"Josie, you know quite a bit."

Josefina looked up with a grin, "Well, it's because of Xavier. He was leading Orla on while seeing someone else. I had to dig up whatever I could on him. Marina's questionable morals aside, raising a jerk like Xavier, I couldn't just sit back and let Orla get hurt."

As the conversation flowed, Caiden and his brother Peter approached, eager to introduce themselves.

The brothers exuded a commanding presence, tall and strikingly handsome, unmistakably siblings.

Caiden, with his intense gaze, seemed more serious, while Peter had a friendlier demeanor. Their personalities were as distinct as their appearances.

Caiden, ever the gentleman, said, "Peter, this is Ms. Josefina, and this is Mr. Oliver."

Peter extended his hand, "Mr. Oliver, Ms. Josefina, nice to meet you."

Oliver quickly shook Peter's hand before Josefina could, signaling his intentions, prompting her to pull hers back.

This man, his possessiveness had no limits.

"Mr. Oliver, Ms. Josefina, we'll leave you to your evening. Take care," Caiden said,

nodding politely before guiding Peter away to join their friends.

Peter whispered, "Bro, is she the one who keeps outsmarting Xavier?"

"Yes, that's her."

Peter reflected, "Dorian, she's not what I expected."

Caiden chuckled, "Little brother, people often have layers beyond what you see." Acknowledging the insight, Peter nodded, and they continued on their way.

Oliver

Co na to a cozy spot

bel

by the window for dinner, where they could savor the sunset and watch squirrels play outside.

The food was simple yet delicious.

Oliver ordered a bottle of red wine, and they raised their glasses to the evening.

"Oliver, this place really is charming."

"As long as you're happy."

They clinked glasses, and Josefina took a sip of her wine.

"Josie, Caiden and Peter coming over, it felt like a nod of respect for standing up to Xavier."

"I didn't do it for them. Caiden and

Peter,

ey're shrewd. 'Unity is strength,' as they say. I think Xavier and Marina are in fora rough ide

Oliver, glass in hand, couldn't take his eyes off Josefina, completely captivated.

Feeling his gaze, Josefina put down her fork, "Why are you staring at me? Do I have something on my face?"

"You're more beautiful than any painting. I'm just pondering how I'll convince a smart woman like you to marry me someday."

"Let's discuss marriage another

time, Oliver. Can you not bring it up constantly? Aren't you worried you might scare me off marriage entirely?"

Oliver paused, a bit surprised, then set his glass down.

"Josie, I'll tone it down. But don't go getting cold feet on me."

Josefina couldn't help but laugh at his concern.

Skipping further talk about marriage, they continued their meal, turning to lighter topics.

After dinner, Oliver took Josefina's hand, and they strolled around the restaurant, following the riverbank as they walked.