Chapter 840

At the crack of dawn, around 5:00 AM, Oliver rolled out of bed. He glanced at Josefina, still cozied up in her dreams, and leaned over to plant a soft kiss on her forehead before slipping out, hopping over the fence as if it was second nature.

As he strolled back to his place nearby, Oliver spotted a woman at his door, furiously poking the doorbell. Recognizing Shay, his eyes narrowed, a chill settling in them.

Sensing someone behind her, Shay spun around to see Oliver, coat in hand, looking like he'd just stepped out of a whirlwind. His collar was all over the place.

It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out where he'd been—Josefina's, obviously! Shay's lips curled into a sweet, innocent smile as she took a few steps closer.

With every step she took forward, Oliver took one back. Shay stopped, hesitating.

"Oliver, just the fact that you're hearing me out makes me so happy," she said, trying to keep her voice light.

Oliver's voice cut through the air like ice, "You're in my way. What makes you think I'm in the mood for a chat?"

Shay's smile dropped instantly, like someone had flicked a switch.

"Move," Oliver commanded.

Shay was left speechless.

Oliver's frosty demeanor didn't waver. Just as Shay opened her mouth, Oliver sidestepped her, opened the door, and disappeared inside, letting it slam shut behind him without a backward glance.

Even as Shay's voice echoed through the morning air, Oliver remained silent.

"Oliver!" Shay shouted, dropping any pretense.

A security guard approached, "Excuse me, miss, do you live here? Your yelling woke the neighbor's dog. The owner's pretty upset, says their dog's now a nervous wreck and they're considering legal action."

Shay turned, visibly frustrated, "I'm here to see my brother; what's that got to do with them?"

"It's 5:10 AM," the guard replied. "Your noise is disturbing the residents. If you have issues, take it up with the police."

Shay fumed, "If they're so bothered by noise, maybe they should buy a mansion. Plenty of space there to shout without waking anyone!"

With that, Shay stormed off, leaving the guard scratching his head, wondering if she was all there.

Back home, Shay spilled the whole saga to her mom, Sydney.

"Oliver's just as cold and distant as ever. Mom, no matter what I do, he doesn't even notice me."

Sydney mulled over it, "I thought maybe being in love would've softened him up. But nope, still as blunt as a hammer."

"Why doesn't he like me, Mom? How do I stack up against Josefina? Dominic's practically a ghost at the company, no backbone. If we don't win Oliver over, what's going to happen to us?"

Shay was on edge.

Sydney was just as worried, feeling their plans slip through their fingers.

"Lucas

out an as kicked Marina's family

bet

out and is suing them for misusing Sand assets Every plan we hatch gets squashed; it's maddening."

Pacing around the room, Sydney was mindful of her newfound

mobility, scared she might endel

back a wheelchair if she didn't keep moving.

"Listen, Shay,” Sydney finally said, leaning in to whisper a plan.

Shay's face flushed with uncertainty, "Are you sure? Can we really do that?"

Sydney patted her hand reassuringly, "Would I steer you wrong? Trust me, follow my lead, and Oliver will be yours."