Chapter 976

"Are you seriously not worried about Josie getting into something dangerous like this? I can't support it! I don't want her risking her life for someone else's sake!" Brandon blurted out, his voice a mix of frustration and genuine concern.

Bennett and Brandon exchanged a knowing look, the seriousness of the situation finally sinking in. They were well aware of Josefina's exceptional skills, but even in their urgency, they nearly forgot that her talents might not be enough against such dark, sinister forces.

Josefina spoke gently, trying to soothe the tension simmering in the room. "I'll find a way, but nothing's set in stone yet. Right now, the best move is to start with Sydney, Nichola, and Dominic. I'll get someone to investigate—I won't be going myself."

Just as she finished, Sydney's voice rang out from beyond the door.

"How's Rowan doing?" Sydney inquired, entering with Shay and Dominic in tow. Their faces were grim, as if they'd already heard the worst.

Brandon's irritation flared at their arrival. "Who let you in?"

Sydney, her eyes glistening with tears, replied, "Dad, Rowan and I aren't divorced yet. If something's happened to him, how could I not be here?"

Bennett, with a stern edge to his voice, asked, "How did you even find out about this?"

Sydney quickly explained, "I bumped into one of the maids on the street. She let it slip, and that's how I found out."

Brandon remained unmoved, coldly instructing, "Get her out of here!"

The maid who had inadvertently spilled the beans was apologizing earnestly, but it was no use. She was ushered out, and it was clear that finding another job in Westwood would be a steep uphill battle.

Sydney, still dabbing at her eyes, pleaded, "We shared so much together. Rowan is my husband. Of course, I should be here."

Oliver retorted with a sarcastic chuckle, "Rowan's made it clear he wants a divorce. What kind of husband is that? If you hadn't been so stubborn, the papers would be signed by now."

Sydney was left speechless, her comeback dying on her lips.

Dominic stepped forward, his voice raised with emotion, "He's my dad too! I care about him! Grandpa, let me stay and look after him."

Shay added, "I want to stay too, with Dominic. No matter what, he's still my dad, even if he wants to divorce my mom!"

Josefina almost burst out laughing at their obvious ploy. Their intentions were as clear as day.

"Nichola, you're not even Mr.

Rowan's biological child, right? The

real kids haven't said a word, but

here you are playing the devoted

child," she teased. fo

Shay, fuming, snapped back, "This is a family matter. You have no right to say anything!"

Oliver interjected, "If Josie can't speak, then neither can you! Josie's my fiancée, so she's family. As for you three, get out!"

Shay shot a glare at Josefina but didn't dare challenge Oliver's authority.

Brandon chimed in to support

Josefina, Josie is my chosen

granddaughter-in-law! She'll be the

lady of the Baldwin family! She has

every right to speak!"

Sydney, wiping away more tears, implored, "Dad, please, let me take care of

Rowan. We don't trust outsiders with this."

Brandon shook his head, resolute, "No need. Our family affairs don't require outside interference. Go back to where you came from."

With a resigned sigh, Sydney urged, "Dominic, Shea, let's go."

อน

The three turned and began to taking only a few steps when suddenly, Rowan, who had been lying quietly in bed sat up abruptly

and got out of bed. fo

His eyes were vacant as he walked straight to Josefina and, without warning,

wrapped his hands around her throat, squeezing tightly.

Everyone froze in shock at Rowan's unexpected action. No one anticipated him springing up to strangle Josefina.

Josefina's face turned crimson, struggling to breathe...