Chapter 985

Rowan had been confined to his bed for a couple of days and nights, looking pale and noticeably thinner, as if some dark magic had sapped his strength. He lay there, his face etched with exhaustion, while Josefina checked his pulse and instructed the nurse on how to give him his meds.

After completing the check-up, Rowan slowly opened his eyes. Seeing the trio who had entered, he struggled to sit up. The nurse helped him, settling him against the headboard.

"You're here," Rowan croaked, his voice barely audible.

Brandon and Oliver were struck by how sinister the poison was—draining life away so quietly.

Rowan's eyes lingered on Oliver, who stood with an aloof, almost regal demeanor. Despite everything, Rowan managed a faint smile. “Josefina, thank you for saving me."

"No thanks needed. It was Grandpa Brandon who asked me to step in," Josefina replied, not wanting to accept gratitude for something that couldn't be patched up with a simple thank you.

Brandon, with his deep voice, chimed in, "Rowan, focus on getting better. Sydney and her kids have been picked up by the police."

Rowan's expression remained stoic; he was completely disillusioned with Sydney, and a dark determination simmered within him.

Oliver, uninterested in Rowan's feelings, leaned in toward Josefina and whispered, "Fancy grabbing a bite?"

Just moments ago, Oliver seemed so distant and unapproachable, yet now he was down-to-earth and relatable. Josefina had brought out his softer side.

"I'm not hungry," Josefina replied quietly, eyes downcast.

Oliver straightened up, his stature as composed as ever. “Alright, let's head out then."

With that, Oliver took Josefina's hand and left without a backward glance.

Rowan chuckled bitterly. "Oliver can't stand me, no wonder he doesn't want to chat." "Well, you're lucky he stepped in, or you'd be six feet under by now!" Brandon remarked as he settled into a chair. "Josie is Oliver's girlfriend. If Oliver hadn't met Josie, do you think you'd still be here chatting with me?"

Rowan bowed his head, weighed down by resignation and sadness.

Brandon was clearly annoyed by Rowan's defeated demeanor but held back. He knew Rowan's days of influence were numbered.

"Rowan, your brother's been found. The private investigator says they've got a lead and are working on confirming it."

Rowan was shocked. "They actually found him? After all this time, it felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. It's good if he's back. I'm lave really let you down."

not up to it anymore Dad

Rowan's voice was filled with a mix of sadness and despair.

"Rowan, put yourself together! Even if your brother returns, I'm not handing over the Baldwin family out of guilt. Just focus on getting better and stop making liver look bad.

Rowan nodded, lifting his head with a weak smile.

"Get well soon. Once your brother's back, our family will be complete again."

That thought sparked a flicker of

hope in Rowan. He hadn't been a in the past but he didn't

great father to Oliver in the

want to be a burden

future. He wanted to help.

...

Meanwhile, Oliver and Josefina went out for dinner to celebrate.

With the big threat finally behind them, the future looked calm and full of promise. Oliver peeled some shrimp and placed it on Josefina's plate.

As he looked up, he spotted Finley.

Josefina noticed him too. Finley looked like he'd seen better days, as if he'd been living rough.

Finley joined them at the table.

Oliver gave him a once-over. “You look like life's been rough, mate. Did the missus kick you out, and now you're roughing it under a bridge with the kids, or what?"