Chapter 986

Finley leaned back in his chair, running a hand over the stubble that had sprouted from days of neglect. "I've thought about shacking up under a bridge with a couple of kids, but Livia's not on board with having any with me."

Josefina's words landed like a well-aimed dart. "Wasn't it you who didn't want them in the first place, not Livia?"

"Come on, give me a break, sis-in-law," Finley pleaded, looking like someone who'd lost his last shred of hope. "Livia's up and moved again, and I can't track her down. Please, can't you just tell me where she went?"

"Sorry, no can do," Josefina replied, her tone as chilly as a winter breeze.

Finley slumped deeper in his chair, embodying the very picture of dishevelment.

Oliver nudged him with his foot, a gentle but firm reminder. "Dude, go take a shower. You're making a spectacle of yourself."

"Oliver, even you're ditching me now? Aren't we supposed to be best buds?" Finley moaned, feeling the sting of betrayal.

Josefina just rolled her eyes, clearly fed up with his antics.

Oliver decided it was time to shift gears. "Hey, let me catch you up on what's going on with Shay."

Finley sat in silence, absorbing the news before finally speaking. "I can't believe Sydney would stoop so low. So, my mom getting framed was all Sydney's doing too? We've got a lot of old scores to settle. Sydney won't get away with this. As for Shay and Dominic, well, that's a whole other can of worms."

Sydney might take the blame to shield them both; that's how he rolls.

"That's why I need your help," Oliver said with a mischievous grin.

Finley just stared at him, lost for words.

Josefina watched Finley with a knowing smile, eager to see if Oliver's plan matched what she suspected.

Shay had been stuck at the station for two days, and it showed. Exhaustion lined her face, making her look older than her years.

The door creaked open, and when Shay saw Finley walk in, her surprise quickly shifted to joy.

"Finley, am I dreaming?" she asked, tears brimming as she sat at the table, feeling a wave of relief.

"No, it's really me," Finley replied, taking a seat across from her, the table a mere formality between them.

Shay reached out, and Finley slowly extended his hand to meet hers.

Her eyes, filled with a flicker of hope, locked. to his. "Finley, please get

me out of here. I can't stand this

place any longer

Finley gently patted Shay's hand with his

throwringer. You're t free one. "Shay, you've bet

up in something you didn't deserve."

Shay's face lit up with gratitude, her eyes sparkling with newfound hope.

"Finley, you get me," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I was framed. I had no idea about any of this."

With a soft smile, Finley withdrew his hand. "Shay, take a sip of water first."

He unscrewed the cap and handed her the bottle from the table.

Shay took a grateful sip, her spirits

lifting. "Finley, I knew you'd core

through for me. I'm so happy

here. Please take me away from this placeContert

Her pleading eyes met Finley's, and he finally spoke, "I can take you out of here."

Shay's face brightened, and she clutched Finley's hand tightly. "I knew you were the best, Finley! I really like you."

She lowered her head, blushing, fully expecting Finley to agree. But then he said something that took her completely by surprise...