Chapter 20
Brandon was fuming because Billy had called the Baldwin family, trying to keep their marriage alliance going, but got a chilly rejection from Oliver over the phone.
Brandon took a deep breath but still felt like he couldn't catch his breath. "How am I supposed to face my friend in the afterlife after this stunt, huh?"
Oliver was like, "So you're gonna trade my happiness for that? Didn't you say you liked Josefina?"
Well...
Brandon racked his brains - you couldn't force love, and Oliver had his own plans. How could he control that?
"Fine, if you're not into the marriage, let's call it off. But you've gotta compensate the Antonio family, so I won't be too embarrassed when I meet my friend a hundred years from now." Oliver got up and left without looking back.
"You little brat, are you even listening to me?!"
Despite Brandon's furious shouting, Oliver didn't turn around.
Bennett brought Brandon a cup of tea to soothe him, "Sir, don't be mad at Mr. Oliver. He's already agreed to pursue Ms. Josefina, right?"
Brandon was perplexed. "Bennett, how did you figure that one out?"
"Didn't Mr. Oliver say so? And who knows, maybe next year you'll be a great-grandfather. Maybe twins, even? A grandson and a granddaughter."
A smile spread across Brandon's face. "Bennett, you couldn't be more right. Oliver, that blockhead, might be a wizard in business, but when it comes to love, he's clueless."
Bennett advised, "Sir, don't worry about Mr. Oliver. When a man meets the woman he likes, he'll get a clue."
Feeling comforted, Brandon pulled out his phone and sent Oliver a list of tips.
Meanwhile, Oliver's phone in the car kept buzzing with messages from Brandon.
[Oliver, I read somewhere that when you invite a lady into your car, you should say, 'Princess, please get in.']
[When it comes to girls, be generous. Our family's loaded, so don't be stingy. Always respect a girl's wishes, and don't you dare force anything!]
Brandon went on and on with his advice, worried sick that Oliver wouldn't win over Josefina. Oliver read them all but didn't reply.
...
The following day, Josefina woke up at five. She went downstairs for a half-hour run, practiced some boxing, then went back to shower and got dressed.
She took the elevator down and saw a lady standing by a row of racks, who respectfully said, "Good morning, Miss Josefina."
Josefina walked down, her face a masterpiece of delicate features. Her eyes, bright as jewels, sparkled with stardust. "Who are you?" Josefina asked.
The woman replied, "Good morning, Miss Josefina. I'm the designer in charge of your outings. Tell me your schedule for today, and I'll help you pick out and style your clothes."
As they talked, Hattie stepped out of the elevator, smiling at Josefina. "Josie, why are you up so early? Is the bed here not comfy? I will go bed shopping with you today. You try them out and pick whichever you like."
Josefina chuckled, "No need, I'm used to getting up early."
But Hattie wasn't convinced, worried that Josefina was just being polite. It looked like they'd have to get Josie a comfy bed.
Hattie added, "Josie, this is the designer I found for you. She can match clothes according to your needs and even design outfits you want."
Josefina tactfully declined, "Thanks, but there's no need for all that trouble. I'm used to wearing sportswear."
Since Josefina insisted, Hattie had no choice but to let the designer leave with the clothes for now.
The departing designer was still in shock. My god, was this the long-lost daughter of the Harrison family? What about Lena, then? She would surely be cast aside, right?
But this newly found beauty was just breathtaking, not at all like someone from a small place.
Just then, a servant came in, "Madam, Miss Lena has returned."
Josefina's gaze turned outward, curious to meet this Lena herself.