Chapter 24
Instinctively, Josefina was about to clap back. Her arm already reached out, grabbing Oliver's arm, but suddenly, she sniffed that familiar scent. "Oliver?" She looked up. The morning sunlight danced on the man's face, giving him a look that was both fresh and devilishly charming.
Lying on the ground, Luke was nursing his butt, cursing under his breath, "The nerve of that guy, dropping me on my ass! I'm gonna kick his butt!" Percy, standing next to Josefina, saw she didn't hit back and was at a loss for words for a sec.
She had a lot of tricks up her sleeve, and he didn't dare to run his mouth.
Luke, getting back on his feet, stared at Josefina with a face full of pity, about to say "Boss, avenge me," before Josefina cut him off.
"Oliver, what are you doing?"
"Protecting you." The man's voice was magnetic, and his sharp gaze swept over everyone present.
Luke and Percy couldn't believe their eyes, staring at Oliver. He stood tall and imposing, with a ruthless streak and an aura that screamed "don't mess with me."
Luke sneaked a peek at Oliver, whose powerful presence made his own confidence shrink a few sizes.
Josefina was taken aback but quickly snapped back to reality. "They're my friends, Oliver. You've got it wrong. They're not bad guys."
Oliver, realizing the awkwardness of the situation, apologized.
Luke was miffed. "What's with you, man? Couldn't you have asked first? What if you scrambled my brains?"
Percy chimed in, "Zip it."
Luke, with a mournful look, turned to Josefina. "Josie, he's picking on me."
And right behind, a panting George was confused.
What was going on? Did Oliver hit the wrong guy? It was so awkward...
Playing the role of perfect wingman, George explained, "Ms. Josefina, Mr. Oliver was really worried about your safety. Afraid that you'd get hurt, he rushed over just to protect you."
Josefina didn't expect Oliver to be so protective of her, which was quite the surprise. "Oliver, thanks for the thought, but I'm safe right now. These two are my pals, not bad guys." Josefina threw Percy and Luke a look, and they got the hint, clamping their mouths shut. She continued, "We've got stuff to do, so we're heading out." The more she talked, the more she feared she'd slip up. Oliver watched Josefina leave, then turned to George. "Look into those two guys."
"Yes, sir." George immediately sent out a message.
Oliver had just arrived at the office when he got the info on Luke and Percy. George respectfully reported, "Although both are orphans, they're pretty talented. Percy's a doc with no current hospital gig. Luke's a computer whiz, top-notch skills."
George was curious how Josefina knew such folks. And Percy and Luke seemed kinda scared of her?
Oliver skimmed through the files. His eyes landed on a prominent footnote. "They went to the western suburbs today? Did they check out the new farm?"
"Yes," replied George.
Oliver suddenly thought of something. "Heard that the House of Adams' heir rocked up in Westwood? Planning to set up a lab in the western suburbs?"
George nodded eagerly, then in disbelief. "You're not suspecting that Ms. Josefina is the heir to the House of Adams, are you?"
Oliver's eyes gleamed with thought but he said nothing. He hadn't sent anyone to snoop on Josefina because he didn't want to get to know her like that. If she found out, they wouldn't even be able to be friends.
Was it all just a coincidence? Could Josefina be the heir to the House of Adams?