Chapter 137


    Buzzed and boisterous, Josefina unted her surprising strength. "Dare to defy me? Where''s that


    little whip? I''ll show you who''s boss," she slurred.


    Oliver lounged back with his hands sped behind his head, a charming, crooked smile lighting up


    his eyes with mischief. "And how do you n to enlighten me?"


    A tipsy chuckle escaped Josefina as she huped, her body slowly slumping down as sleep


    overtook her.


    Oliver shook his head in disbelief. After tucking Josefina in, he texted the house cook, requesting


    some ck coffee be ready at dawn.


    Josefina''s phone rang. It was a message from Hattie. Oliver gently ced her finger on the phone,


    unlocking it, and typed a reply: [Mom, staying at a friend''s tonight, won''t be back.]


    Sending the word "Mom" stirred an odd emotion within him.


    Hattie''s instant response was a mother''s typical blend of concern for safety and health.


    After setting Josefina''s phone aside, Oliver went to freshen up with a shower.


    Post-shower, a video call from Finley came through, thanks to his second phone. "Oliver, why''d you


    block me on Facebook, man? We''re buddies. You''ve gone all love-blind on me." Finley protested,


    half-joking.


    Oliver frowned as Finley grinned and said, "That bed behind you ain’t looking too neat, seems like


    you''ve gotpany. Don’t tell me that''s a dude lying there."


    Oliver nced over to where Josefinay asleep, her slender form still making a noticeable rise


    against the smooth bed linen. Finley''s sharp eyes hadn''t missed a thing.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    With a cool stare, Oliver asked, "What''s up?"


    Finley''s face twisted in mock agony. "Man, Oliver, you really do ditch your bros for a girl, huh?"


    Without a word, Oliver ended the call, choosing silence over banter.


    Finley, though cut off, breathed a sigh of relief. "At least he didn''t block this number too."


    A sweet-faced girl entered the room, hopeful. "Fin, did my brother answer your call?"


    "He did. Then he hung up," Finley replied, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation.


    Shay frowned, clearly displeased. "Why''s my brother still so cold? You''re his best friend, and he


    can''t even chat?"


    "Ah, Shay, time is priceless when you are in love. Now that your brother''s got a girlfriend, he has no


    time for friends."


    "What!" Shay''s shock was palpable, her disbelief ringing clear.


    "That''s impossible. My brother, a girlfriend? I won''t believe it." Her denial was fierce, as though the


    very idea was an affront.


    Finley stood, looking at her with tender concern. "Why aren''t you happy for your brother finding


    someone?"


    Shay collected herself, herposure returning as she averted her gaze. When she looked up


    again, she was the picture of calm. "You know he''s always been single. I''m just afraid of him being


    deceived."


    Finley nodded, understanding her protective instinct. "Who could deceive Oliver? Trust me, not


    many can even get close to his bed."


    Shay managed a weak smile, though herplexion was wan.


    "You look pale. Maybe you should see a doctor?"


    "I think I just got up too early today, Fin. I''ll head to my room and rest a bit." With that, Shay left the


    room, her steps hurried as if driven by some pressing concern.


    Finley watched her go, a frown creasing his brow. Something wasn''t quite right, and he couldn''t


    shake the feeling.