Chapter 148


    The security guard, diligent and vignt, asked with a firm tone, "Who are you here to see? Do you


    have an appointment?"


    Billy was taken aback. Since when did you need a booking to drop by someone''s ce?


    With confusion written all over his face, Billy listened as the guard went on, "We operate on a strict


    appointment system here. The residents let us know who''sing, what time, and we verify it.


    Seems like you don''t have one, I''m sorry, but I can''t let your car in."


    Without Brandon''s cell number, Billy had no choice but to reverse out of the driveway. He parked


    the car off to the side and approached the guard to negotiate.


    First, he took out a cigarette to offer, but the guard declined. Then he promised a tip, but the guard


    refused once again, even scolding him.


    "Sir, what are you implying? Trying to bribe me? You want me to break thew? I''m calling the


    cops."


    Billy was fuming. The gates of the upscale neighborhood held an authority that barred him from


    entry.


    The three of them sat in the car, strategizing on how to get in. The final n? Billy spent some cash


    to get ahold of Brandon''s number.


    He dialed the number, and Brandon''s deep voice answered, "Who''s this?"


    "Mr. Brandon, it''s me, the son of Bailey. My dad often mentioned you, said if he were in better


    health, he''d challenge you to a round of golf."


    A chuckle came through the line as Brandon realized, "Ah, Bailey''s boy! What do you need?"


    Billy''s pride took a hit at Brandon''s blunt greeting. He pressed on, "The thing is, my dad always


    talked about an engagement between your grandson and my daughter. She''s a real catch—smart,


    graduated from a good school, and well-behaved, just a gem."


    Brandon was doubtful. Could anyone really match his Josie in looks and brains? Or in


    aplishments? Hewas genuinely curious about what kind of girl could be so outstanding.


    "Look, kid, I''ve discussed it with your dad too. These arranged engagements are old-fashioned.


    Your girl sounds wonderful, but my grandson''s not worthy."


    Billy''s jaw dropped. Was Brandon dismissing the arrangement? With a furrowed brow, Billy


    persisted, "Mr. Brandon, I''ve heard Oliver is a real catch, way out of our league. I''m actually at the


    gates of yourmunity right now, but security won''t let me through. Otherwise, I''d be at your ce


    chatting over a cup of coffee."


    Brandon was taken aback. At his doorstep?


    As he checked his phone, a message from Josefina popped up—she was at the gate.


    He quickly replied, [Josie, you''re here? I''ll send Bet to meet you.]


    [No need, I know my way. I''ll head over,] she typed back.


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Josefina drove by, and Billy''s family caught sight of her. Billy was stunned. What was Josefina doing


    here?


    Ruby''s face darkened, "She must be here to work as a cleaner, right?"


    Lauren scoffed, "With her looks, could she be someone''s mistress in this posh area?"


    Ruby frowned, "Could she really snag a rich guy here? Doesn''t seem likely."


    On the other end of the line, Brandon overheard Lauren and Ruby''s remarks, his brow furrowing,


    "Who are you talking about?"