Chapter 175


    Lena''s face was a patchwork of bruises, her knee so battered she could no longer stand. The


    foreseeable future meant she''d be confined to the graceless dance of wheels.


    Helplessly, she watched as Oliver and Josefina took control of the situation. "Mom, Dad," she


    interjected with haste, "I rode the horse I usually ride. I''ve ridden it every time I''ve been to the


    stables. Today, it was like it got spooked or something and just started crashing around. I think


    someone might have tampered with it."


    Garrett announced with resolve, "I''ll have someone look into this right away."


    Josefina suggested, "Maybe we should get all the horses that were ridden today checked out."


    Hattie nodded in agreement, "Yeah, check them all. Josie was there, too. We should really


    investigate properly to put our minds at ease."


    "Okay, we''ll do as Josie suggested and check them all," Garrett confirmed, whipping out his phone


    to send a message.


    Lena''s heart raced. The horse Josefina rode was no ordinary beast. If they found out, the


    consequences would be unimaginable!


    Lena opened her mouth to exin, then hesitated, fearing her words might betray her guilt. In the


    end, she said nothing, instead retreating into the digital distraction of her phone.


    Josefina cast a nce at Lena and said to Oliver, "We should go. Let her have some rest."


    Oliver agreed, "Of course."


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    Hattie had to leave. A meeting awaited her, and besides, she nned to have Regina whip up a


    comforting soup to bring to Lenater.


    For Garrett, it was a no-brainer. With thepany buzzing like a beehive and both his eldest and


    second inmand away, his presence was demanded elsewhere.


    Lena was left alone in her sterile hospital room, her gaze turning even more sinister.


    ...


    Oliver and Josefina exited the hospital together.


    "I''ve got to run. There''s something I need to take care of," Josefina said to Oliver.


    But Oliver caught her arm, pulling her back, "Why''re you in such a hurry?"


    Their eyes met, Josefina''s flickering with a trace of unrest. She thought to herself, Oliver''s gaze


    could probably melt hearts even if cast upon a stray dog.


    "Oliver, I really do have things to do."


    "What aboutter tonight?" Oliver pressed, his demeanor making it clear he wasn''t one to be easily


    brushed aside.


    "How about dinner tonight?" Josefina offered as apromise.


    Oliver''s smile was a mix of victory and anticipation. "Sounds great. I''ll wait for you. I''ve got a


    surprise for you. See you tonight."


    Josefina declined Oliver''s offer to drive her and instead took a cab to theb. Being chauffeured by


    Oliver would surely blow her cover.


    ...


    Upon arriving at theb, Josefina found Percy and Luke already there, d in their whiteb coats.


    Luke was the epitome of energy and cheer, while Percy, with his silver-rimmed sses, exuded a


    rogue intellectual charm.


    Seeing their pleasing faces, Josefina''s mind inadvertently wandered to Oliver''s unforgettable


    features. "The Creator was never one for fairness," she mused.


    Luke waved a hand in front of Josefina''s eyes, "Boss, you alright? You''ve been staring at me for a


    while now – you''re not secretly crushing on me, are you?"


    Josefina let out augh, "Silly, do you know who bought the painting?"


    Luke shook his head. "No clue. It was all wired from an offshore ount, tough to trace."


    Percy chimed in, "Could it be someone from your family? The Harrisons adore you. Them buying a


    portrait of you wouldn''t be so far-fetched."


    Luke teased, "I mean, you are the Harrison family''s golden girl, the tycoon''s daughter. They''d give


    you the world if they could. Heck, if you were my kid and you wanted the moon, I''d build a rocket


    just to fetch it for you!"