Hearing that, Josie felt a bit swayed. “We can go.”
Laura nodded. “Then I’ll take care of the arrangements.”
Claudia spoke softly, yet her words carried a palpable weight. She added, “Keep a close eye on Leanne when you’re out and about. The current situation in Wavery isn’t exactly favorable toward her.”
“I understand, Mom.”
Claudia gently patted Josie’s hand resting on her lap, soothing her by saying, “Don’t be too nervous. I believe in your ability to handle this.”
Josie neither agreed nor disagreed, for she felt as though she was living in a grand gilded cage. She was cared for and looked after, but she herself was not a canary.
Zach was not entirely satisfied with this conclusion. He muttered under his breath, “I wonder what you’re thinking.”
Laura shot him a glare, showing no fear.
Mark took notice, tapping the rim of his bowl with his fork. “You two have been through so much together. It would be wonderful if you could make it work, but if you find it too hard to get along, there’s no need to force it. Considering an early divorce might not be a bad idea.”
In his words, there was no hint of hesitation. His confidence was palpable.
Zach’s face alternated between shades of green and white, a clear sign of his discomfort. Laura also felt a bit awkward. She managed to squeeze out a smile and said, “It’s just a minor squabble, no big deal. Zach and I have a solid emotional foundation.”
“That’s good, then.”
That night, Dexter sent Josie a message that read: Grape really misses you. Could we possibly meet on the outskirts of the Olsen Residence?
As a mother, Josie obviously missed her child. Without hesitation, she replied: Okay. I’ll be there in ten minutes.
Originally, Josie was afraid of being seen by the servants. However, as soon as she left, she saw the Olsen family’s housekeeper, who was also Dexter’s informant.
Respectfully, she said, “Mr. Russell has given his instructions. Please follow me.”
Following her, they finally found a safe place to meet.
Upon arrival, the streetlights cast a dim glow on a sleek black Porsche, bathing it in a quiet serenity
The car door swung open, and a clear, youthful voice rang out. “Mommy!”
Josie was in high spirits. She saw Grape sprawled out in the back seat, surrounded by toys. Overwhelmed with excitement, she threw herself into her arms, pouring out words of longing she had been holding back.
Josie held her tightly. “I’ve missed you, too. What interesting things have you been up to while I was away?”
From the corners of Josie’s eyes, she saw the man rise from the driver’s seat and depart, giving them privacy.
Grape thought back carefully and said, “Uncle Justin took me to the amusement park, and we even played hide and seek. But they were so silly, it took them forever to find me. Oh, and Mommy, I found a little puppy. It’s so cute!”
“A puppy?” Josie laughed. “Have you named it yet?”
“Daddy said I should wait for you, Mommy.”
“Did you bring it over?”
“Yes. It’s at the place where we live. Mommy, come with me next time to see it, okay?” Grape asked.”
“Of course!” Josie smoothed her hair, her eyes filled with tenderness. “I might be very busy for a while and won’t be able to see you as often as we’d like. When you’re with Daddy, remember to behave and don’t cause any trouble.”
Grape nodded her head fervently. Those moments of insecurity had long since vanished. “Daddy has already told me all that.”
Josie looked up to see Dexter leaning against the car, smoking a cigarette, his brows furrowed in a lonely and cold expression.
She thought his presence gave Grape a lot of confidence.
“What did he say?” Josie asked.
Grape nestled in her arms, deep in thought. “Daddy said you’ve been working hard. I shouldn’t cause you any trouble. I should comfort you, understand you, and, most importantly, love you dearly.”
Josie curved her lips, unable to deny the warm current that swept through her heart.
She pinched Grape’s rosy cheeks and asked, “Did he really say something like that?”
