In the end, Zach stormed off in frustration. He dared not leave the Olsen Residence entirely, retreating instead to the solace of his own room.
Mark’s initial displeasure softened into a compassionate smile as he addressed Josie. “He hasn’t matured over the years. Pay him no mind. The Olsen family’s affairs will never be entrusted to someone like him.”
His words were candid, sparing no dignity for Zach. Worried that Josie might overthink, Mark deliberately provided reassurance with his explanation.
Josie raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to Claudia, who stood beside her. Despite their similar auras as mother and daughter, Claudia appeared slightly more unsettled in that moment.
“As an outsider, how you choose to distribute the assets of the Olsen family isn’t my concern,” Josie remarked straightforwardly, setting her empty coffee cup down.
“Why do you say it’s not your concern?” Mark’s tone betrayed his unease. “You are part of the Olsen family. Regardless of your refusal to acknowledge it, our blood ties are undeniable. It’s my responsibility to ensure you understand this.”
He genuinely treated her as one of the family. Josie felt uneasy upon witnessing his attitude. If this were two years ago, I probably wouldn’t have wasted so much time.
She offered a wry smile. “Thank you, Mr. Olsen, for your assistance these past few days. I may need to stay here a few more days. As your guest, I understand the importance of accommodating my host. Please, don’t worry about what I think.”
Her words carried a subtle hint of refusal.
Before Mark could respond, Claudia interjected with a gentle cough. “All right. You’re sweaty and… fragrant. Go take a shower first.”
Mark hesitated, seemingly poised to speak, but a glance from his wife prompted him to rise and leave the room.
As Emily brought out the food, she announced, “Your meal is ready.”
Josie thanked her curtly, planning to excuse herself, but Claudia intervened, extending a hand to stop her. “The chef’s cooking is not bad. You should give it a try,” she suggested.
Her gentle tone masked an underlying sense of authority, and Josie understood that Claudia had something to say.
“I understand that returning to the Olsen family wasn’t your intention. If it weren’t for these unforeseen circumstances, you probably wouldn’t have even considered coming back to Wavery,” Claudia said, sitting opposite Josie, her words cutting straight to the point.
Josie pressed her lips together, her expression guarded. “Since you already knew, why force it?”
“I’m not trying to pressure you,” Claudia insisted, her head shaking gently. “Two years ago, the entire world knew you as Liana, the long-lost daughter of the Olsen family. During these past two years, you went abroad in search of freedom, and no one could fault you for that. But now that you’ve resurfaced in the public eye, you’re inevitably subject to scrutiny. You must recognize that the Olsen family can provide a safe haven.”
Her reasoning sounded logical, and Josie could comprehend it. However, she shook her head in disagreement. “If I cared about those things, I wouldn’t have reentered the public eye.”
“What about the people in Rivodia?” Claudia pressed on.
This question left Josie speechless. The remnants of Wayne’s faction posed a significant and complicated problem that seemed impossible to resolve.
Claudia’s lips curved into a smile when Josie fell silent. “The Olsen family can also shield you from those people.”
“Mark may have reservations about expressing certain things directly, so I’ll voice them,” Claudia continued, her tone tinged with solemnity. “Leanne, if you desire to navigate Wavery without hindrance, it may be prudent to embrace this identity publicly. However, we would never force you to do so privately.”
In truth, Claudia’s motives appeared genuine, devoid of any ulterior motives. Her sole concern was ensuring Josie’s well-being.
Her gaze, though gentle, felt as sharp as a blade, leaving Josie unsure of how to respond. After a prolonged pause, she finally nodded. “I’ll give it some thought.”
As she finished speaking, Josie sampled a bite of the food before her. The Olsen family’s chef undeniably possessed impressive culinary skills, she noted.
