Josie failed to get through to Dexter’s phone. She waited for him to call back upon receiving his message, but he never did.
Is he too occupied? It certainly seems plausible given the circumstances.
Perched on the bay window, Josie hugged her knees to her chest, staring blankly at the magnolia tree below. Lost in thought, she was interrupted by Mallory’s call. “What are you up to?” she asked through the phone.
Recognizing Mallory’s mischievous tone, Josie couldn’t help but chuckle. “Just daydreaming,” she replied casually.
Mallory’s response was swift. “Daydreaming? In the vast expanse of the Olsen family’s territory, with its art galleries and shopping centers? You can do better than that.”
Josie sighed. “What’s on your mind?”
“Since you’re not busy, why don’t we hang out? It’s been ages since you’ve been back. You should revisit the wonders of your homeland,” Mallory suggested.
Back in Mallory’s territory, Josie mulled over the suggestion and agreed.
To her surprise, Mallory had chosen to meet near the bay, right by the arena belonging to the renowned Stardust team-a project Josie had personally designed.
Leaning against the car, Josie took a moment to observe it quietly. She did not expect to finally see the arena she designed with her own eyes.
Mallory parked her car, holding her staff ID. “There’s a game today. Want to catch it?”
Josie’s lips curled into a smile. “How did you know?”
Mallory’s grin widened. “Russell Group has a stake in this club, and I’ve got a share too,” she revealed, giving Josie’s shoulder a friendly pat. “Plus, I have a niece who plays for the team.”
Josie nodded, recalling, “I remember seeing it in the news.”
Staff members could take the express lane, and as they walked, Mallory remarked, “E-sports has become quite the trendy topic lately. Some fans are as wild about players as they are about celebrities.”
Josie glanced ahead and noticed the host inviting fans for a photo op on the stage. The fans were predominantly girls.
Observing the young players’ progress, Josie couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction and pride.
Mallory jutted out her lips. “Take a look at the one posing for a photo, dressed head to toe in luxury. Clearly not lacking in wealth.”
Josie nodded in agreement.
“Knowing you were coming, I’ve arranged the best seat for you,” a staff member interjected, hastening to guide them.
As they settled into their seat, Mallory continued, “But what you might not know is that after this arena was built, Claudia often frequented it.”
“Seriously?” Josie arched an eyebrow, genuinely perplexed. A middle-aged woman like Claudia who keeps to herself, watching e-sports competitions?
“Why would I lie?” Mallory replied, a hint of intrigue in her tone. “I don’t even know if she understands e-sports, but she often came. She even made substantial donations to the club. Any guesses as to why?”
Mallory’s tone carried a mysterious air, leaving Josie shaking her head in bewilderment.
She was known as Alice in the past, and it seemed improbable that anyone would know she was the one who designed this arena.
“The club manager asked her secretly, and Claudia said that the arena’s design bore a striking resemblance to her daughter’s style,” Mallory revealed.
As her words hung in the air, Mallory gazed at Josie with eager anticipation.
Josie, initially puzzled, suddenly grasped the implication. She nodded, realization dawning upon her. “I understand now.”
The arena’s lights dimmed, signaling the impending start of the competition. Mallory wore a look of astonishment, her voice barely a whisper. “Aren’t you surprised? Both heads of the Olsen family do care about you. You have a powerful backer, unlike me. The Olsen family could be yours if you want.”
Josie, however, wasn’t particularly interested in that.
As the competition commenced, Stardust’s performance lived up to expectations, delivering a thrilling spectacle.
In the audience, murmurs floated around. “Is that Michael? He seems to be from a wealthy family, doesn’t he? Rumor has it that his father is one of the top tycoons in Wavery.”
