In the Olsen Residence at that moment, Dexter sat with his legs crossed, drumming his fingers casually. Across from him sat Mark.
“Since Charles has endured much hardship, he will undoubtedly report it to the state authorities once he’s out. As for Lucas, it’s only a matter of time before he’s caught. At that time, the Olsen family will certainly lend our support.”
It was a firm statement from Mark.
When it was something involving Josie, he had zero tolerance.
Dexter gave a slight nod. “With that promise from you, I can naturally rest assured.”
At that moment, Claudia came out with a bowl of herbal tonic. “This is good for your health. It does no harm, so drink it.”
Dexter glanced at the housekeeper behind her, his expression inscrutable. For the past two years, Claudia had been subtly trying to win his favor in order to get more information about Josie. He had never responded to her attempts, but now that Josie was back, he decided differently.
“Thank you, Mrs. Olsen.”
Claudia smiled in delight.
“Dexter, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but when did you find Leanne?” Mark suddenly asked, his tone probing.
That day, Dexter sent someone out of the blue to tell him that Josie was held captive by Arnold in the waters of Wavery. The news frightened Mark greatly, and he gathered his men and set off overnight.
“It was my decision not to tell you about her identity. She wasn’t mentally prepared yet. I hope you can understand,” Dexter answered honestly.
He took all the blame upon himself.
Mark and Claudia exchanged a glance, understanding dawning upon them.
“Let’s not bring up the past anymore. It’s all behind us now. Since you could make her believe in you, I hope you won’t disappoint her again,” Claudia said softly.
Mark seconded, “Indeed. It’s been two years. The fact that you both reconnected again is fate.”
Dexter glanced upstairs, but the entire Olsen Residence was quiet without any movement. He asked, “Hasn’t Laura come back?”
“Huh?” Mark was lost briefly, only cottoning on following Claudia’s subtle hint. “Yes, she’s back. She took Leanne to a cocktail party for designers tonight. They left not too long ago.”
As the sky outside gradually dimmed, so did Dexter’s gaze.
Noticing it all, Larry whispered, “Mr. Russell, there is something urgent awaiting your attention at the office.”
Taking advantage of that, Dexter stood up and took his leave.
Just then, Claudia’s phone rang. “Laura?”
Dexter halted in his tracks.
The person on the other end of the phone said something or other, upon which Claudia cried out, “What did you just say? Leanne has been slandered?”
“I’ll be there shortly.”
After she had hung up the phone, Mark was also in a state of panic. “What’s going on? What happened?”
“Leanne got into an argument with someone at the cocktail party, and she can’t prove her innocence now. I need to make a trip over.”
“Then, I’ll go too!”
Frowning, Dexter stopped Mark from his course of action. “I’ll go with Mrs. Olsen instead.”
In a hurry, he left the Olsen Residence and opened the car door for Claudia. “Moses, drive!”
He unlocked his phone several times, only to find the screen empty. Josie didn’t respond to his message, and that only heightened his anxiety.
Back at the cocktail party then, Josie had just left the restroom when she bumped into a young boy. He had anticipation written all over his face. “You… You’re Alice, right? I’d been hesitant to approach you earlier. I’m sorry for disrupting you, but I really like you.”
His eyes sparkled, making it impossible for anyone to refuse him.
Calm and collected, Josie tilted her head a fraction. “How did you know I was Alice?”
I’ve never appeared before the public with that identity.
“Back when I was abroad for an exchange program, I had the chance to meet you once. I never thought you’d be here. I really like your designs. I hope you aren’t upset because of the dispute earlier. Wavery…is actually quite nice,” the boy said enthusiastically.
