“Edward is still in Dexter’s custody. If you want Paul to return, help me rescue him first.”
The exchange of a life for a life was discussed as if it were a business transaction. Josie’s heart grew colder and her strength slowly waned. “Arnold, is Paul safe?”
“Didn’t Dexter inform you?” he asked teasingly.
“Arnold!” Josie was on the brink of madness, and the buttons on her gown came undone.
“I’ve heard about what happened in Wavery,” he said, fastening her dress one by one. “You were stunning in white when you exposed Rachel’s lies.”
Josie couldn’t help but tremble.
“Now that you’re the daughter of the Olsen family, with no one to challenge you, why won’t you return?” Arnold let go of her. “Take my advice. Paul is not your biological father, after all.”
Slap!
Arnold was struck so hard that his head was knocked to the side.
Josie was so infuriated that her chest heaved. “Come at me, I dare you!”
Arnold remained silent. Josie pushed past him and walked out.
“Take my words to heart.” Josie took two steps before she stopped. “If you want your father to return, don’t touch Paul, and don’t lay a finger on Justin either.”
She had only taken a few steps when she spotted Dexter. He was leaning against a street lamp, his face obscured in the dim light. As she approached, he furrowed his brow. “You’ve been gone for quite a while.”
Josie gathered all her strength to calm her chaotic mind and said, “There’s a long line because of the crowd.”
Dexter furrowed his brow.
“It’s been ten minutes. How’s it going now?” Josie asked. “Justin was exposed, Paul has been relocated, and our people are searching for him.” Dexter sounded apologetic.
Josie had already known in advance, so she wasn’t surprised at this moment. Seeing her lack of reaction, Dexter took out a pack of cigarettes, selected one, and held it between his fingers. He was lost in thought.
“The person we encountered today is not Mr. Dalton.
He knows. Josie cautiously asked, “What do you mean?”
“I’ve met him, and his aura doesn’t match what it used to be.”
Among the strong, one could identify others simply by their aura.
“Then who was that…” Josie’s palms were sweaty. The streetlight cast a faint glow, illuminating Dexter’s features. It was as if the two had traveled back in time. “And why didn’t Mr. Dalton come in person?”
“Perhaps word got out or something held him up.
A cigarette wavered between his fingers. Josie feared that he would encounter Arnold if he stayed there, so she quickly suggested, “Let’s go back and discuss it.”
“You don’t seem surprised at all,” he suddenly remarked.
Josie feigned composure. “Paul has been missing for so long. Any news is the best thing. Whether he can be rescued or not, I am mentally prepared.”
Dexter nodded slightly. “Your hair is disheveled.”
Regaining her composure, Josie casually ran her fingers through her hair. “Let’s go.”
Ultimately, the cigarette was returned to its original place, untouched and unsmoked. As Dexter turned around, a figure slipped into the corner, disappearing from his peripheral vision.
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
“I’m sorry,” Dexter said, standing next to Josie. “I brought you back to the country in such a manner, but in the end, we couldn’t save him.”
“I already informed you that I am mentally prepared. I will go back first.”
Josie walked briskly, without glancing behind her.
Dexter stopped in his tracks, observing as she stumbled away. He slightly turned his body, casting a glance backwards.
