“It wasn’t me who kidnapped Paul, Scar slowly opened his eyes. “Back then, he only trusted people he knew and was highly cautious of strangers.”
Josie was aware of this. That was why her curiosity was aroused. She wondered how they managed to abduct Paul right from the bustling city district.
“The one responsible for this matter was Xanthe.”
The moment the name was mentioned, it hit Josie like a sudden shock, leaving her frozen in place.
Dexter’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. Although he didn’t show much of a reaction, it was clear that he was taken aback. He almost crushed the teacup in his hand.
“None of us had any influence, but Xanthe did. All she needed to do was to tell Paul that she was Dexter’s biological mother. For your sake, Paul would surely go with her.”
Scar could still vividly recall the scene from that day.
On a street by the sea, Paul patiently waited, anticipating his daughter’s arrival. However, at that moment, Xanthe tapped on the car window. “You must be Paul, right?”
“And you are?”
“My name is Xanthe, Dexter’s mother. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Over the years, Xanthe’s demeanor was beyond question, especially with her eyes that were as indifferent as Dexter’s.
Later, Xanthe told him that she wanted to have a private discussion with him about the matters concerning their two children.
After Scar finished speaking, he looked at Josie. “It’s as simple as that. Paul just left with her.”
Josie couldn’t help but let tears slide down her cheeks. It’s all because of me that Pop disappeared. He wants me to be treated well in my husband’s family. That’s why he chose to leave with Xanthe.
Josie was almost out of breath, and the grip on the knife in her hand inevitably loosened.
“You people are shameless!”
She composed herself, then tightened her grip on the knife once again. “What happened next?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why did Xanthe do this?”
“She was short of money.” Scar prompted her to ask the question before he answered. “Dexter cut off her financial resources. Don’t forget, she still has a son to raise. This is her biggest vulnerability. She can do anything for money.”
Even if it meant trapping Dexter in unrighteousness and injustice.
Never had Josie imagined that such a complex disappearance case was actually so simple behind the scenes.
If she were to pursue the matter, the disappearance of Paul could be attributed to Dexter.
“Mrs. Carter,” Scar said with a smile, “actually, you shouldn’t blame my boss. If Dexter hadn’t cut off his own mother’s financial resources, we wouldn’t have had a way in.”
Josie trembled all over.
Scar held her hand, pointing the tip of the knife in the direction of the surveillance camera.
“Your knife should be pointed at Dexter.”
In the surveillance footage, the knife was aimed right at Dexter’s forehead.
He sat in place, quickly understanding Arnold’s purpose for the day. He sat there quietly as if a tsunami was raging in his heart.
The woman he loved was almost reduced to ashes under the sunlight.
She was falling apart.
At this point, the rift between the two individuals seemed almost impossible to mend.
At last, Arnold saw the effect he had been hoping for. He turned to the man beside him. “Dexter, a few days ago, you gave me a welcome gift. Today, I’m returning the favor.”
The two were indeed adversaries who had been entangled in conflict for many years. They knew best where to strike to cause the most pain.
Dexter glanced sideways, locking eyes with him.
This was a strategy Arnold had thought of two years ago to use the blood ties he couldn’t sever to torment Josie’s heart.
“So, do you like the gift?”
