Arnold placed the glass of wine before Josie. “Drink it.”
Josie stiffened all over. “What are you trying to do?”
“After you’ve had a drink, you can take a nap. Once we reach the shore, I’ll let you go.”
Josie didn’t respond to that but said, “You’re still testing me. I’ve told you I came alone. Even if I’m conscious, I won’t get in the way of your plans.”
Arnold firmly grasped her delicate and boneless wrist, forcing her to take the wine. He enunciated, “If your conscience is clear, drink the wine.”
Josie couldn’t help but tremble and glanced again at the bathroom subconsciously. I can’t allow myself to pass out!
She said slowly, “Arnold, let’s make a bet. I’ll stop you by myself.”
No sooner had the words left her mouth than a loud bang suddenly rang out from the bathroom, catching Arnold off guard. He promptly turned around instinctively. At that moment, Josie seized the opportunity to escape his clutches, hastily sprinting out.
The wine glass crashed to the ground, the sound of glass shattering echoing through the room.
There was nothing else on Josie’s mind. Her only thought was to run toward the ship’s cabin, the incessant footsteps behind her indicating that she was being pursued.
“Stop right there!”
In the master bedroom, Arnold entered the bathroom. Finding no trace of anyone, he roared, “Get her!”
Panting, Josie found a corner and hid there just before her strength was depleted, successfully dodging Arnold’s men crawling on the entire ship.
She clutched her chest, feeling as if her heart was about to leap out, and tilted her head back to calm her breathing.
Just then, a figure successfully located her. It was Dexter who approached from the other side. The space was tight, and they found themselves locking eyes breathlessly.
Dexter grasped her hand. “Is everything all right?”
Josie shook her head. “I had a falling out with Arnold. What should I do now?”
Dexter closed his eyes and calmed down.
“He made thorough preparations, taking Josephine aboard the ship, effectively intimidating Rivodia into inaction. This directly cut off our only avenue for reinforcements.”
Josie gripped his hand in return. “What about Wavery? This ship is bound to pass by Wavery as it leaves the country.”
Dexter’s brows furrowed. “At this point, it’s too late to dispatch ships for interception. Besides, if we don’t dock, Wayne will detonate the ship, leading to a lose-lose situation.”
Josie couldn’t accept that. “Are we supposed to just aid and abet Arnold?”
Upon hearing that question, Dexter suddenly glanced at her. “Wasn’t that your plan just a moment ago?”
“That’s not what I meant. I just didn’t want innocent people to die alongside us.”
Josie was wound up too tight. At that moment, her mind was filled with the sound of her daughter’s laughter and smiling face. For the first time, she felt utterly helpless. “Maybe I was really too impulsive. Dexter, I’m still immature.”
In comparison, his ruthless action was more comprehensive than mine.
Her incoherent rambling had Dexter frowning deeply. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he gently gave her a reassuring pat. “There will be a solution. Just wait a little longer.”
In the darkness, their ears were filled with hurried footsteps and the pounding of each other’s hearts. Inexplicably, Josie felt a surge of strength coursing through her.
They were in an interlayer, and as long as they didn’t make too much noise, it would be difficult for the bodyguards to locate them there.
Dexter knew the ship like the back of his hand. He extended his hand and drew her a map. “This here is the storage room. The entrance is heavily guarded by bodyguards, including the inside of it. If you want to sneak in, the only way is through the skylight.”
Surprise flickered in Josie’s eyes. “What do you mean? You want to capitalize on the cash?”
Dexter passed her an affirming glance. “Implementing this plan will be challenging, but right now, this is the only way to ensure Arnold’s safe arrival.”
He was doing his utmost to achieve the best of both worlds.
