Before leaving, Josie went to the studio to hand over her duties. It had been a while since her last visit. Alice had been managing most of the work there and had even hired new staff members.
The unfamiliar faces of the new staff members showed confusion as they asked, “Who are you looking for?”
Josie smiled and looked around. Just then, she spotted Alice, who exclaimed in surprise, “Josie! What brings you here?”
“I came to see everyone since I had nothing to do.”
Alice quickly grabbed her hand and introduced her to everyone. “This is Ms. Warren, one of the partners of the studio and your real boss.”
Several people greeted Josie at once. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Josie said, “Don’t call me that. I won’t be for long.”
Alice’s expression changed.
They went inside the office, and Josie continued, “I’ve heard about everything, but it’s not enough for me to leave. The success of the studio is thanks to your constant supervision.”
Upon hearing Josie’s reason for showing up, Alice eagerly tried to persuade her to stay. Their friendship, which had started when they first began working together, had endured until now. It was not easily achieved.
Josie shook her head. “On the surface, this studio may seem like an investment by Laura and me, but in reality, you’ve contributed more than both of us. This is your hard work. After I leave, all the funds and resources under my name will be transferred to you. I hope you can continue to carry on.”
Alice was taken aback by Josie’s sincere words. She didn’t understand. “I don’t need any of this.”
“I know, but you deserve it.”
After a moment, Alice said slowly, “Since everything has become clear and things are starting to get better, why do you have to leave? Hasn’t the Olsen family accepted you?”
The topic was sensitive, and Alice hesitated to ask. She carefully observed Josie’s expression.
Haven’t they accepted me? Not exactly. Josie’s smile held a hint of bitterness. She still vividly remembered the guilt and regret in Mark’s eyes when he took a knife for her.
Perhaps she didn’t know how to face it either. Unable to find an answer, Alice didn’t press further. “Have you spoken to Laura?” she asked.
“She has been financially supporting the studio all this time.
Josie was reminded of that afternoon when Laura drove to Mason Garden to discuss the idea of opening a studio with her. Laura had said that dreams were essential for everyone.
Back then, it all seemed so pure.
“I’ll talk to her,” Josie said, taking a deep breath. “Has she been to the studio recently?”
“No. It’s been a while since I last saw her.”
By the time the paperwork was completed, it was already dusk. The winter dusk, with the cold wind howling and the setting sun hanging on the horizon, offered no warmth.
Angel rushed out and stopped the elevator. “Ms. Jo!”
Josie quickly opened the elevator. “What’s wrong?”
“I… I heard you were leaving, so I came to see you off.”
Josie remained silent.
As the elevator descended from the twenty- eighth floor, Angel cautiously said, “Ms. Jo, I’ve already broken up with Ryan. I feel very sorry, whether it’s towards Jade or towards you.”
Confused, Josie turned her head. “Why are you apologizing to me?”
After much hesitation, Angel finally said, “At that time, I was captivated by Ryan’s charm and fell in love with him uncontrollably. During that period, he asked me a lot about the internal affairs of our studio, including the seaside hotel project. It was because of this information leak that Morgan was able to take advantage of the situation.”
As she said that, Josie had a sudden realization.
So Morgan had been targeting those close to her, which explained why he was always so considerate.
