“When Mark and Claudia found out that you were leaving, they were deeply affected, especially Claudia. I heard she even fell ill afterward….
A glimmer of suspicion crossed Josie’s eyes. Hadn’t they given me ten million to get rid of me?
Why bother putting on such a pretense and staging this melodrama of sorrow?
“However, there’s no need to worry. With Laura now supporting the Olsen family, everything is running smoothly.”
Josie didn’t think much of it. “That’s good, then…”
Seeing her reaction, Mallory finally asked, “Josie, it’s been so long since everything happened. Haven’t you ever thought about returning to the Olsen family?”
Two years ago, Josie was unwilling. Now, as a mother herself, her mindset had indeed changed. However, she still found it impossible to let go of the grudges from her past.
She shook her head.
“Things are going well as they are now.”
When it came to Justin, Mallory was at a loss for words.
“No one has heard from Justin in the past two years. His whereabouts remain a mystery.”
Josie wore a bewildered expression.
He’s still holding a grudge against me. Josie’s hand involuntarily tightened. Paul’s disappearance had strained the relationship between the siblings. Over the past two years, she had never given up on her search for Paul.
She stayed in Sumanthova primarily because traces of Paul had once been found there. However, even after searching for two years amidst the vast sea of people, there was still no sign of him.
She had a lengthy conversation with Mallory.
As she was about to leave, Mallory paused in deep thought before saying, “Josie, what’s in the past is ultimately in the past. Regardless, I’m truly happy to have seen you. However, I firmly believe that one should always look forward.”
These words pierced Josie’s heart.
“Thank you, Mallory”
Josie reached out and embraced her.
“Go back to Wavery.”
Josie did not respond, neither affirming nor denying.
Mallory couldn’t guess what was on her mind.
“I’ve been in Sumanthova for a while now. Feel free to call me anytime if you need anything. My number has always remained the same.”
Josie nodded with a smile.
“Alright.”
Despite this, Mallory was still uneasy. “Give me your address. I’m afraid I might not be able to find you later.”
After Mallory left, Josie stood alone in the same spot for a long time, seemingly lost in thought.
Memories played out in her mind like a movie, those deliberately suppressed recollections resurfacing, leaving Josie feeling somewhat agitated and confused.
She walked along the street, brushing past the pedestrians who were mostly in a hurry. The affairs of the past were nothing more than a dream.
Meanwhile…
In the daycare center. “I’m sorry, sir. Grape’s mother has instructed us not to let you get close to Grape-”
However, the teacher had barely finished speaking when the principal hurried over, his face full of eagerness. “Mr. Russell…”
As Dexter had hoped, he was brought to the nursery. From a distance, he saw Grape sitting quietly in the corner, playing with the Lego in her hand. After Grape made a mistake for the umpteenth time, her brows furrowed tightly…
The principal followed his gaze, looking over.
He also understood the purpose of Dexter’s visit here.
“Mr. Russell, Grape is our youngest child. Despite her tender age, she is remarkably intelligent, clearly standing out from her peers…”
Dexter listened intently as the principal eloquently narrated. He paid close attention to every tiny detail. When it came to his daughter’s development, he desired a thorough understanding of every aspect, regardless of its importance or insignificance.
