Upon realizing that he was only in his early twenties, Josie concluded that he must have recently entered the profession. At such a young age, he should have a promising future and great prospects ahead of him.
Unable to bear seeing him go astray, she kindly advised, “As designers, we must possess a sincere heart and everlasting enthusiasm. Only then can we progress further on this path. The enjoyment of the competition process is more important than the outcome itself.”
Having said that, Josie ignored him, opened the car door, and got in. She started the car and drove off into the distance.
After Josie had left, Lily emerged from a nearby corner. She looked at the photo on her phone with great satisfaction, unable to hide the triumph in her eyes.
Accepting bribes was a major taboo for the panel of judges.
With this evidence, Josie could never defend herself.
Alice, you’re destined to be out of the game.
“Grape’s Mommy, you’re here…. As soon as Josie arrived at the daycare, the teacher took the initiative to greet her.
“Where is Grape?”
The teacher hastily replied, “In the classroom…”
Josie, feeling somewhat impatient, started to walk over. However, upon laying her eyes on something, she abruptly halted her steps…
Within her field of vision, Dexter was amusing himself with Grape while playing with her toys. The man was still wearing yesterday’s clothes, and the wrinkles on his shirt were quite noticeable.
On his slightly weary face, there was a hint of joy that came from becoming a father for the first time.
The interaction between the two, one adult and one child, was incredibly harmonious. It seemed as if Grape had developed a sense of reliance on Dexter.
This scene was an image she had imagined countless times before. She could feel the genuine joy radiating from Grape.
I must say, blood ties truly are a magical thing…
Feeling her gaze upon him, Dexter lifted his eyes. As their eyes met, the air seemed to stand still.
“Josie…”
What had to be faced couldn’t be avoided.
This time, Josie didn’t choose to evade. Instead, she pushed the door open and walked in.
“Grape…”
“Mommy.” Grape scampered toward her and promptly wrapped her arms around her mother’s thigh.
Josie’s heart softened. “Have you been well- behaved today? Did you listen to the teacher?”
Grape nodded slightly.
“Good… good… Be a good girl, Grape. You are truly splendid.”
Dexter stood to one side, his gaze solely focused on the mother and daughter. The longing he had suppressed for two years, at this very moment, was overflowing like a flood.
“Let me take you home.”
Grape’s eyes lit up in an instant. Josie could clearly sense her anticipation… It seemed as though she had truly overlooked her daughter’s longing for a father.
“All right.”
Upon receiving Josie’s response, Dexter breathed a sigh of relief, a glint of brightness appearing in his eyes. Grape sneakily glanced at Dexter, unable to hide the joy on her small face.
The atmosphere in the car was somewhat quiet.
Dexter was driving while Josie, holding Grape, settled into the back seat. The air was serene, and no one spoke. Josie stared blankly out of the window.
“Mommy…” Grape handed her the toy she was holding. Regaining her senses, Josie looked at Grape in her arms, her heart melting into a soft puddle.
The moment they arrived home, Josie, cradling Grape, was the first to get out of the car. Dexter hurriedly followed. “Mr. Russell, enough is enough…”
Dexter let out a sigh. “I spent last night sleeping in the car. I’m quite exhausted. My neck is a bit sore, and I’m just generally uncomfortable…”
Dexter’s display of weakness was something Josie had not anticipated.
As Josie gazed at the tired expression on the man’s face, she couldn’t help but let out a sigh of acceptance. When it came to Dexter, she would always feel a sense of tenderness.
