Josie returned backstage, wrapping up the event. By the time she finished, the organizers were incredibly grateful.
“Ms. Alice, you’re incredibly diligent and responsible. Without you, we wouldn’t have known what to do.”
Josie chuckled lightly, stood up, and headed towards the lounge. Grape was asleep, with Lachlan standing guard by her side.
She leaned against the door, watching for a while. Lachlan felt her gaze but didn’t turn around, busy with work on his phone.
“When did you meet Mr. Russell from Russell Group? Why have you never mentioned it before?” he asked.
Josie’s heart felt heavy, as if a stone had been thrown, stirring up waves.
“It’s been quite some time. Back when I was in Wavery, I used to work at Russell Group.”
“Were you a designer?”
“Yes.
“That’s an impressive track record. Why did you give it up? Your resume didn’t mention anything about Russell Group.”
Lachlan felt uncomfortable, bordering on an interrogation, Josie understood this. She took a deep breath and walked up to him.
“It was an unpleasant memory. I’d rather not bring it up.”
Lachlan looked up, locking eyes with her for a moment. “Is it about Dexter and you?”
Josie’s face froze, her eyes revealing a hint of sorrow and despair.
Before she could respond, Lachlan curved his lips into a smile, patting her shoulder. “It’s all right. If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine. I-”
“Grape is his daughter,” Josie quickly replied. It seemed as if a second slower, and articulating this answer would have been impossible.
The air fell into an awkward silence. Lachlan’s expression remained unchanged. One could even say that he had forgotten to change it.
Lachlan wanted to say something. His lips moved hesitantly, but no words came out.
Josie gave a bitter smile. “I didn’t really want to say it, but I thought you would eventually find out. Grape looks too much like him, doesn’t she? Moreover, I don’t want to hide anything from you.”
After a long while, Lachlan seemed to recover. “He came back to look for you… Why?”
“He wanted custody of Grape.”
Josie strolled over to the window, gazing down at the splendid scenery of Sumanthova. She couldn’t get enough of the beautiful scenery.
“I wouldn’t give her to him.”
“He is Dexter. Even if you desire, you may not necessarily be able to stop him.”
Josie’s emotions had reached a breaking point. She spun around abruptly. “So what if that’s the case? I gave birth to Grape. She is my child, and there’s no way I could ever give her away!”
Her resolute anger, paradoxically, somewhat put Lachlan at ease. He patted Josie’s back, reassuring her, “It’s okay. It’s okay. Although Keller Group is smaller compared to Russell Group, I assure you, if you need it, I will support you with all my might.”
Josie remained silent, her emotions calm.
Lachlan had helped her immensely. She couldn’t possibly involve him for her own sake. In the silence that hung in the air, Josie’s phone suddenly rang. It was an unfamiliar number.
She frowned as she answered the call.
“Ask him to let go of you.”
The person’s voice was cool and resolute. She recognized the voice.
Alarm bells were ringing in Josie’s mind. She looked around in a panic, only to see a man of superior stature sitting on a bench across the lake. She had no idea how long he had been watching her.
This person hasn’t changed a bit over the years! Josie calmly took a deep breath. “Are you out of your mind? This is Sumanthova, not Wavery!”
Despite her words, Josie instinctively pushed Lachlan away and entered the restroom.
“No matter where you go, you belong to me.”
Dexter’s voice allowed no room for interruption, revealing a stubborn determination beneath his indifference.
“Dexter!”
“Paul has been located.”
Josie fell into silence.
“Jo, it’s time for you to address the terms I presented,” he stated.
