This statement caused a silence to fill the air. Wayne’s fingertips turned white as he pressed on his ring, refraining from making any further comments.
How could Dexter’s true companion possibly have a daughter?
But Wayne’s attention wasn’t on that. “Mr. Russell, I heard that you recently visited Sumanthova.”
Dexter cast a leisurely glance at Josie. “Sumanthova’s scenery is picturesque. It’s perfect for retirement. Does it interest you, Mr. Dalton?”
“It’s still too early for me to retire.”
As they conversed, dish after dish was served. Josie barely touched her cutlery, feeling a sense of anxiety stirring within her. Under the table, she discreetly tugged at Dexter’s hand.
He noticed and, betraying no emotion, tightened his grip on her hand beneath the table. Josie was nearly pulled over by him, but she did her best to restrain herself.
She simply wrote in the palm of his hand: How long will it take?
Dexter calmly drew the number one. Just at that moment, someone burst through the door, exclaiming, “La Oriele is on fire.”
Wayne glanced up, and his assistant immediately asked, “How big is the fire?”
“It’s huge. The fire started from the north, where it was dry. The wind today was blowing in just the right direction, quickly igniting many buildings. The fire brigade is stuck in traffic!” The person dared not speak loudly.
The assistant’s face changed. “Where are Mr. Quincy and Mr. Vipera?”
“They’ve arrived, but the fire is too big…”
“How are they?”
“They’re evacuating!”
La Oriele was originally situated in a location that wasn’t particularly open or clear. If it were to catch fire, many residential houses would be endangered. When the time came to assign responsibility, Wayne would find it hard to escape blame.
Josie slowly turned her head, casting a glance at Dexter beside her. He took a leisurely sip of his tea, clearly dissatisfied with the taste.
“It seems I won’t be able to play the gracious host today,” Wayne suddenly said. Dexter led Josie outside to see him off. “Let’s gather again next time.”
Wayne quickly got into the car. Before he left, he rolled down the window and gave Josie a scrutinizing look. That single glance made her heart pound.
“Did you do it?” Josie asked Dexter.
“I’ve investigated. The place where your father is being held under house arrest is very close to La Oriele. If they want to put out the fire, they will inevitably have to pull out their men. It’s the only time we have a chance to take advantage of the situation.”
The night wind was chilly. As Dexter spoke, he removed his coat and draped it over her.
“Has Paul been rescued?” she asked anxiously.
“We won’t know until another ten minutes.”
Josie’s heart sank. The anxiety and dread she had accumulated over the years had finally culminated in a crescendo.
“I’m going to the restroom.”
After a long flight, she was already exhausted. She dragged her weary body into the restroom. However, as soon as she entered, a forceful pull from behind drew her in, pressing her directly into a dark corner.
Josie tried to scream, but her mouth was quickly covered. Soon, a man wearing a mask came into her view. Josie’s eyes widened. Mr. Dalton! Isn’t he gone?
The other party directly removed his mask, revealing a handsome face that was both familiar and unfamiliar.
“Have you looked closely? I’m not him.”
Josie’s tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed. Her mind was a blank canvas, but her ingrained muscle memory took the lead.
“You…”
Arnold! What is he doing here?
Two years had elapsed, and his gaze had become even colder. Whenever he exerted his influence over her, it felt as if she was being transported back to that fateful night when she was abducted.
Observing her in such a state of agitation, Arnold gently lifted her chin and chuckled softly. “Don’t you remember me?”
I can recognize him even if he turns into ashes.
“You think I’m Mr. Dalton?” she asked, her voice trembling.
“I’ve already told you, I am not him.”
