Josie couldn’t find a taxi. The country club was far away and secluded, and most people who went there had their own cars. E-taxis rarely came out this way. She stood there for a while, unsure whether to ask Mallory to pick her up, when a car pulled up and stopped in front of her.
The car window rolled down, revealing Larry.
“Mr. Russell told me to take you home,” he said.
Josie frowned. “What about him?”
“La Oriele was busy tonight, so there were negotiations among the major stakeholders. Mr. Russell will be very busy.”
Larry quickly added, as if he could sense her concern, “It’s a long drive for Ms. Whiteford to come here. Let’s not bother her. Please, trust me.”
After thinking it over, Josie decided to get in the car. It was getting late, and she was worried that Grape would cry if she didn’t see her.
Larry drove silently the whole way. Josie felt restless, thinking about Arnold’s words. She asked, “Mr. Peeple, nothing bad will happen to Justin, right?”
“Our people are gathering information, but over the past two years, Mr. Russell has placed many of his own people inside. If there’s any news, someone will come to the rescue, so there’s no need to worry.”
Hearing this, Josie finally felt relieved.
“Has he been doing this for the past two years?” Josie raised an eyebrow. Larry chuckled softly. “Not just that. Mr. Russell personally takes care of anything related to you.”
Josie was surprised.
“Last year, Mrs. Olsen got seriously ill. Mr. Russell flew overseas to bring the best primary care doctor for a consultation. He was hands- on and deeply involved throughout the whole ordeal, showing more concern than her own son. Three months ago, the studio you used to manage faced a crisis and needed a lot of money to stay afloat. Mr. Russell didn’t want your friends to feel like they were receiving charity, so he had me invest a sum of money anonymously. And the process of that esports team settling in Wavery? I personally handled it. At first, the team wasn’t interested in investing, but after a quick look, Mr. Russell felt that the venue’s design resembled your style, so he entrusted me with the task.”
Larry spoke nonstop, leaving Josie stunned. She hadn’t expected Dexter to put in so much effort and care for her over these two years.
“These are things that money can solve. You asked Mrs. Carroll to let Ms. Marilyn take care of your dog, Pepper, right? Mr. Russell would visit and feed Pepper from time to time.”
These small details showed how much he missed her. The car was moving smoothly, but Josie found it hard to breathe. She rolled down the window and, after a moment, asked, “He doesn’t seem to be in the best of health-”
Before she could finish her question, Larry made a sharp turn, cutting her off.
“What did you just ask?”
“Never mind,” Josie changed the subject. “I remember when I left, Arnold’s father was under Dexter’s control. Is that still the case?”
Larry hesitated for a moment before answering, “Yes.”
Josie understood.
When they arrived at the hotel, just before she got out of the car, she asked, “Will Dexter be safe in La Oriele tonight?”
Larry chuckled at this question. “Don’t worry.”
After asking, Josie realized how crazy she must be. How could she be concerned about Dexter’s safety?
Grape had just finished showering and was sitting on the bed, laughing at Calvin’s antics. She didn’t seem to miss her mother at all.
With a helpless smile, Josie dragged her tired body inside.
“Mommy! You’re back at last!” Grape exclaimed, rushing over. As Josie held her fragile body in her arms, she felt a sense of relief. “Did you miss me?”
