When Dexter learned about this matter, his expression remained calm, and he stayed silent for a long time. Only after a while did he speak. “Let him go. But make sure someone protects him from behind.”
That was how Justin set off for Rivodia. Just the thought of the hardships that Justin and Paul had endured over the past two years was enough to cause waves of pain in Josie’s heart.
La Oriele was enormous, and at that moment, thick smoke billowed everywhere, indicating that the fire was far from being extinguished.
Waves of intense heat immediately hit them as they entered. Calvin and Josie quickly walked in, but they didn’t see Dexter.
“Dexter!” There were too many people. She had no choice but to shout.
No one responded.
“Dexter! Dexter Russell!”
Josie walked briskly, searching everywhere for that familiar figure. Even she herself didn’t realize where the worry that crept into her heart came from.
Just then, Larry, his face blackened, rushed out from inside, unable to stop coughing. Calvin quickly supported him. “What happened? Where is Russell?”
Smoke engulfed Larry’s throat, rendering him unable to speak. He shook his head, then caught sight of Josie. “Aren’t you-”
“Where is Dexter?” Calvin asked frantically.
“He-” Larry had a fit of coughing that lasted for a while. A pang of anxiety gripped Josie’s heart. She looked back at the raging fire behind her, unable to stop herself from staring into it.
Just as she was about to step in, Larry finally recovered his composure and hurriedly said, “Mr. Russell is inside!”
He pointed to an undamaged building. It was very safe there, yet the atmosphere was tense, with quite a number of police officers present.
Dexter had given away his coat. He was now dressed in a black shirt as he sat in a corner, idly fiddling with a lighter in his hand. Although he appeared perfectly fine sitting there, Josie felt an indescribable sense of brokenness emanating from him.
“Thank you for your assistance today, Mr. Russell, Without you, we wouldn’t have been able to control the fire so quickly,” the leader said to Dexter.
Dexter asked nonchalantly, “Were there no casualties?”
“The evacuation was executed promptly, resulting in no public casualties. However, a few attendants at La Oriele sustained injuries.” The other party appeared somewhat perplexed.
“It’s strange that a fire of such intensity didn’t claim any lives.”
When he said these words, Josie clearly saw a subtle twitch at the corner of Dexter’s mouth. She knew that he was feeling proud at that moment.
“Hasn’t the person in charge of La Oriele arrived yet?” the man asked in a deep voice.
“I’ve just received the news that he’s here!”
No sooner had these words been spoken than a commotion arose outside. A group of people hurried in, pushing past Calvin and Josie.
She turned around, and to her surprise, she saw a man being escorted by bodyguards. His features were sharp, and a scar marked the corner of his eye. Who else could it be if not Arnold?
A sense of heaviness settled in Josie’s heart.
But it seemed as though he hadn’t noticed her at all. He walked straight into the room and said to the leader, “I apologize for being late. I was held up by some matters.”
The other party furrowed his brow. “And who are you?”
“The person in charge of La Oriele, Robyn Mills.”
Josie stared at him intently. Just a few hours ago, he had pinned her against the restroom wall, admitting that he was Arnold.
“Finally, you’ve arrived,” the man exclaimed, before providing a detailed account of the situation. Upon finishing, he introduced, “Allow me to introduce Mr. Russell from Wavery. We are indebted to him for his assistance in extinguishing the fire today.”
Arnold turned around, only to find himself under the intense scrutiny of Dexter, who had been silently observing him for some time.
Dexter slowly stood up.
Both individuals were of similar stature, with one emanating a mysterious and enigmatic aura, while the other exuded a confident and upright demeanor. As they faced each other, it felt as though their meeting was fated.
Arnold extended his hand with a smile. “You remind me of someone I once knew, Mr. Russell.”
