Dexter was not surprised at all, perhaps due to his prior mental preparation. He leaned forward and said to Arnold, “Likewise, Mr. Mills.”
“But you’re not exactly like him. That old friend of mine is in better health than you.”
Upon hearing this, Dexter did not respond.
“What a coincidence that you happened to be around today, Mr. Russell.” Arnold pulled out a cigarette and offered it to Dexter.
Dexter declined. “Indeed, it’s quite a coincidence.”
“Once the matter is settled, I will present a modest gift as a token of my gratitude.”
“That won’t be necessary. Since you say I look like an old friend of yours, consider this a modest gift from me today.”
Dexter’s lips quirked up. Arnold prodded his cheek with the tip of his tongue, glancing outside where the fire raged fiercely.
“It’s a great gift.”
Dexter bypassed Arnold, casting a glance at Josie, who had been standing behind him for quite some time. She instinctively took a step back.
Calvin mouthed, “She insisted on coming. After the related issues had been dealt with, dawn was breaking. Josie was dozing off in the corner, her face pale and looking unwell.
People gradually dispersed, and Dexter casually picked up a blanket. Just as he was about to drape it over Josie, she opened her eyes.
“Is it over?”
“Yeah.”
Josie rubbed her neck, glancing outside. The fire had been extinguished, and at this point, the building was nothing but ruins. People were busy cleaning up the aftermath.
Arnold was constantly dealing with the authorities, effectively acting as the person in charge of La Oriele.
“Does his audacity to move about openly indicate that his matters have been settled?”
Dexter helped her up from the ground.
“Changing one’s name and identity, thinking it can erase everything, is simply too naive.”
He slowly exhaled, casting a glance at Arnold outside.
Larry had already cleaned himself up and hurried over, holding a document in his hand. “The person in charge is Robyn Mills, who took over two months ago.”
Dexter took it over and glanced at it a few times. “He’s nothing more than Mr. Dalton’s lapdog.”
Josie stared at her own toes in silence, not uttering a word.
“Does your heart ache?” he suddenly asked.
“What are you talking about?”
“I set your ex-lover’s old haunt ablaze. Doesn’t it hurt you?”
“You’re really weird.” Josie rolled her eyes and strode out.
Larry quickly interjected, “Ms. Warren came rushing over last night and couldn’t find you. She was extremely anxious. Mr. Russell, you should apologize.”
Dexter swiftly stuffed the documents into his arms, then hurriedly followed Josie from behind.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I don’t care.”
“Josie.” He firmly grasped her slender wrist, forcing her to stop. “You didn’t seem surprised at all when you saw Arnold earlier.”
Josie looked up, expressing her confusion.
“You’ve met him already?”
Josie averted her gaze, forced to admit that even after two years, Dexter could still see through her thoughts with just one glance.
Yet she didn’t feel guilty at all. She extended a finger, lightly poking his chest. “Mr. Russell, having too keen an insight isn’t always a good thing.”
Dexter showed not the slightest hint of concern and scrutinized her closely.
“I’ve thought about what you told me before.”
“What?”
“Have you forgotten? A hundred days together.”
Dexter furrowed his brows and recalled it. “What is your answer?”
Josie hesitated before retracting her hand. “I’m open to giving it a chance.”
Dexter quickly grasped her true intentions.
“There’s more to it than that.”
“Well, I don’t expect being with you to be all sunshine and rainbows, Mr. Russell. I have indeed encountered Arnold. He made threats against my daughter, and that is completely unacceptable. I require someone to safeguard Grape, and right now, you are the only option.”
