Josie observed as Dexter’s face visibly darkened, but the gloom quickly dissipated. Thank you, Grape.”
As luck would have it, the phone Josie had set aside happened to ring. It was Lachlan.
Dexter glanced at her. She furrowed her brows, hesitating for a moment. Ultimately, thinking she had nothing to hide, she answered the phone.
“Lachlan.”
“Alice,” he said, still accustomed to calling her that, “I just arrived at the hotel to find you, but they said you weren’t here. Where did you go?”
“Didn’t I already tell you? I have my own plans.”
“Mr. Lachlan!” Grape interrupted abruptly. Josie furrowed her brows, and Dexter immediately bent down to pick up the child in his arms. “Let Mommy take the call first.”
When Lachlan heard these words, he was stunned for a moment. Josie shot Dexter a glare, but he seemed oblivious to any wrongdoing, He simply picked up Grape and went off to pick flowers.
“So… you’re with him, huh?”
Lachlan, who had left the hotel to meet with Larry about the project, looked up and saw a harmonious scene not far away.
The man didn’t naturally exude warmth or approachability. However, when he held the child, there was a distinct sense of harmony.
Josie sat to the side, constantly keeping an eye on the child.
They appeared to be a genuine family.
“Yes. There’s a lead on Paul. I have no choice but to rely on him.” She paused, feeling that her choice of words was incorrect. “No, it’s just a business deal.”
Lachlan gripped the steering wheel tightly, wanting to say, “Don’t be with Dexter.” But as he glanced at the documents urgently needing his signature beside him, he found himself unable to utter a single word.
I have to rely on Dexter’s resources as well, so what right do I have to ask Josie not to depend on him?
At least she’s honest.
“In that case, are you not going to consider what I’ve said for now?” Lachlan asked with a bitter smile.
Josie rose to her feet and walked to a secluded spot. She spoke politely, “I never had those kinds of thoughts about you in the first place. I’m truly grateful for your care these past two years, Boss.”
She spoke in a slightly humorous manner, as if it was the only way to alleviate the awkwardness.
Lachlan observed Josie through the car window. She remained polite as always.
It didn’t seem quite right to say that he was in love with Josie. He just felt it was time to settle down, time to find someone to marry, and she seemed like a good choice.
Lachlan sighed helplessly. “It’s all right. I hope your plan comes to a successful conclusion.”
After hanging up the phone, Josie turned around, only to see Grape reaching for the small flowers in the garden on her tiptoes. Dexter, with his towering figure, stood in the wind, shielding her from everything.
His identity as a father was particularly prominent at that moment.
“Are you done?” he asked in a deep voice.
Josie didn’t respond. Instead, she held onto Grape’s hand and began to walk away. She didn’t look back, so she couldn’t see the contented, faint smile in the man’s eyes.
Lachlan had already gotten out of the car and handed the documents over to Larry. As the two exchanged words, Lachlan occasionally glanced at Dexter
Dexter noticed and turned back.
“Mr. Keller.”
“Mr. Russell.” Lachlan struggled to muster a smile.
Dexter motioned for Larry to pass him the contract and quickly skimmed through it. “I appreciate your care for her and the child over the past two years,” he said.
Lachlan waited for Dexter’s next words.
“Forty million?” Dexter handed the contract back, his expression serious. “Double it. Ask the lawyer to prepare a new agreement. I’ll personally sign it.”
Lachlan hesitated. He felt a bit uncomfortable for a moment. “Mr. Russell, it seems as though you’re attempting to influence me with money.”
