“Jo.” Charles put down his fork and looked at Josie. “It seems that your invitation today was for more than just a meal.”
Josie apologized, “I know it’s against the rules, but I had to come to you for help with a family matter. I realize I may have overstepped my bounds.”
Charles stopped eating. He cleaned his hands with a napkin.
Laura explained at the right moment, “Summer is currently not accepted by the Olsen family, and her life is extremely difficult. With Arnold missing, she naturally has no place in the Carter family. Logically speaking, if Arnold is gone, she should be the first inheritor. But now, she can’t get anything.”
Josie said, “I want to help her.”
Finally, Charles understood. He looked out at the river view and said, “Jo, you’re helping the person who once tried to kill you.”
“All of that is in the past.”
“All right, speak up. If there’s anything I can help with, let me know. But remember, I won’t be involved in anything that breaks the rules,” Charles said.
“Actually, it’s not that complicated. I want Summer to meet Edward, who is Arnold’s father, currently imprisoned. As long as she could meet him, Summer’s standing in the Carter family should improve.”
As she spoke those words, Josie was filled with fear and trepidation.
Charles’s face changed instantly when he heard Edward’s name. He then immediately refused by saying, “That’s impossible. Do you even know what you’re saying?”
“Why? It’s just a prison visit, a right that every family member possesses.”
“Edward is serving a life sentence. He was a significant figure in Wavery. Jo, does Dexter know about the decision you made today?”
Charles harbored deep concerns.
Josie’s face quickly darkened when she heard those words. “He is my ex-husband. It has nothing to do with him.”
“As for Summer, Arnold has nothing to do with her anymore!”
“That’s not true. He had merely disappeared. They hadn’t divorced.”
Josie was resolute. Dexter had told her that the news of Arnold’s reappearance as Robyn had not yet reached Charles. Therefore, she could say, “Mr. Zimmerman, I know you’ve been upset these past two years because you couldn’t find Arnold. But what if we use Summer as bait? He might just show up, don’t you think?”
Laura pursed her lips, listening to Josie’s gentle persuasion.
“It’s killing two birds with one stone. It’s worth giving a shot.”
Josie managed a smile at Charles. “Before Grandpa passed away, he told me that I could turn to you, Mr. Zimmerman, for anything.”
Charles clicked his tongue when he heard that.
Henry had shown him kindness in his early years, and when Josie revealed his identity, he had no chance to refute it.
In the end, Charles agreed, making a compromise. “I’ll have someone handle it, but everything must be done according to the rules.”
Josie curved her lips into a smile. “You’re the best, Mr. Zimmerman.”
A chuckle resonated through the Bluetooth earpiece nestled in Josie’s ear. Arnold said leisurely, “You’re quite adept at acting coy. It seems you’ll be able to handle many things in the future.”
Josie swallowed hard, wishing she could just throw her earpiece away.
This meal had been tainted by business dealings, leaving Charles rather displeased. When it was time to leave, he didn’t let Josie accompany him, choosing instead to depart with his secretary.
Watching the vehicle disappear into the distance, Laura patted her chest. “What on earth are you planning to do? You even involved Charles. Jo, you scared me to death.”
Josie apologized by saying, “I’m sorry for making you act with me, but so far, I haven’t been able to find anyone more suitable.”
“What do you mean? What are you trying to do?”
In reality, for the past two years, Laura hadn’t heard any news from Summer. Everything she just said was made up.
Josie gazed at the car not far away and replied, “I’ll tell you later.”
