Josie pressed her lips together, her smile fading. “I understand what you’re implying, but it’s not true. The only reason I’m still here today is because of the contract I have with him-a hundred days. If I can resolve the issue with Arnold, I’ll immediately leave with the child.”
Justin sized her up. “I’m afraid your lingering feelings are still there, and you haven’t even realized it yourself.”
That single sentence struck Josie’s heart. She was momentarily stunned, then shook her head. “Impossible.”
Justin remained silent.
“It’s all just for show. Don’t worry,” Josie said seriously.
Justin nodded, seemingly lost in thought. He hesitated before saying, “Dexter is a cunning man. Don’t let him manipulate you. In any case, avoid being with him.”
Right then, someone at the dining table called out to them. Josie said, “All right. Let’s eat.”
The two of them stepped into the light, only to see Dexter descending the stairs. Josie’s heart skipped a beat. She was unsure if he had heard anything, but the man’s expression remained unchanged as he asked, “What’s wrong?”
Josie averted her gaze. “Nothing.”
The meal was enjoyed heartily by all, both guests and hosts alike. Initially, everyone was quite nervous. After all, it was their first time having such close contact with Dexter. They hadn’t expected him to dine with them. However, Dexter was not only approachable but also managed to strike up a conversation with everyone, discussing various topics related to their fields. He was even willing to delve deeper into the discussions.
His lack of any affectation or ostentation was truly unexpected.
Only Josie was observing from the sidelines, discerning the intricacies within.
As long as Dexter was inclined, he had the potential to earn everyone’s fondness. Evidently, he was so inclined at that time.
One employee didn’t understand the complexities involved. Before leaving, she said to Josie, “Seize the opportunity.”
Josie was speechless. It seems she fell at the first line of defense.
Dexter seldom drank alcohol, yet during this meal, he had consumed some and was slightly tipsy. He sat on the couch, lost in thought, reminiscing about something unknown.
“Are you all right?” Josie approached politely, yet with a hint of unease. She wasn’t quite sure if he had heard what was said earlier.
His eyes blurry, Dexter said, “Jo…”
“What?”
“I brought Xanthe here. How do you want to deal with her?”
He brought Xanthe to Rivodia? Josie was somewhat taken aback. “Didn’t you say… Why did you bring her here?”
“I know you despise her. I brought her here so you could vent your anger.”
He looked extremely humbled at that moment.
Caught off guard, Josie felt as if something had struck her at the core. She knew that Dexter did not love Xanthe and had no feelings for her, but there was always some form of resentment. The resentment between a mother and son could be more subtle than that between strangers.
But now, he had brought his biological mother so that she could vent her anger.
“Are you drunk?” Josie asked, somewhat at a loss. She crouched down, meeting his gaze.
She would seek her own revenge on Xanthe. There was no need for him to do so, as it seemed like he was trying to curry favor with her.
“I’m not drunk,” he said, his voice clear. “She arrived a while ago. I thought I would say it later, but then I suddenly felt it might be better to settle things sooner rather than later.”
Josie shook her head. “I don’t have the energy right now.”
“How do you want to proceed? I’ll help you.”
Josie felt a pang in her heart. “What’s really going on with you? You don’t have to go to such lengths.”
“I love you,” Dexter said abruptly. “I hope that your animosity toward me may diminish, even if it’s only slightly.”
