His footsteps also came to an abrupt halt.
“What’s wrong?”
“Have you forgotten the reason Xanthe did this was because of you?” The resentment in Josie’s eyes did not diminish. “She’s gone. You’re next.”
Arnold was somewhat serious earlier, but then he smiled faintly right then. “I’ll be waiting for your revenge.”
Josie glared at him, taking the lead to leave by the elevator. Once outside, she hailed a taxi. Throughout the journey, she strived to calm her emotions.
Didn’t he say he had official business to attend to? Why would he come to a hotel? Is it because of what he said?
“I want to lessen your hatred toward me.”
Josie’s mind was in a whirl, so much so that she didn’t even realize when she had reached her destination. The driver called out to her, “Miss, we’ve arrived.”
She turned her head. It was dusk at that moment. The flowers in the courtyard were all in bloom, bathed in the sunset’s glow, exuding an endless warmth.
Meanwhile, Dexter had already returned home. He sat off to the side, watching with a hint of a smile as Grape played on the ground.
It was impossible to tell that not long ago, he had endured the pain of a falling out with his mother.
Does he feel pain? Josie suddenly found herself somewhat confused. The driver called out again, and only then did Josie hand over the money and get out of the car.
“Look who’s back! It’s Mommy!” Laura’s voice was gentle. Grape threw herself into Josie’s arms. “Mommy, you’re finally back. I missed you so much.”
Josie smiled. “Who tied the braid on your head?”
“It was Aunt Laura.” She pointed at Laura.
Laura sat next to Dexter. “According to seniority, calling me this way should be correct.”
Josie gave a smile. “It’s very beautiful.”
“Mommy, I like Aunt Laura. She’s very beautiful.”
Laura felt a bit embarrassed, as it was her first time encountering such a child who was so fixated on appearances.
“More beautiful than me?”
“Hmm… Mommy is even more beautiful.”
The crowd was all amused and burst into laughter.
When Josie looked up again, she was startled to find that Dexter was no longer where he had been. For a moment, she was unsure of how to face him.
It seemed he had no intention of telling her about Xanthe.
Later on, Laura bid farewell to Josie, preparing to leave. Grape was somewhat reluctant to part with Laura. She tugged at her skirt, unwilling to let her go.
Laura stood at the doorway, her expression a mix of laughter and tears. “Would you like to go to the amusement park the next time I come and see you?”
Just at that moment, a car drove up. It was Morgan returning, and this scene unfolded before his eyes..
He rolled down the car window, and Grape greeted, “Mr. Bastille!”
A shiver ran down Laura’s spine. She slowly turned around, bumping straight into Morgan. A hint of a smile played at the corners of his mouth as he waved his hand in greeting.
“Grape.”
With a stiff smile, Laura said to Josie, “I’ll be leaving first then. I’ll come again next time.”
“Be careful on the road.”
The two cars brushed past each other. Morgan’s car remained stationary. He leaned on the car window with one hand, seemingly a bit weary.
Upon seeing him like this, Josie let out a sigh. “Where did you go?”
“There was a social event. I had quite a lot of alcohol.”
“What? Does the Bastille family still rely on you to handle their social drinking engagements?”
“I want to since you’re back.”
“Say goodbye to Mr. Bastille,” Josie instructed Grape, lowering her head.
With a faint smile, Morgan drove into his own home.
The mansion was exceptionally quiet this evening. Grape, tired from playing, had gone to sleep early. In the entire house, only the light in the study remained on.
After some thought, Josie finally decided to enter Paul’s room.
Paul hadn’t yet retired for the night. He sat on the bed, cradling a red box in his arms, rummaging for something within it.
“Pop, what are you looking for?”
