Chapter 558 Tell Him Everything
Quitting smoking had been a challenging journey, but in her presence, the cravings diminished. She became the replacement for his addiction.
Josie remained in a squatting position, her voice filled with anguish. “Dexter, you always do this. Why do you always believe you’re right? Is my opinion less important? Throughout, I’ve felt like nothing more than an accessory to you.”
Dexter’s gaze softened as he looked at her.
He listened attentively, patiently considering her words. “Like I mentioned earlier, within six months, can rise to the top of this industry. I won’t allow others to perceive you merely as an accessory to me. Isn’t that a good thing?”
you
“No, it’s not!” Josie’s voice echoed, her hair dancing in the wind. “It’s not fulfilling to achieve success without putting in my effort and relying on you to pave the way for me.”
Dexter chuckled, “You do have quite the pride.”
“As a businessman, you prioritize profit and seizing opportunities without considering the emotions of others. I can’t be as ruthless as you,” Josie explained, her voice tinged with frustration.
Dexter’s eyes narrowed, and he leaned closer, gently pinching Josie’s chin. “Do you know, I used to be just like you? But ever since I embarked on this path, all senses of ethical principles went up in smoke.”
Josie found herself locked in a gaze with his intense, pitch-black eyes.
“Don’t lecture me about emotions. Besides you, I have no feelings for anyone. I haven’t made a move on Arnold yet because of you. It’s best not to provoke me. Jo,” he warned, his voice carrying a hint of danger.
His words struck a nerve within Josie, and she realized he wasn’t joking.
A throbbing headache overwhelmed Josie, and she couldn’t help but regret getting entangled with this man. His words carried an overpowering weight, and every interaction with him felt overwhelming. Feeling the blood rushing to her head and dizziness overtaking her, Josie struggled to maintain her balance. She took a few unsteady steps before being caught by Dexter’s firm grasp. His cold smile sent shivers down her spine as he spoke in a threatening tone, “Take two days to think it over. But remember, your decision will directly determine the future of the Carters.”
Mouth agape, with her eyebrows pinched together, she yelled indignantly, “You’re threatening me!”
“I have no other choice. You’re not a good girl,” Dexter replied, his tone surprisingly gentle as he pressed his fingertip against Josie’s lips with force.
Turning away, Josie made up her mind to leave, no longer willing to engage with him. There was no reasoning with someone like him. D
When she returned to her foster father-Paul’s place, a tinge of disappointment lingered within her that Dexter didn’t follow along. (2)
Paul’s health had improved more than she had anticipated. When he saw her, he let out a sigh and suggested, “Let’s eat first.”
1/2
As they sat at the dining table, Josie kept her head down, her mind burdened with the events of the past two months. Finally, she gathered the courage to speak, “Paul, in these past two months, I… I went through some things.”
Paul raised a hand to interrupt her, his kind eyes filled with understanding. “You don’t have to explain. It’s your life, and you have every right to make your own choices.”
Josie paused, her eyes locked with Paul’s, and a sense of relief washed over her. She smiled warmly and replied, “Okay.”
Paul poured her a cup of warm water and reassured her, “I’m doing fine. Justin often comes to see me,
and… Dexter as well.”
Josie’s eyebrows shot up in surprise upon hearing the last few words of Paul’s sentence.
“He’s sincere, but if you don’t like him, end it,” Paul said thoughtfully, his eyes filled with care. “I have your back, Josie.”
Tears welled up in Josie’s eyes as she took in his words. Her heart, once empty, had found solace in the presence of someone who cared for her and would protect her.
“Okay,” she replied softly. With tears streaming down her face, she reached out and embraced Paul, holding onto him tightly.
Does it really have to end? Josie questioned herself. Her mind was still in a state of turmoil.
The next day, as she headed to the studio, à Porsche stopped by her path.
