The room was filled with various items, creating a cluttered atmosphere.
Dexter clenched his fist and coughed lightly, moving the object aside. âThe photograph.â
âWhat photograph?â
âThe group photo from our childhood. I canât find it anymore.â
Dexterâs voice was soft, revealing his embarrassment when facing the person whose identity had been revealed.
Josie found it amusing. âDidnât you order someone to throw it away?â
âI⦠I didnât know back then.â He didnât know it was her.
In fact, Josie herself didnât know, let alone realize that the person who had always been jealous was her younger self.
Seeing her remain silent, Dexter asked if she had eaten, deliberately avoiding any mention of the shares.
Josie stood before him, noticing his tightly clenched hand as if he was holding back something. âWhy didnât you come looking for me?â
Dexter was taken aback but quickly regained his composure. âEven without that one percent, I can still bring down Mr. Harrison.â
âI wouldâve believed you in the past. However, now that Old Mr. Russell has passed away, do you still have the confidence?â Josie asked bluntly.
Dexterâs confidence in the past was inevitably influenced by Henryâs presence behind the scenes.
Important figures would certainly harbor some apprehension.
Since the old man had passed away, things would become even more difficult for Dexter.
Dexter turned his face to the side. âThat equity was given to you by me. Thereâs no reason for me to take it back.â
âAre you saying that even if Russell Group changes its leader, itâll continue to exist?â asked Josie.
He prodded his cheek with the tip of his tongue, still stubborn. âYes.â
An inexplicable fury welled up in Josieâs heart. She said, âI cannot accept this favor that the CEO of Russell Group has bestowed upon me. I will have my lawyer handle the procedures soon and return the equity to you. Youâd better keep Russell Group intact!â
âWhat about you?â He asked quickly, catching Josie off guard.
In the next moment, he had already pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly. His voice was hoarse as he asked, âWhat about you? Will you come back?â
Josie froze entirely. She attempted to struggle free for a moment, but she couldnât break free. âDexter.â
âRegarding the incident at the wedding, I never intended to coerce you into giving me anything.
Everything I did was of my own volition. You need not feel guilty.â The night was filled with darkness, and Josie heard the manâs hoarse voice slowly whispering in her ear, causing a flutter in her heart.
Such humility was exactly what she desired, yet when she truly obtained it, she found it embarrassing.
âThese past few days, Iâve missed you greatly.â He articulated each word, clearly suppressing the longing emotions he had held back for so long.
Josieâs gaze fell on the cup on the tea table, noticing the several cracks on it. âYouâve lost your temper again.â
Dexter neither admitted nor denied it, holding her tightly, unwilling to let go.
âIâll have the lawyer handle the paperwork tomorrow,â Josie finally pushed him away with exceptional calmness.
âI said I didnât need it!â Dexter was like a provoked beast, his eyes bloodshot.
Seeing her seemingly frightened, he lowered his voice. âIf the paperwork is done, whatâs next? Do you want to settle your debts and sever all ties with me? Is that it?â
Josie looked at him, uttering a heartless phrase, âWhat does it matter if we part ways?â
In the silence, Dexter remained speechless, his eyes filled with crystal-clear tears. He had never realized that those words could carry such devastating power.
After a long silence, he said, âWhether you are Josie or Liana, I never thought of parting ways with you.â
âYouâre too agitated right now. I donât want to talk to you,â Josie said, unusually calm. She picked up a pen from the table, pulled out a tissue, and wrote down a string of numbers on it. âThis is my current number. When youâve calmed down and thought things through, give me a call.â
She thought to herself, if it had been her past self, she would have definitely given in to his persuasion.