When Dexter learned about this matter, his expression remained calm, and he stayed silent for a long time. Only after a while did he speak. âLet him go. But make sure someone protects him from behind.â
That was how Justin set off for Rivodia. Just the thought of the hardships that Justin and Paul had endured over the past two years was enough to cause waves of pain in Josieâs heart.
La Oriele was enormous, and at that moment, thick smoke billowed everywhere, indicating that the fire was far from being extinguished.
Waves of intense heat immediately hit them as they entered. Calvin and Josie quickly walked in, but they didnât see Dexter.
âDexter!â There were too many people. She had no choice but to shout.
No one responded.
âDexter! Dexter Russell!â
Josie walked briskly, searching everywhere for that familiar figure. Even she herself didnât realize where the worry that crept into her heart came from.
Just then, Larry, his face blackened, rushed out from inside, unable to stop coughing. Calvin quickly supported him. âWhat happened? Where is Russell?â
Smoke engulfed Larryâs throat, rendering him unable to speak. He shook his head, then caught sight of Josie. âArenât you-â
âWhere is Dexter?â Calvin asked frantically.
âHe-â Larry had a fit of coughing that lasted for a while. A pang of anxiety gripped Josieâs heart. She looked back at the raging fire behind her, unable to stop herself from staring into it.
Just as she was about to step in, Larry finally recovered his composure and hurriedly said, âMr. Russell is inside!â
He pointed to an undamaged building. It was very safe there, yet the atmosphere was tense, with quite a number of police officers present.
Dexter had given away his coat. He was now dressed in a black shirt as he sat in a corner, idly fiddling with a lighter in his hand. Although he appeared perfectly fine sitting there, Josie felt an indescribable sense of brokenness emanating from him.
âThank you for your assistance today, Mr. Russell, Without you, we wouldnât have been able to control the fire so quickly,â the leader said to Dexter.
Dexter asked nonchalantly, âWere there no casualties?â
âThe evacuation was executed promptly, resulting in no public casualties. However, a few attendants at La Oriele sustained injuries.â The other party appeared somewhat perplexed.
âItâs strange that a fire of such intensity didnât claim any lives.â
When he said these words, Josie clearly saw a subtle twitch at the corner of Dexterâs mouth. She knew that he was feeling proud at that moment.
âHasnât the person in charge of La Oriele arrived yet?â the man asked in a deep voice.
âIâve just received the news that heâs here!â
No sooner had these words been spoken than a commotion arose outside. A group of people hurried in, pushing past Calvin and Josie.
She turned around, and to her surprise, she saw a man being escorted by bodyguards. His features were sharp, and a scar marked the corner of his eye. Who else could it be if not Arnold?
A sense of heaviness settled in Josieâs heart.
But it seemed as though he hadnât noticed her at all. He walked straight into the room and said to the leader, âI apologize for being late. I was held up by some matters.â
The other party furrowed his brow. âAnd who are you?â
âThe person in charge of La Oriele, Robyn Mills.â
Josie stared at him intently. Just a few hours ago, he had pinned her against the restroom wall, admitting that he was Arnold.
âFinally, youâve arrived,â the man exclaimed, before providing a detailed account of the situation. Upon finishing, he introduced, âAllow me to introduce Mr. Russell from Wavery. We are indebted to him for his assistance in extinguishing the fire today.â
Arnold turned around, only to find himself under the intense scrutiny of Dexter, who had been silently observing him for some time.
Dexter slowly stood up.
Both individuals were of similar stature, with one emanating a mysterious and enigmatic aura, while the other exuded a confident and upright demeanor. As they faced each other, it felt as though their meeting was fated.
Arnold extended his hand with a smile. âYou remind me of someone I once knew, Mr. Russell.â