Josie spoke slowly, deliberately avoiding any mention of the terms of the exchange between Arnold and herself.
Not far away, Arnold noticed them. He lit a cigarette and leaned against a charred pillar, watching intently.
Dexter loosened his shirt collar. âGrape is my daughter, and I will protect her no matter what.â
âThat would be for the best.â She didnât deny the first part. After saying that, she left. Dexter followed closely behind at a steady pace. âI will be staying in Rivodia for a while. Later, someone will come to pick you and Grape up and take you to my place.â
Josie did not respond to that.
âYour company took quite a risk using that photo for the cover.â
On the top floor of Rivodiaâs tallest building, a man stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, casually surveying the scenery below.
âYou donât know? Is that how you plan to resolve the matter?â
He let out a soft chuckle, ended the call, and casually tossed his phone onto the couch.
Before long, someone would legally handle the newspaper company.
Sounds echoed from the bathroom, and a woman, her hair wet and wrapped in a bath towel, emerged. She walked out seductively and embraced him from behind.
âWhatâs the matter, Mr. Bastille? You seem quite upset.â
When desire filled him, Morgan treated her like a human being. But now, without that desire, she was no different from a dog to him.
âGo find Ryan to get the money.â
The womanâs voice was soft and flirtatious. âMr. Bastille, what do you take me for? I donât want your money.â
âIf you wait any longer, you wonât get the money at all.â
The sound of high heels echoed from outside, growing closer with each step. As they entered the office, the woman turned around in confusion, only to be met with the sight of a tall woman dressed in business attire. Her hair had a touch of green, and she stood at a distance.
âWho are youâ¦â
âLeave,â the other party said indifferently.
âYou!â
âIf you donât leave now, forget about wearing that bath towel.â
The woman was defiant, but seeing that Morgan made no move, she had no choice but to swallow her pride and quickly walk away.
Within the expansive office, a hint of desire subtly filled the air. A magazine lay on the table, its cover prominently featuring news from a week ago.
âI didnât expect to be caught on camera.â Her voice trembled, silently pleading for understanding.
âLaura, youâve crossed the line too many times. in these past two years.â
Morgan turned around, gazing at her intently. Laura looked up, fear evident in her eyes. âIt wasnât intentional. There wonât be a next time. You know me. If I wanted to make it public, wouldnât have done it this way.â
âHow would you have done it, then?â
âIâ¦â Lauraâs words reached the tip of her tongue, but she found herself unable to speak them.
Morgan used the cigarette in his hand to lift a strand of her hair. âOur relationship ends here.â
Laura was completely flustered. She clung to Morganâs arm. âI donât want it to end.â
âYouâve always been obedient. Be obedient this time too, right? Be good. Donât embarrass me,â Morgan said with utmost gentleness.
However, Laura trembled.
âFor these past two years, Iâve never interfered with whoever you were with. Iâve helped you obtain whatever you wanted. Why donât you want me anymore? Are you tired of me? I suppose it makes sense. After two years, you should be tired.â
Morgan shook his head.
âOur collaboration is based on mutual support. You provide me with assistance, and I reciprocate. Currently, within the Olsen family, no one can rival your abilities, isnât that correct?â
Yes, butâ¦
âThen why?â She furrowed her brow in confusion.
âJosie has come back.â
He had just received the news.