âIt wasnât me who kidnapped Paul, Scar slowly opened his eyes. âBack then, he only trusted people he knew and was highly cautious of strangers.â
Josie was aware of this. That was why her curiosity was aroused. She wondered how they managed to abduct Paul right from the bustling city district.
âThe one responsible for this matter was Xanthe.â
The moment the name was mentioned, it hit Josie like a sudden shock, leaving her frozen in place.
Dexterâs eyebrows furrowed slightly. Although he didnât show much of a reaction, it was clear that he was taken aback. He almost crushed the teacup in his hand.
âNone of us had any influence, but Xanthe did. All she needed to do was to tell Paul that she was Dexterâs biological mother. For your sake, Paul would surely go with her.â
Scar could still vividly recall the scene from that day.
On a street by the sea, Paul patiently waited, anticipating his daughterâs arrival. However, at that moment, Xanthe tapped on the car window. âYou must be Paul, right?â
âAnd you are?â
âMy name is Xanthe, Dexterâs mother. Itâs nice to finally meet you.â
Over the years, Xantheâs demeanor was beyond question, especially with her eyes that were as indifferent as Dexterâs.
Later, Xanthe told him that she wanted to have a private discussion with him about the matters concerning their two children.
After Scar finished speaking, he looked at Josie. âItâs as simple as that. Paul just left with her.â
Josie couldnât help but let tears slide down her cheeks. Itâs all because of me that Pop disappeared. He wants me to be treated well in my husbandâs family. Thatâs why he chose to leave with Xanthe.
Josie was almost out of breath, and the grip on the knife in her hand inevitably loosened.
âYou people are shameless!â
She composed herself, then tightened her grip on the knife once again. âWhat happened next?â
âWhat do you mean?â
âWhy did Xanthe do this?â
âShe was short of money.â Scar prompted her to ask the question before he answered. âDexter cut off her financial resources. Donât forget, she still has a son to raise. This is her biggest vulnerability. She can do anything for money.â
Even if it meant trapping Dexter in unrighteousness and injustice.
Never had Josie imagined that such a complex disappearance case was actually so simple behind the scenes.
If she were to pursue the matter, the disappearance of Paul could be attributed to Dexter.
âMrs. Carter,â Scar said with a smile, âactually, you shouldnât blame my boss. If Dexter hadnât cut off his own motherâs financial resources, we wouldnât have had a way in.â
Josie trembled all over.
Scar held her hand, pointing the tip of the knife in the direction of the surveillance camera.
âYour knife should be pointed at Dexter.â
In the surveillance footage, the knife was aimed right at Dexterâs forehead.
He sat in place, quickly understanding Arnoldâs purpose for the day. He sat there quietly as if a tsunami was raging in his heart.
The woman he loved was almost reduced to ashes under the sunlight.
She was falling apart.
At this point, the rift between the two individuals seemed almost impossible to mend.
At last, Arnold saw the effect he had been hoping for. He turned to the man beside him. âDexter, a few days ago, you gave me a welcome gift. Today, Iâm returning the favor.â
The two were indeed adversaries who had been entangled in conflict for many years. They knew best where to strike to cause the most pain.
Dexter glanced sideways, locking eyes with him.
This was a strategy Arnold had thought of two years ago to use the blood ties he couldnât sever to torment Josieâs heart.
âSo, do you like the gift?â