The next day, Josie began participating in the project, single-handedly producing a tender proposal.
Grape had grown accustomed to her motherâs busyness. She sat obediently on one side, playing with her toys. âMom, has an old man come to our house? The housekeeper wonât let me go over there.â
Despite being engrossed in her work, Josie extended a hand, gently patting Grapeâs head. âHmm, he isnât feeling well. Once he gets a little better, Iâll take you to see him, alright?â
Grape widened her eyes. âGive my medicine to him, and he will wake up faster.â
Josie curved her lips into a bitter smile at her daughterâs attentiveness.
Just then, Dexter came down from the study, placing a few books on Josieâs desk. âThese contain records of Rivodiaâs development over the past few years. They can help you quickly understand the situation,â he said.
Josie pressed her lips together and nodded.
Grapeâs eyes were sharp, causing her to tug at Dexterâs arm. âMr. Russell, your hand is injured! Does it hurt?â
The bandage was wrapped by Josie, complete with a bow on top.
Dexter crouched down to bring himself to Grapeâs eye level. âIt does. Why donât you blow on it, Grape?â
The enthusiastic Grape immediately puffed up her cheeks and blew with all her might.
âDoes it still hurt, Mr. Russell?â
âIt doesnât hurt anymore. That was very helpful. Thank you, Grape.â
Upon hearing this, Grape was filled with delight and generously offered, âIf it still hurts, Iâll blow on it for you again, Mr. Russell!â
âSure.â
Upon witnessing this scene, Josie couldnât help but feel the corner of her mouth twitching. Dexter was quite skilled at interacting with children. At this moment, he was squatting on the ground, conversing with Grape in a childlike manner and looking every bit like a father.
The sight simply mesmerized her.
At that moment, the sound of a car echoed from outside, signaling Mosesâ return. Grape jumped up in joy. âMr. Chakov is back.â
The way she mentioned Moses elicited a barely perceptible frown from Dexter. He was just getting up when he squatted back down and asked seriously, âWhat did you call him?â
Grape was puzzled. âMr. Chakov?â
âWhat about the secretary who is often by my side?â
âMr. Peeple!â
âThe bodyguard outside?â
âMr. Bodyguard!â
âWhat about me?â
The conversation flowed smoothly until that moment, which filled Josie with a sense of foreboding. She interrupted them, asking, âWhat are you doing?â
Dexter did not respond to her.
After giving it some serious thought, Grape said, âYouâre Mr. Russell.â
The way she addressed all of them made them seem equal in her eyes. Dexter simply sat down on the ground, holding Grapeâs chubby little hand as he said earnestly, âGrape, Iâm sure youâre smart enough to know that I am your father. Since Iâm your father, you canât call me Mr. Russell anymore.â
âDexter!â Josie interrupted him, promptly closing her computer. Visibly upset, she chastised him, âI didnât give you permission to tell her like that.â
Dexter wore an expression of surprise. âNo matter what, Iâm her biological father. She is still so young, so she shouldnât have any cognitive obstacles imposed on her. Otherwise, how will you explain it to her when she grows up?â
Josie acknowledged that he had a valid point, but she simply didnât want Grape to acknowledge him. âDonât forget,â she cautioned, âwe only have a contract for a hundred days. I still have custody rights. Whether youâll be able to see her in the future is still uncertain.â
They didnât want to argue in front of the child, but there were certain things that needed to be addressed upfront.
âJosie, have you forgotten? Once these hundred days are over, custody may not necessarily remain in your hands.â
âYou!â
Grape listened to the argument between the two adults, her face filled with confusion, âWhat should I call you then?â
She knew that Dexter was her father, but since Josie had never mentioned it, she didnât dare to refer to him as such, Dexter gently caressed her soft hair. âI am your daddy,â he said.
âHowever, unlike other children, your parents donât live together.â