The place where they dined was very secluded. Upon opening the window, one could see the river flowing outside, which appeared particularly serene under the moonlight.
âWhy didnât you return to Wavery, but instead settled in Rivodia?â Charles personally poured Josie a drink.
Josie answered honestly, âI work here. Also, Wavery brings about too many headaches. You understand, donât you, Mr. Zimmerman?â
Naturally, Charles understood. From his position, he could empathize more with her difficulties. âDonât worry. The Olsen family is safe.â
Josieâs drinking motion paused for a moment when she heard that. She then uttered abruptly. âI know.â
âDo you know?â Charles was quite surprised.
âOver the past couple of years abroad, Iâve heard bits and pieces. Plus, my younger sister is part of the Olsen family, so weâve kept in touch. Henceâ¦â
Josieâs lying was evidently not very natural, but in this context, it seemed somewhat believable.
Listening through his Bluetooth earpiece, Arnold sneered.
âSister? Are you talking about Summer?â Charles asked.
âYes.â
After some serious thought, Charles said, âI havenât heard much about Summer. How did you manage to get in touch with her? I remember you two werenât on good terms.â
The waiter brought the dishes out one after another. After the waiter left, Josie said, âShe knew she hadnât done well, always keeping a low profile. Perhaps her reaching out to me was her way of finding peace.â
She spoke those words insincerely. Both of them wished for nothing more than for the other to drop dead. There was simply no chance for reconciliation.
Two days ago, Josie had paid a visit to Arnold, explaining her conditions to him. She needed to meet Summer first before she could approach Charles. Upon hearing this, Arnold laughed, âYou want me to find my ex-wife?â
âWhat ex-wife are you talking about? It seems like you guys never got divorced.â
Josie scoffed. âI just want to put on a show!â
Arnold responded directly, âI canât do it. If the Olsen family finds out itâs me, theyâll kill me even faster than you would.â
âDo you really want to see your father or not?â she asked. This person is simply not sincere at heart.
Arnold sat on the sofa, crossed his legs casually, and said to her, âYou can find someone else.â
âWho?â
âZachâs wife, Laura. Isnât she in Rivodia recently?â
Therefore, Josie finally had the opportunity that day.
Upon hearing that, Charles shook his head. âYouâre too kind-hearted. That childâs heart isnât as pure as yours. All the plans youâve made for her, theyâre not worth it.â
Josie stirred the vegetables in her bowl. âHow did you know that I was planning for her?â
Charles became interested, raising an eyebrow as he leaned back. âWerenât you?â
The two exchanged a glance, and Josie caved in. She put on a forced smile of feigned sympathy. âI heard it from my sister-in-law. Sheâs not doing well now. Her parents have abandoned her, and sheâs gone from being a pampered young lady to a mere worker. You can only imagine the drastic change.â
She raised her hand in a gesture, and Laura entered from outside, showing utmost respect. âHi, Mr. Zimmerman.â
Charles found it interesting. He glanced at Josie before looking at Laura. âWhoâs this?â
âSheâs the sister-in-law I mentioned before, Laura.â
Laura understood and quickly explained, âMr. Zimmerman, we met at the investment promotion conference in Wavery last time.â
âOh, I understand now. I have praised you for your accomplishments at such a young age.â
With a modest expression, Laura denied it and said, âI was the one who told Jo about Summer. Well, because both parents⦠Mr. Zimmerman, you understand, right?â
Charles began to scrutinize with a discerning gaze. From his position, he had witnessed far too much infighting.