âJo.â Charles put down his fork and looked at Josie. âIt seems that your invitation today was for more than just a meal.â
Josie apologized, âI know itâs against the rules, but I had to come to you for help with a family matter. I realize I may have overstepped my bounds.â
Charles stopped eating. He cleaned his hands with a napkin.
Laura explained at the right moment, âSummer is currently not accepted by the Olsen family, and her life is extremely difficult. With Arnold missing, she naturally has no place in the Carter family. Logically speaking, if Arnold is gone, she should be the first inheritor. But now, she canât get anything.â
Josie said, âI want to help her.â
Finally, Charles understood. He looked out at the river view and said, âJo, youâre helping the person who once tried to kill you.â
âAll of that is in the past.â
âAll right, speak up. If thereâs anything I can help with, let me know. But remember, I wonât be involved in anything that breaks the rules,â Charles said.
âActually, itâs not that complicated. I want Summer to meet Edward, who is Arnoldâs father, currently imprisoned. As long as she could meet him, Summerâs standing in the Carter family should improve.â
As she spoke those words, Josie was filled with fear and trepidation.
Charlesâs face changed instantly when he heard Edwardâs name. He then immediately refused by saying, âThatâs impossible. Do you even know what youâre saying?â
âWhy? Itâs just a prison visit, a right that every family member possesses.â
âEdward is serving a life sentence. He was a significant figure in Wavery. Jo, does Dexter know about the decision you made today?â
Charles harbored deep concerns.
Josieâs face quickly darkened when she heard those words. âHe is my ex-husband. It has nothing to do with him.â
âAs for Summer, Arnold has nothing to do with her anymore!â
âThatâs not true. He had merely disappeared. They hadnât divorced.â
Josie was resolute. Dexter had told her that the news of Arnoldâs reappearance as Robyn had not yet reached Charles. Therefore, she could say, âMr. Zimmerman, I know youâve been upset these past two years because you couldnât find Arnold. But what if we use Summer as bait? He might just show up, donât you think?â
Laura pursed her lips, listening to Josieâs gentle persuasion.
âItâs killing two birds with one stone. Itâs worth giving a shot.â
Josie managed a smile at Charles. âBefore Grandpa passed away, he told me that I could turn to you, Mr. Zimmerman, for anything.â
Charles clicked his tongue when he heard that.
Henry had shown him kindness in his early years, and when Josie revealed his identity, he had no chance to refute it.
In the end, Charles agreed, making a compromise. âIâll have someone handle it, but everything must be done according to the rules.â
Josie curved her lips into a smile. âYouâre the best, Mr. Zimmerman.â
A chuckle resonated through the Bluetooth earpiece nestled in Josieâs ear. Arnold said leisurely, âYouâre quite adept at acting coy. It seems youâll be able to handle many things in the future.â
Josie swallowed hard, wishing she could just throw her earpiece away.
This meal had been tainted by business dealings, leaving Charles rather displeased. When it was time to leave, he didnât let Josie accompany him, choosing instead to depart with his secretary.
Watching the vehicle disappear into the distance, Laura patted her chest. âWhat on earth are you planning to do? You even involved Charles. Jo, you scared me to death.â
Josie apologized by saying, âIâm sorry for making you act with me, but so far, I havenât been able to find anyone more suitable.â
âWhat do you mean? What are you trying to do?â
In reality, for the past two years, Laura hadnât heard any news from Summer. Everything she just said was made up.
Josie gazed at the car not far away and replied, âIâll tell you later.â