âWhat do you think? Two years ago, he suffered a fatal blow. Now, heâs extremely fragile, burdened by both physical and psychological stress. You understand.â
Dexter wore a serious expression, seemingly lost in thought.
âGot an idea?â Calvin sat down and took a sip of the coffee he had brewed. He spat it out as soon as it hit his tongue. âDamn, why is it so bitter?â
Dexter lifted his gaze. âIt tastes better after a while. Give it another taste.â
Calvin was half convinced. He took another sip, but it was still unbearably bitter.
He furrowed his brows and said, âRegarding Josieâs matter, should we send word from Rivodia back to Wavery? Just say the word, and Iâll handle it for you.â
Indeed, having Markâs support at this time was a significant boost. However, Dexter simply rose and walked to the window, his back figure exuding loneliness. âForget it.â
âWhy?â
âJosie doesnât want it.â
That sentence left Calvin frozen in place. The Dexter he knew never cared about what others thought.
Calvin rubbed his temples, feeling somewhat helpless. âShe brought you so much trouble. I donât know whether itâs a blessing or a curse.â
âA curse?â Dexter chuckled. âI donât think so.â
The two empty years had made him realize that her presence by his side was indeed his blessing.
Left with no choice, Calvin took a deep breath and walked over to Dexter. âTo be honest,â he said, âno matter how much you do, she may not necessarily be yours. Yet, itâs you who will have to pay a countless price.â
âCalvin,â Dexter suddenly called out his name.
Calvin raised an eyebrow, uttering a hum of acknowledgment.
âDid you notice Grape when you entered? Sheâs so tiny, yet sheâs so lively and full of wild ideas. Sheâs half like me and half like her. My heart melts just by looking at her.â
In Dexterâs eyes, there was a gentleness that Calvin had never seen before.
âBefore I met her, I never thought I could have children,â Dexter added.
âIf you like children, you could-
âIt was never just about the child. Even without Grape, I would have found Josie. Everything else is insignificant.â
Calvin was momentarily at a loss for words.
There was a time when he thought the person before him didnât even need love. But reality proved that he did need it, and all he needed was Josie.
After a moment, Dexter gave him a pat on the shoulder. âSettle down as soon as you can. Donât keep her waiting too long.â
He was referring to Mallory who had come to visit together with him.
Before leaving Russell Mansion, Calvin held up a cup of coffee brewed by Dexter, insisting that Mallory should also have a taste.
Mallory took a sip, her face full of distaste. âItâs so bitter.â
âDo you think it tastes better after a while?â
Mallory was doubtful. She tasted it again carefully. âNo.â
Upon hearing the noise, Josie came out and was startled by the peculiar scene before her. âIs this what was contained in the small jar on the table?â
After some thought, Calvin said, âYes. Dexter said itâs good coffee.â
Josie couldnât help but burst into laughter. âItâs expired. The servant didnât have time to throw it away.â
Faced with two petrified figures, Josie couldnât help but laugh. She looked up and was startled to find Dexter standing on the stairs, also revealing a faint smile.
Why is he acting like a child? But he seems to be smiling a lot more now.
Regaining his senses, Calvin exclaimed, âDexter! Damn you!â
Dexter couldnât help but burst into laughter as well. Calmly, he turned around and answered his phone.
It was a call from Larry. âMr. Russell the approval for that piece of land has been granted. It now belongs to Wavery and Russell Group.â
Dexterâs smile gradually faded. âAll right.â