Dexter was watching her.
In the end, Josie came clean, âWhat Arnold meant was he will no longer provide me with medicine if you make a move.â
Upon understanding, Dexter slightly bowed his body, filling up the glass with wine as he asked, âKnowing I would make a move, why did you still tell me?â
Even Josie herself didnât know how to respond. Indeed, she could act as a double agent, secretly serving Arnold while keeping Dexter in the dark. This way, the chances of obtaining the medicine would have been greater.
âThose goods are likely to devastate countless families. I didnât want to see that happen. If Paul were awake, he wouldnât have let me do this either,â Josie responded earnestly.
It was not so much about being noble. Since her family had fallen apart, she simply felt that she shouldnât ignore someone in need for her own benefit.
There was admiration in Dexterâs tone as he asked, âHave you ever thought about why those higher-ups would reveal their plans in front of Arnold? Havenât they ever doubted this apparent âRobynâ?â
Upon hearing this, Josie was taken aback. It was indeed strange. Wavery held Arnold in high regard, so it was impossible that they hadnât given him a heads up in advance.
âWhy? Are you suggesting that there are moles among the higher-ups, deliberately leaking information about Vipera, to put it on alert?â
Dexter took a sip of his wine and said, âItâs too early to draw conclusions now.â
âWould you take action, then?â
In fact, the dilemma had now fallen squarely on Dexter. Once he made a move, Josie would be exposed, and Arnoldâs probing would succeed.
âDo you want to make a move?â he asked all of a sudden, his eyes bright after having a drink, as he looked at her.
Josie furrowed her brows, momentarily at a loss. âOf course.â
âThe answer is right here.â
Josie was puzzled, and as their eyes met, she realized what he meant. âIâll go.â
He tilted his head back to finish his drink, gently placing the empty glass on the table as he said, âThe specifics need to be discussed with Scott and others. You need not worry. This matter will be resolved to the greatest extent possible.â
Josie withdrew her gaze, deciding that the conversation should end here. However, as she turned to leave, she suddenly stopped and asked, âDoes it hurt?â
Dexterâs action of pouring the wine also came to a halt, as if he didnât comprehend the meaning behind her words.
âDoes it hurt, having personally sent your own birth mother to her death?â
As she asked this question, Josieâs eyes were filled with heartache and sympathy. The veins on the back of his hand, clutching the cup, bulged out as he asked, âHow did you know?â
âArnold saw you and insisted that we go in to find out what was happening,â Josie answered truthfully.
Josie was completely face to face with him as she continued, âIâve said it before, you really didnât have to go to such lengths for me. But since things have already been set in stone, I figured you probably had your own difficulties too. Dexter, I should say thank you, and Iâm sorry, we canât go back anymore.â
This was indeed a barefaced answer. Josie had originally planned to discuss it after the contract ended in a hundred days, but now she had no choice but to speak up.
Dexterâs eyes turned a rapid crimson, his concern deepening at her latter words. âWhy bring this up all of a sudden?â
âI felt that youâve misunderstood our relationship, thinking we could reconcile, but we canât anymore.â
No sooner had the words left her lips, than Dexter abruptly reached out, pulling her into his embrace. He forced her to tilt her head back and meet his gaze, his teeth gritted in frustration as he asked, âWhat exactly did Arnold tell you?â
Josie took a deep breath and replied, âHe didnât. The main point is-â
âI donât want to hear it,â Dexter interrupted her directly.
Josie remained silent, unable to utter a word.
After a long silence, Dexter asked with a hoarse voice, âWhy canât we reconcile? From the beginning to the end, there has never been anyone else in my heart, let alone physically. If you donât believe me, you can ask Mr. Peeple or even Moses-â
Josie felt that he was becoming somewhat morbid, so she interrupted him by saying, âItâs not because of that.â
âThen why?â His grip on her arm tightened.