Arnold didnât come alone. He brought with him a group of skilled individuals. However, they were outnumbered there, and the situation didnât look promising.
Perched on a high vantage point, Arnold watched as Markâs ship gradually drew closer. Suddenly, he declared, âJosie is already dead.â
Dexterâs pupils contracted sharply, clearly seeing Mark lean back when he heard those words. Then, he made a concerted effort to regain his composure. âIf sheâs dead, I still must see her body. If you canât deliver today, donât even think about leaving the country.â
Arnoldâs expression hardened, revealing an almost imperceptible hint of provocation. âRather than asking me for her, you may as well send someone out to sea. It may even be faster.â
The implication of those words was clear as day: Josie had perished in the sea with no chance of return.
Mark paused for a moment before he spoke. âThatâs acceptable too. You can accompany her to the underworld today.â
As he raised his hand, the people behind him hoisted their guns.
The situation was the same for Arnold. In the vast expanse of the sea, two ships stood their ground, each commanding their own territory.
Inside the secret room, Josieâs pain had gradually subsided. She faintly heard a noise coming from above. Listening carefully, she recognized it as the sound of a loudspeaker. âHave we left Wavery yet?â she asked.
One of them checked the locator. âArnold is about to leave the country.â
âIs Dexter still on the boat?â
No one responded, which she took as silent agreement.
Then, someone responded, âArnold had taken Mr. Russell hostage, using Mr. Russell as a means to secure his escape from the country.â
Holding such a bargaining chip, itâs no wonder that Caleb and his team had let Arnold go. Although, itâll be lucky for Dexter to escape unscathed, seeing that Arnold absolutely despises Dexter! Taking a deep breath, Josie acknowledged that, with her latest status, she wasnât suitable to go out.
Thus, she pleaded, âI just want to take a look. I wonât do anything rash. Is there a way?â
The others were clearly in a difficult position, taking the initiative to explain, âMr. Russell is safe at the moment. Negotiations are currently underway outside.â
âIs there room for negotiation? Dexter and I were both on the ship. Who could Arnold possibly negotiate with?â
âYour father.â
Josieâs pupils contracted. She quickly discerned that the father being referred to was not Paul but rather Mark.
Why is he here? Overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, Josie had lost all sense of reason. She abruptly rose and rushed to the door, clinging to the window, gazing at the light outside.
Indeed, the outside was already prepared for what was to come. Mark stood at the bow of the ship, his figure faintly visible in the dim light. Even though he was over fifty years old, his vigor had not faded in the slightest.
However, his hair had already turned gray.
Josie covered her mouth, a sense of disbelief washing over her. She couldnât comprehend why her actions had alarmed Mark. At that time, her actions had nothing to do with the interests of the Olsen family. The only thing that connected them was herself! He came for my sake.
âAre you certain, Old Mr. Olsen? If you kill me, no one will ever know where Josie drew his last breath. It will be quite a task to find her then.
Surely, you wouldnât want the Olsen family ancestral hall to forever lack the name of Josie, would you?â With a mischievous grin, Arnold spoke in a tone that was both threatening and manipulative.
He knew he was no match for Mark. The tide had turned against him in Wavery, and once he was ensnared, there would be no chance for him to turn things around.
Arnoldâs words struck Markâs heart deeply. Mark said in a grave voice, âIâll repeat what I said before. If sheâs dead, I want to see her body. If you donât want to die, turn around now and pull her up.â
Arnold glanced at Dexter. The sun had already risen halfway into the sky, casting light on Dexterâs lean and neat figure. Dexter showed no signs of nervousness. Instead, he seemed overly calm.
The two of them locked eyes.
âYouâve got the wrong person, Old Mr. Olsen, if youâre asking me for her,â uttered Arnold.