Chapter 1217: Chapter 1223

Every word and sentence of Mark’s was a heartfelt plea from a father. Josie slowly shook her head, turning to look at Dexter. “Please take him away. We haven’t yet accepted each other. It’s premature to talk about such profound bonds.”

She was always unwilling to accept Mark, not the other way around.

Dexter supported Mark with one hand. Despite having regained his composure just moments ago, he was gradually being pushed into a corner, revealing his struggle.

He directly asked Arnold, “What do you want?”

“Let me leave the country,” answered Arnold.

“When will you release Josie?”

“Once we cross the border, I’ll naturally let her go.”

Dexter’s gaze was intense as it fell upon Josie, clearly struggling to make a decision.

Arnold was calm and composed, already holding the upper hand. “Anyway, I’ve already made a request to Mr. Dalton,” he said nonchalantly. “Perhaps in a little while, this ship will explode. If we all die together, then I won’t be at a loss.”

Dexter’s brow furrowed even more, but Mark was the first to respond, “I’ll have to assign someone to accompany you to ensure Josie’s safety.”

Arnold gave no clear response. He leisurely asked, “What’s the matter, Dexter? Can’t you make a choice yet?”

Josie knew what he was thinking. Arnold’s promise to release the captive was far from simple. It was more about torment.

She nodded at him. “Dexter, you wanted to reconcile with me, didn’t you?”

Dexter’s eyebrows quivered, his eyes trembling.

“You once promised to respect my opinions and follow my choices. If you take Mark away, I might consider reconciling with you.” That statement was a sugar-coated bullet.

Dexter could discern its meaning, but he also understood her plea. However, making a real choice was still challenging.

Just then, his pocket vibrated once more with the familiar hum of his cell phone. Uncertain if he was trying to escape the difficult decision at hand, he pulled it out and answered.

It was unmistakably the voice of Wayne. “Mr. Russell, it’s time for you to leave.”

Dexter stood in the wind, offering no response.

“Your brother-in-law couldn’t reach you, so he went to great lengths to find me. Can you guess what it could be about?”

Dexter’s expression shifted subtly. To prevent Josie from noticing, he subtly turned his body to the side. “What are you thinking of doing?”

“I just want to warn you that if you don’t withdraw now, your daughter won’t be able to return.”

Grape’s in trouble. Dexter abruptly closed his eyes, unable to bear revealing even a hint of his thoughts for fear that Josie would discover them.

For a moment, he pursed his lips. “Wait for me.”

After hanging up the phone, Arnold chuckled. “Have you made up your mind yet?”

“You.” Dexter’s eyes were laced with venom as he lightly pointed the gun in his hand at Arnold. “If you dare to betray me, I’ll ensure your body will be scattered to the wind.”

Josie let out a sigh of relief.

Mark, however, didn’t understand. He shook his head at Dexter. “No, no!”

Dexter spoke softly. “We need to withdraw first. There will be people covering our retreat. Two teams will accompany him across the border. Josie will be safe.”

The choice was a bit cold-hearted from Mark’s perspective. Mark gazed at Josie, “Jo…”

A tremor ran through Josie’s heart. She forced a smile, “Don’t worry.”

Mark was initially reluctant, but upon seeing her smile, he took a step back. “How about this, Arnold? I will personally escort you out of the country, and I promise not to lay a hand on you. What do you say?”

With Josie present, Mark wouldn’t dare to make a move. Thus, Arnold said, “That’s certainly better.”

Dexter had abruptly jumped off the boat, leading the lifeboat away as if there was some urgent matter. That caught Josie’s attention. She felt a pang of suspicion in her heart, yet she wasn’t certain.

Arnold had also noticed, his eyes deep and thoughtful. After Dexter departed, Arnold’s ship immediately set sail for international waters.

Meanwhile, at the dock, Caleb had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Dexter return, he asked, “Why is it only you? Where are the others?”