Arnold merely glanced once. âItâs just a stray bullet. No big deal.â
However, Josie had already swiftly picked up his gun, gripping it tightly with both hands. She pointed it at him. âI really wish I could kill you right now.â
Josephine lunged forward. âHow dare you!â
Arnold was not nervous at all. He gazed at the deep blue sky. âDonât worry, the last person in the world who would want me dead is her.â
He was right. Even when Josie gripped the gun tightly, several times contemplating ending it all for him, she just couldnât bring herself to pull the trigger.
She had too many things to consider.
The ship set sail, with Wayneâs men waiting offshore to receive it. In the midst of this, Mark respectfully sounded the shipâs horn as a signal.
Finally, Josie withdrew her hand. Arnold watched her silhouette. âGet off the boat, go.â
Not only was Josephine surprised, but even Josie didnât expect him to be so forthright.
âWhat, you donât want to leave?â remarked Arnold.
Josie tossed the gun to Scar, who was nearby. The latter hastily caught it, then asked, âWhat about the two undercover agents? Should we release them, too?â
âRelease? See if theyâre still where we left them.â
Upon hearing that, Josie finally felt at ease to disembark from the boat. Her silhouette was resolute as she walked away. Mark was waiting on the other side, watching her safely cross over. He was almost moved to tears. âJosieâ¦â
After a moment of hesitation, Josie finally took his hand, using his strength to board the ship. She paused briefly before saying, âIâm okay now.â
Suddenly, Mark reached out, pulling her into his embrace. âYouâre back. Thatâs all that matters.â
The sound of the old manâs tears of joy echoed in her ears, and it was hard for her not to be moved. Yet, she didnât know how to express her feelings. After a long while, when he finally let go, she asked, âWhere is Dexter?â
Wiping away his tears, Mark couldnât get enough of the sight before him. âThere must be some urgent matter demanding his attention. Letâs head back first, okay?â
Josie looked behind him, where his entourage stood at the ready. In unison, they called out, âMs. Olsen!â
It seemed that was the treatment the sole heiress of the Olsen family should have received.
Josie lowered her gaze. âYou should go back.â
Naturally, they docked at the pier in Wavery. Mallory had been waiting for a long time, and among her were some important leaders. It seemed that Markâs emergence at that time had truly shaken everyone up. âOld Mr. Olsen, howâs your health? Everything alright?â
Throughout, Mark held onto Josieâs hand tightly, his emotions running high. âIâm fine.â He insisted urgently, âQuickly, find a doctor for my daughter. Sheâs been frightened and sheâs been locked up in the water dungeon for far too long!â
Thus, after all the commotion, Josie still went ahead and got the check-up first. There wasnât any serious issue, but a stay in the hospital for an IV drip was necessary for her.
âIâm relieved youâre okay. You really scared me.â Mallory said, seizing an opportunity to converse with Josie. She then shared crucial news to ease Josieâs worries. âDexter had to return to Rivodia urgently, but donât worry.â
Josie didnât want to admit her worries. As she watched Scott busily pacing outside the hospital room, she couldnât help but call him in. âArnold personally told me the cash was counterfeit. Weâve been duped.â
Scott let out a sigh. âWeâre aware now. Itâs our fault for not planning thoroughly enough. Ms. Warren, you shouldnât bear such a heavy burden.â
Josie pressed her lips together, reflecting that perhaps if she had been a bit more composed, things might not have turned out this way.
Seeing her look of loss, Scott joked, âWe canât call you Ms. Warren anymore. Should we change that now?â
Her gaze fell upon Mark, busily working outside. He was hands-on with many things, unlike an elder holding a high position.
Mallory crossed her arms. âThe Olsen family has indeed made significant efforts to find you these past two years.â
Josieâs expression remained calm. Something crossed her mind, and she asked, âHow could Mark have found out about this?â