Chapter 1221: Chapter 1227

What remained unchanged over the years was Claudia’s refreshing and gentle aesthetic sense. Although the house had been refurbished, one could still sense the spirit within. It wasn’t just about opulence. What mattered more was the familiarity it held.

“Something unfortunate happened in the past, so we had to start over. All the arrangements here are your mother’s… Claudia reviewed all your design works and personally redesigned them. Take a look. Don’t they look familiar?” said Mark Upon hearing that, Josie understood. No wonder it feels familiar. It turned out that most of the place is related to my own design.

She surveyed the surroundings, refraining from passing any judgment. Mark followed closely behind Josie, eagerly anticipating her response.

After a while, Josie smiled, turning her gaze toward the gentle and serene Claudia. “Stealing my ideas could land you in court.”

Everyone present felt their hearts skip a beat. She really doesn’t mince her words.

Those sentiments of maternal longing failed to move Josie. On the contrary, she remained utterly indifferent and cool.

Claudia calmly expressed, “Indeed, I didn’t consider things thoroughly enough. If you’re upset, I’ll assemble a new team to rectify this.”

It seemed as though she was overbearing.

Josie pressed her lips together. “Just kidding.”

Mark and Claudia exchanged glances, unsure whether they should laugh at the joke or not.

“I’m tired. Could you please tell me where my room is?” asked Josie.

Regaining his composure, Mark quickly said, “Everything has been prepared for you. Cross the hall, and you’ll find a standalone building in the backyard. It’s all yours.”

That was the best spot. It had remained vacant for the past two years.

“Emily, quickly escort her to there,” ordered Mark.

Immediately, a young housekeeper stepped forward, guiding Josie onward.

As Josie passed by the crowd, her expression remained indifferent. She only lifted her gaze once, locking eyes with the nanny nny from the Russell family. Afterward, a faint hint of mockery tugged at the corner of her mouth.

Two years ago, Dexter had planted a mole in the Russell family. Surprisingly, even now, the mole remained deeply embedded there, undetected.

Mark and Claudia stood still, silently watching Josie walk away, unable to speak for a long time.

The latter let out a soft sigh. “She has lost a lot of weight.”

Mark gently wrapped his arms around Claudia’s shoulders, giving her a comforting pat. “She’ll recover.” I wonder, will her heart recover as well?

The backyard was dotted with numerous standalone mansions, but Josie’s was the most notable. It boasted the best location, situated right at the center.

Emily must have been new around there. She enthusiastically introduced Josie. “This house has finally welcomed its rightful owner. Over the past two years, Mrs. Olsen has been coming to clean every single day. She’s been truly dedicated.”

In the courtyard, a magnolia tree had been planted. It was the season of blossoming, and the fragrance of the flowers filled the air, falling into the embrace of the night.

Josie stood in the yard for a while, gazing into the distance. “Whose house is that over there?”

“It belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Olsen, but the two of them rarely stayed here.”

“What about the other side?”

Looking over, Emily said, “It’s been abandoned. Mrs. Olsen told us not to clean it, saying it doesn’t need any attention.”

At that point, Josie probably understood it belonged to Summer.

The house was immaculate, so much so that it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say it was spotless. The walk-in closet was stocked with all the season’s clothing. Nothing was missing. Josie leaned against the door, her emotions a tangled web.

After sending Emily away, Josie took a shower just as her phone finished charging.

Aside from news about Mallory, there was nothing else.

She furrowed her brows slightly, a sense of unease continuing to ferment within her. Dexter had been gone for several hours without a single message, which was unlike him.

She typed a line of text into the box, then deleted it, repeating that process several times, but she couldn’t bring himself to send it.