âIt could be set aside.â
At this point in the conversation, Josie was left speechless. Even for her, Wavery, with its friends and colleagues, not to mention the familiar sense of belonging, was indeed a better place.
Yet, she was unwilling to admit it.
Dexter didnât wait for her response. Hearing her slightly hurried breath on the other end, he said, âAll reasons lead back to you being here.â
He also knew that Wavery was the perfect place for her, which was why he returned.
Holding her phone, her palm began to sweat. Josie gave a soft scoff, and without thinking, she said, âYouâre too opinionated.â
After Dexter heard that, he let it pass, asking. âDonât you have anything you want to say to me?â
As they chatted, it occurred to Josie that she had to inform him about the situation in Wavery. She briefly described the Olsen familyâs attitude toward her and the prejudices she faced within their social circle. âAs for the police, it seems they plan to keep the matter about Arnold under wraps. You should be aware of this, so I wonât elaborate further.â
Dexter paused thoughtfully, then suddenly asked, âHas Laura returned?â
âYes. A few hours ago. The itinerary should have been synchronized with yours.â
He seemed lost in thought, not speaking for a moment. Josie asked, âWhen can I see Grape?â
âAnytime. Does Mark know about the childâs existence?â
Josie paused, her tone somewhat icy. âShouldnât I be the one asking you? You took it upon yourself to reveal my itinerary. I thought you had already revealed it.â
She wasnât naive. She naturally understood that Dexter was involved in this series of plans.
He didnât deny it. âIâm sorry. I had no other choice at the time.â
He was indeed very intelligent. If it hadnât been for Markâs intervention, there was a high chance that he would have died. Therefore, Josie couldnât bring herself to hate him.
She let out a sigh. âI didnât mention anything about Grape.â
âMe neither.â
That was for the best. Josie had no intention of letting them know. However, this meant she couldnât see Grape whenever she wished. It would be somewhat troublesome. âPlease, take good care of Grape for me. As soon as I leave the Olsen residence, Iâll come to see her.â
At that moment, Grape was in Dexterâs hands, and she was finally at ease.
âIâm afraid it wonât work. Youâd better stay with the Olsen family.â
Josie furrowed her brows. âWhy?â
She had expected him to cite reasons related to personal gain, but instead, he said, âDonât you find it odd? When you were in Rivodia, Laura was there too. However long you stayed, she stayed just as long. Now that youâre back, sheâs followed suit. Leaving aside whether these are mere coincidences, consider this. Every time youâve faced danger, sheâs been present. Does that seem logical to you?â
Josie opened her mouth, instinctively wanting to explain. But as she thought about it, something seemed off. Two years had passed, and her understanding of Laura was no longer what it used to be. Earlier in the car, she seemed a bit off, too.
âWhat do you mean?â
âItâs not wise to jump to conclusions without evidence, but my suggestion is that even if itâs for these inconsistencies, you should stay.â
Josieâs steps became hesitant after she ended the call.
In the courtyard, Laura, who accompanied Mark, seemed like a perfect daughter. As she reported on her work, Mark would often nod in affirmation. The atmosphere was harmonious, filled with a profound sense of trust.
âLeanne?â Markâs gaze caught sight of Josie, immediately interrupting Laura. He waved his hand. âCome over here.â
âLaura, I had Leanne deliver a contract for collaboration with Juliette today. Have you received any feedback? She did a good job, didnât she?â
With a warm and respectful smile, Mark spoke, his excitement palpable. It was a blatant display of his pride.
Lauraâs natural smile froze momentarily. She glanced at Josie, then lowered her head to continue pouring tea. âOf course, thereâs no doubt about Leanneâs abilities,â she said.
âHow about this? Let her join the company for some hands-on experience. What do you think?â