âIs Russell Group planning to restructure the Design Department?â Josie probed.
Dexterâs arm, which was snug around her waist, slackened slightly. âYouâve managed to piece it together.â
âTo be more precise, Russell Group has its eyes on restructuring the entire construction division, which would inevitably involve the Design Department,â Dexter explained.
A frown graced Josieâs forehead. âBut hasnât the real estate market in Wavery already reached its saturation point? Didnât they decide to step back from that?â
Dexterâs eyes held a veil of mystery. âPlans can change. The real estate market might have reached saturation, but profits wonât dwindle. Carter Group took a hit, yet they still have seven construction sites. lined up, ready to begin work. Once those projects kick off, profits are guaranteed.â
Russell Group aimed to carve out a slice of that profitable market.
Josie comprehended the situation. She sighed helplessly, momentarily lost for words.
Dexterâs fingers played with her cascading hair. âWhatâs troubling you?â
âIâm scared, Dexter.â Josie met his gaze with vulnerability. âI saw someone die under the rubble for the first time. It was horrifying. I donât want to witness anything like that ever again.â
Unspoken in her words was the plea to shield him from situations resembling the Arnold incident.
However, she was also well aware that over the past years, Dexter had risen amidst a sea of unspoken murders and concealed deaths. Detaching him from such complexities was near impossible.
Dexterâs silence hung in the air, his gaze serene as it rested upon her. His words mirrored that tranquility.
âI promise you, that wonât happen again. Even if Arnold dares to confront me.â
While his tone was composed, his determination was evident, leaving Josie taken aback. âAre you trying to reassure me?â
âIâve promised no more lies between us,â Dexter replied with a tender look.
Josieâs chuckle carried a sincere trust in his words.
Feeling much lighter, she cast aside worries about Russell Groupâs reorganization affecting her studioâs operations.
âOh, by the way, what were you about to say earlier?â
Her vibrant smile was captivating, reminiscent of a fresh and irresistible pear tree blossoming under the night sky.
Dexterâs gaze lingered on her. In that fleeting moment, his words remained caught in his throat.
âItâs nothing important. Iâve forgotten, Dexter finally responded.
Josie harbored no doubt, playfully winking at him. Then Iâll go freshen up with a shower first.â
As the graceful form of the woman vanished from view, Dexter found himself enveloped in silence. His lips still held a trace of a smile, but gradually, his expression turned solemn as she ascended the staircase. Once she was out of sight, the smile on his face slowly faded.
Mark Olsen had called an hour earlier. During the call, he quickly cut to the chase. âYouâre well aware of Leanneâs situation; suddenly introducing her into my company isnât ideal. Given your relationship since childhood and her trust in you now, why not have her work closely with you?â
He was merely a few words away from exposing her role as a planted spy.
âMr. Olsen, Russell Group isnât open to just anyone, Dexter stated with a hint of suppressed impatience in his voice.
âI know, but Leanne is an exception. Youâve had a close relationship since childhood and always looked out for her.â
Dexter maintained his silence, not entirely pleased with Markâs insinuations.
âShe was in tears earlier. Did you say something to her?â Mark inquired further.
Dexterâs grip on the phone tightened. âMr. Olsen, have her visit Russell Group tomorrow.â
Mark Olsenâs goal was attained with this decision, and he hung up, his satisfaction apparent.
Larry, who had overheard the conversation, expressed his apprehensions. âIs this wise? What if Madam. finds outâ¦â
Dexter closed his eyes briefly. He had debts about Leanne, and Mark Olsen had seized vulnerability.
After contemplating, he spoke seriously, âStarting tomorrow, youâll be reassigned to the construction division.â
Larryâs expression mirrored his confusion.
âAre you suggesting⦠that you want Miss Olsen to work alongside you?â Larryâs voice was laced with uncertainty.
âThe Olsen Family desires this, and Iâll accommodate them. Whether sheâs capable of standing her ground, time will tell.â Dexterâs response was tinged with a mix of determination and caution.