Josie rested in the hotel during the day and received Arnoldâs call that night.
He went straight to the point. âFollow me if you want more clues about Paul.â
Josie had no idea what he was going to do. Still, Arnold was the only person she could rely on in Rivodia.
He told her to come to La Oriele.
Thus, she rushed there and saw Arnold dressed in bright clothes, looking like a male model. He was eye-catching as he stood at the entrance with a group of subordinates behind him. They each held a box.
Josie pursed her lips. âWhich hostess caught your eye? Are you going to redeem her for yourself?â
Arnold placed a hand on her shoulder. âI hit Robert with a liquor bottle yesterday, so I came to apologize.â
Josie stood still and listened.
He continued, âSince you started the incident, you must be there too.â
Josie turned around to leave, but Arnold grabbed her arm and smiled. âPlease play along. Iâve told him youâre my woman. We need to apologize properly today, no matter what.â
Josie was confused. âYou knew this would happen. Why didnât you control yourself yesterday?â
âI wanted to, but no one tried to stop me.â
âI did!â
âAre you sure?â
Josie was rendered speechless.
Speaking of acting, Josie had perfected her skill through numerous practices since marrying. Dexter.
Thus, she could play a role despite not having time to prepare.
She took off her jacket, revealing a flowy dress beneath. Then, she immersed herself into her role and held Arnoldâs arm before heading in with him.
âHubby, you must apologize to Mr. Quincy properly. What happened yesterday was your fault.â
Arnold was delighted. âCall me âHubbyâ again.â
Josie glared at him.
They arrived at a large private lounge where Robert was already seated in the key seat. A few other people were also in the room, including Mr. Vipera.
Robert complained unhappily when they entered. âWhat kind of attitude is this? You asked to meet.
How dare you arrive late?â
âI hear you, Mr. Quincy. It is indeed our fault.â Arnold stepped forward and pulled out a chair. He did not sit down but poured himself three glasses of liquor. The liquor was as clear as water.
âIâll drink these as an apology to you.â
He finished all three glasses immediately.
Someone exclaimed, âMr. Carter has an admirable alcohol tolerance level.â
Robert snorted. âYour little tricks wonât work on me.â
His head was bandaged. Josie was pleased to see him injured.
She took a glass of wine and smiled as she approached him. âWe were wrong yesterday. Thatâs why Arnold and I came to apologize today. You can deal with us as you deem fit.â
Robert regarded her with distrust. âWho knew Paulâs daughter is Arnoldâs lover? Does Paul know?â
His harsh words angered Josie, but she forced herself to calm down. Then, she replied in a low tone, âIsnât my father still missing? Iâll break up with Arnold once he returns.â
The crowd laughed. Arnold also laughed along, but his laughter felt different from others. On the other hand, Robert looked at Josie with disdain. âYou have gotten into our circle and heard too much. Iâm afraid leaving is not an option for you.
Josieâs heart sank. âIn that case, can you guide us on what to do? Arnold and I are listening.â
Robert lit a cigar and took a drag before turning to Arnold. âKneel and prostrate yourself. Then, I will forgive you for what happened yesterday. I will also take in your batch of goods.â
Josie stood up immediately and looked at Arnold with concern.
Arnoldâs smile faded slightly. âMr. Quincyâs request sounds quite reasonable. All I need to do is kneel to secure all these benefits.â