The torrential rain relentlessly fell that dark night.
Josie didnât want to recall the humiliation of the afternoon, so she avoided him. âThank you for not pushing the door open and entering at that time.â
Regardless, given the circumstances at that time, it did provide her with a sense of dignity.
The smile in Arnoldâs eyes grew colder and colder. He brushed away the hair sticking to her cheek. âI regret it.â
Under the glow of the wall lamp, Josie looked at him, puzzled. âRegret what?â she asked.
âI regret not taking you on the day you were drugged.â Arnoldâs tone was calm, but his words were significant, causing her brows to furrow tightly.
âHave you lost your mind?â
âIâm not insane.â Arnold toyed with a strand of her hair, unable to let go. âEven if it means letting those despicable people succeed, I still want you, Josie. I regret it every single day.
While he was on the rooftop today, his regret reached its peak.
Josie pushed him away, lowering her voice. âDid Mark invite you for coffee or alcohol? Stop acting crazy with me!â
Arnold smoothly stepped back, leaning against the wall. His demeanor reverted to that of his carefree days, exuding an air of nonchalance. However, the desire for possession in his eyes was blatantly obvious. âIâll get a divorce. Youâll come with me, Josie. I can do it.
His gaze was exceptionally resolute yet extraordinarily indifferent, filled with rationality.
Josie began to realize that his intense emotions were not solely to spite Dexter.
âYour wife is in the next room, falling apart, and here you are contemplating divorce, Arnold. As a husband, this is quite inappropriate.â
A strong sense of immorality surged within her.
Arnold remained silent, simply staring at her, wishing he could possess her.
âIf you divorce, the Olsen family will no longer be your support. The Carter Group eanât always have smooth sailing. Are you planning to continue relying on Mr. Dalton?â
âWhy not?â
Josie almost burst into laughter. She turned around. âEven if I leave, I wonât go with you. Weâre all adults here, so donât get carried away.â
A shadow fell over her as he gently held her, resting against her shoulder. He let out a soft sigh, his body carrying the scent of smoke. âDexter intends to expand Russell Groupâs influence. He has to rely on the Olsen family. Therefore, his relationship with Liana is inseparable. You wonât get another chance.â
Upon hearing that, a pang of sorrow suddenly struck Josieâs heart.
âYou canât manage what Iâm planning to do.â
âThose who strive will not be let down. Give it some thought.â
At the end of the corridor, someone pushed open a door, casting a beam of light. Silhouetted against the light, someone stood. Arnold and Josie seemed like two intertwined vines leaning on each other.
The rain had been falling all night, showing no signs of stopping.
The next morning, everyone was seated in the grand hall of the Olsen residence, with Claudia brewing coffee for everyone.
Heather sat to one side, learning flower arrangements from the housekeeper. From time to time, she would ask Dexter for his opinion. He would occasionally offer a few suggestions or help her adjust the placement, their demeanor close and intimate.
Laura sat at the desk, dealing with work.
Arnold had just stepped out of Summerâs room when he reported a few things to Mark. Suddenly, his phone rang.
Whatever was said on the other end prompted him to shift his gaze onto Dexter, who was instructing Heather in flower arrangement. âIâll be right there,â he said.
âWhere are you going? Itâs not suitable to go out in such heavy rain,â Claudia asked.
Arnold respectfully replied, âThere seems to be a problem with my father. I need to go and check on him.â
Speaking of which, Claudia didnât ask any more questions. She walked him to the door. âTake care on your way.â
Mark withdrew his gaze after Arnold left. âThis kid is still not indifferent enough.â