âWeâre talking about his biological father. We canât expect too much from him.â Dexter picked up a pair of scissors, cut off the root of the rose, and continued the conversation with a smile.
With a gentle squint, Mark expressed his disagreement, âWhen do you plan to let his father out?â
Even he knew Dexter was in control of such matters.
The young man cast a glance at Josie, who was sitting in the corner. Then, he placed the rose in the vase, its petals swaying gently.
âPerhaps when he stops harming others.â Dexter chuckled. âStill, Mr. Olsen, itâs in his nature to harm others, so he needs to be restrained.â
Mark took a sip of tea, his brow smoothing out. âDonât corner a desperate enemy. If he is forced to fight like a trapped beast, you wonât gain any advantage.â
Dexter didnât comment on whether it was good or bad. He simply said he understood.
The housekeeper stepped forward to refill the coffee at the right moment. âA message just came from the Simmons family, saying that the lady of the house has passed away.
Mark expressed surprise, âYou mean the Mrs. Simmons who rose to power through her lover?â
Claudia said, âWhy are you looking at me? I havenât been involved in worldly affairs for many years. Iâm not clear about these things.â
The housekeeper chimed in, âYes, there was quite a fuss about it a couple of years ago. Everyone said she was very resourceful.â
âHow did she die?â
âIt was said to be a sudden death.â
With a cold huff, Mark seemed as if he had heard a joke. âThe Simmons family is a prestigious one, not a place where any Tom, Dick, or Harry can rise to power. She seduced so many men with her dirty deeds in the past, and now sheâs getting her just deserts!â
What he said seemed to make sense, but Josie, sitting on the side, understood the hidden meaning.
She fathomed Mark was criticizing her indirectly.
Heather curiously asked, âFather, whatâs the matter?â
âAll you need to know is that a woman who interferes in someone elseâs marriage never meets a good end.â As Mark finished speaking, his meaningful gaze landed on Josie.
She was dressed lightly, so she felt somewhat cold in the rainy weather. Her fingers were exceptionally pale Last night, Mark saw her interacting with Arnold. So, it was only natural for him to say those things that day.
However, Josie felt the words were more suitable to be directed at Heather.
She wasnât angry either. The corners of her mouth slightly lifted in response to Markâs gaze, blatant and straightforward.
Confronted with her bare gaze, Mark furrowed his brows. A kind of indescribable emotion slowly rose within him.
Josie looked around, then suddenly said, âMr. Olsen, Iâve always been curious about the structure of the Olsen residence while working as a designer. I wonder if I could have the opportunity to take a look around today.â
After she finished speaking, she thoughtfully added, âLaura can accompany me.â
At this point in the conversation, it seemed the host had no room for refusal. With a respectful yet sarcastic tone, he remarked, âI was under the impression that you had already thoroughly explored the Olsen residence, Ms. Warren.â
Josie understood what he implied and responded with a smile.
Before Laura could get up, Claudia stopped her, âLet me do it, Laura. Youâre busy.â
As soon as those words were spoken, Heather couldnât sit still. She stood up. âMother, our house is large, and your legs arenât in the best condition. Let me show Ms. Warren around.â
Her words were reasonable, but Mark gave her a sidelong glance. âYou are the young lady of the Olsen family. Your only duties are to enjoy coffee, arrange flowers, and accompany Dex. Not just anyone has the right to order you around.â
He was belittling Josie between the lines.
On the surface, she was calm and unruffled, but inside, discomfort churned within Josie. Such criticism and belittlement were nothing compared to what she had experienced in her twenty-some years of life.
However, as the words came from her father, Mark, she couldnât help but take it to heart.
Josie caught Dexterâs cryptic gaze. Looking at her, he spoke lightly. âThe rain has lessened. Letâs leave before it stops completely.â