âMy younger brother.â
Mallory hummed in agreement. âHe has changed a lot now. Iâm sure youâre aware, too. If you trust him, I can arrange a time for you two to meet.â
âNo need. Iâm being watched by many people; itâs too conspicuous. Iâll go back and contact him.â
Since Josieâs identity had been usurped, it was likely that her every move had been under constant surveillance.
âI think I more or less have an idea about the outcome. What are you planning to do?â Mallory asked clearly.
Upon hearing this, Josie paused her lipstick application and slightly lifted her gaze. Ahead of her was a bustling stream of traffic, which, framed by towering skyscrapers on either side, seemed as insignificant as ants.
âReclaim whatâs rightfully mine.â The lipstick cover snapped shut with a click, a sound that seemed to emphasize her determination.
And on her face was an unprecedented resolve.
Mallory floored the gas pedal, overtaking everyone on the wide road.
On the top floor of Russell Group, Moses had just finished with his report and left when Zachariah happened to walk in from outside with a box of tea leaves in hand. âI just got some chamomile tea.
Want at drink?â
Dexter removed his neatly tailored suit jacket and set it aside while Zachariah had already taken a seat, starting to boil water on his own.
âHowâs the Southern District?â Dexter sat in the main seat.
âEdward Carter has been beaten to the point of needing medical attention and can no longer handle it physically. Arnold has already applied for bail pending trial.â
Dexter scoffed, âHeâs been applying for years without any success. He sure is persistent.â
Zachariah grabbed a handful of tea leaves, placed them in the teapot, and poured in hot water before putting on the lid.
âSome battles are destined to be lost from the start. Heâs simply overestimating his capabilities. That person from Rivodia canât get involved with this; he canât even manage the recent fall in the Carter Groupâs stock prices, let alone Edward.â Zachariah poured tea into the cups. âI wonder why Arnold is so hell-bent on him.â
Dexter took one. âHeâs doing this because Mr. Dalton still has value to him. Heâs a desperado. Itâs really not known whoâs being used as a toolâ
Zachariah frowned. âHeâs that confident that Mr. Dalton wonât betray him?â
âHe has been handling affairs for Mr. Dalton for so many years and has long become the latterâs confidant. When the time comes, whose orders those subordinates will listen to is still up for debate.â
Dexter brought the teacup to his nose, took a light sniff, and then took a sip. âIf he gets caught, Mr.
Dalton wonât be able to escape either. Their fates are dependent on each otherâ
The tea was slightly bitter, not to his liking.
âThen, what on Earth are they doing? The Carter Groupâs stocks are plummeting so much that theyâve practically lost the trust of their investors. On top of that, Russell Group has snatched several major projects from them in the construction sector. They already seem to be on the verge of collapse. Why isnât Mr. Dalton doing anything about it?â
Zachariah was the puppet master, so he was fully aware of the current situation of the Carter Group.
âThereâs no need for him to intervene. Wavery still has the Olsen family. Mark will naturally clean up the mess for Mr. Dalton.â
Realization dawned on Zachariah, and he clicked his tongue. âAs long as he doesnât divorce Summer, he has a way out. Heâs truly riding on her coattails.â
Dexter didnât express his opinion and instead stared at the ripples in his teacup.
âWhat about you?â Zachariah playfully nudged the manâs arm. âThereâs a rumor going around about you and Liana. Are you gonna ride on her coattails?â
At the mention of that, Dexter pressed the center of his forehead. âNo.â
âIâm not joking with you. You and Liana have been close since childhood, so sheâs not considered a third party. Moreover, if you and the Olsen family have a marriage alliance, Russell Group will undoubtedly become more powerful. Donât tell me youâve never considered this.â
As Zachariah spoke, he fixed his gaze on Dexterâs expression but unfortunately couldnât discern anything. He drew in a sharp breath, adding, âYouâre not⦠still thinking about Josie, are you?â