When Josie woke up the next day, she was plagued by a splitting headache.
The instant she unlocked her phone, a pile of missed calls and messages grected her. Her brows furrowed when she saw a news notification with a photo of her and Morgan, caught in a seemingly intimate tug-of- war by the street.
She nearly fainted at the sight of it. The journalist also spun an intimate story, saying they embraced each other by the street as their love overflowed.
Words cluded her.
I was having a row with him! Are journalistsâ eyesight that bad these days?
Josie was wholly frustrated. Without even looking at those messages, she already knew who they were from.
In the afternoon, Mallory sat in her sunlit office. Scrolling through her phone, she doubled over in laughter. âThe photo turned out pretty well, capturing the intimate atmosphere perfectly.â
Josie couldnât be bothered to move. âIâm not a celebrity. Why are there always paparazzi following me?â
âCould it be that they were following Morgan? The visit of Bastille Groupâs CEO to Wavery to invest is big news. Itâll be reported on TV in the next couple of days, so many people must be keeping an eye on him.â
Mallory switched off her phone before adding. âThey probably didnât expect that theyâd end up writing entertainment gossip when they originally wanted financial news. I guess youâve saved the day in a roundabout way.â
Josie was in a dilemma.
âActually, Iâm more interested in Dexterâs reaction.â
In an instant, her headache intensified. The person Dexter detests most is Morgan. If he were to learn about this, I canât imagine what he would do to me.
At that precise moment, Angel knocked on the office door. âMs. Jo, thereâs a parcel for you.â
Josie took it and opened it. To her surprise, it was a peach blossom inside.
She was promptly dumbfounded.
âItâs almost autumn now. Where did this peach blossom come from?â Mallory exclaimed in surprise.
Frowning, Josie glanced at the senderâs phone number on the parcel. Without hesitation, she took out his phone and placed the call. After three rings, the call connected.
Before she could speak, a manâs voice came through. âGuess where I am.â
Josie said nothing.
Since she remained silent, Morgan continued, âRussell Groupâs conference room.â
Still, Josie held her tongue.
âDexter will be meeting me soon. Would you like to listen in on the meeting?â
Josie immediately wanted to hang up, but reason stopped her. Instead, she massaged her temples.
There was silence for a minute on the other end of the phone. Soon, sounds of steady footsteps drifted.
out. Dexterâs voice was exceedingly distinctive, tinged with a hint of richness and huskiness. âMr.
Bastille.â
âMr. Russell, we meet again.â
Dexter did not respond to that but took a seat right away. Both parties had discussed the details of their collaboration, only sitting down with each other when it seemed that it was a done deal with no room for an exit.
In that final stage, Morgan voluntarily asked, âWhy didnât you ask me why I chose to invest in this project, Mr. Russell?â
Dexter stared at him with ebony eyes and chuckled lightly. âYouâre no longer satisfied in Rivodia and want to have a share of the pie in Wavery, Mr. Bastille.â
Morgan chuckled as well. âActually, the success or failure of this project wonât be of much help to Bastille Group. I came here for a person. Oh yes, you know her too. Right here in this conference room, she sat beside you previously and lent me a hand.â
It was a clear provocation.
Listening on the other end of the phone, Josie broke out in a cold sweat on Morganâs behalf.
A hint of menace flashed in Dexterâs eyes, but it quickly disappeared. âYes, thatâs why I made sure sheâs no longer by my side.â
After saying that, he leaned back in his seat and looked at Morgan smilingly. âHave you ever heard the story of The Farmer and the Viper, Mr. Bastille?â
Morgan quirked a brow. âItâs just a viper. I have the ability to control it.â
Indifferent, Dexter tapped the tip of his pen against the table. âI would remind you not to undertake uncertain endeavors, Mr. Bastille. If you decide to do something, do it thoroughly. Otherwise, itâs easy for others to take your place.â