The waiter came over and asked, âMs. Warren, would you like to take the horse you won with you orâ¦?â
Only then did Josie remember. In response, she glanced at Dexter. He had taken off his equestrian attire, appearing in a suit and leather shoes.
âI have nowhere to keep such a valuable horse,â Josie sald leisurely.â Letâs leave it at the Olson residence for now. Iâll come back for it later.â
When the time came, what would be demanded wouldnât just be a single horse.
âThe cocktail party ended, and so did the show, with people occasionally making their way out.
Josie was distracted, so Morgan tapped her head with one hand. âWhatâs the matter? Did you lose your heart in a horse race with your ex-husband?â
She shot him a glare, too lazy to curse at him. âI have to go somewhere.â
âWhere?â
Josie held onto Morganâs wrist, avoiding the crowded areas. Guided by her memory, she led them to the backyard of the tea garden. It was a quiet place, devoid of people. Their haute couture attire made them stand out awkwardly in that setting.
âWhy are we here?â asked Morgan.
Josie moved forward, searching for a while, softly calling out, âPepper! Pepper!â
Morgan furrowed his brows, looking around.
In no time, a Shiba Inu came dashing out, heading straight for Josieâs embrace, whimpering affectionately.
Morgan took a step back, raising his eyebrows in surprise. âItâs your dog?â
Josie cradled the head of Pepper. âI suppose so.â
She crouched down, cradling Pepperâs face. âYou still remember me? You have such a good memory.
Follow me.â
Pepper stuck out its tongue, affectionately licking her hand.
âIâm sorry that I canât visit you often, and Iâm not sure when Iâll be able to see you next. Please take good care of yourself, okay? Next time, Iâll bring you something tasty.â The look in Josieâs eyes was sincerely earnest, without a trace of ulterior motive.
The dog seemed to understand, licking even more vigorously.
Josie rose to her feet, glancing at Morgan. In response, the pampered and delicate scion wore a face of confusion.
Only then did she remember Morgan was afraid of dogs. âIt doesnât bite.â
âI donât like animals,â said Morgan.
âYouâre the animal,â she said impatiently, dragging him away. If they stayed too long, they would be discovered.
âTo think you have a pet dog at the Olson residence. Josie, youâre quite peculiar,â Morgan said in a playful tone, allowing her to lead him.
Josie changed the subject. âIâm capable, what can I say??â
Once they got in the car and left the Olson residence, she seriously looked at him. Thanks to the better lighting, she noticed a red mark on his neck and frowned.
She was experienced, so she knew what that was.
She raised an eyebrow, though she didnât point out the obvious. âWhy didnât you come over when I was at the racecourse?â
Morgan was already working on his computer, not looking up. âI ran into a business partner and got a bit tied up.â
After he finished speaking, he looked up. âYou said you were going to the restroom, but you ended up on the racecourse.â
Josie pursed her lips. Those matters were left unspoken between the two of them, yet they both understood.
She had no interest in his personal affairs. For her, all that mattered was leveraging his status. As for who he was involved with or who planted a hickey on his neck, it was none of her business.
When Morgan returned home, he noticed the red mark on his neck. He instantly picked up a cup and smashed the mirror into pieces.
What surfaced in his mind was the vivid image of that woman passionately kissing him in a corner of the Olsen residence.
Unknowingly, she had left a mark on him.
Ryan rushed in anxiously. âMr. Bastille, whatâs wrong?â
Morgan tugged at his tie, relieving the stifling feeling in his chest. However, the moment he thought of Josieâs question, his frustration welled up again.