Dexter maintained his bowed posture, his expression calm. âMr. Olsen, do you suspect that I deliberately orchestrated this?â
âArnold set a bomb in the car, and you almost lost your life. It doesnât seem intentional. However, Dexter, the purpose is too obvious. You acted too hastily!â Mark didnât release his grip on Dexterâs hand. âI think the cooperation between the Russell family and the Olsen family should be delayed. Letâs wait until you learn to be patient.â
Heather had been waiting outside for a long time without hearing a sound. Anxiously, she knocked on the door. âFather, please donât make things difficult for Dex!â
Dexter relaxed his brows, unbothered. âWhat did the police say about this?â
âDidnât you just come out of the police station with that woman?â Mark stared at him. Dexter remained composed. âYou suspect that I confronted Arnold for Josieâs sake.â
âIf it wasnât for that woman, why would you go? Xanthe was just a smokescreen.â
Dexter forcefully pulled his hand away. The wounds reopened, and the blood stained the bandage. He didnât mind and stood upright.
âYou misunderstand. I did something to stop the goods from leaving the country, but I didnât order Arnold to kidnap anyone. If he hadnât pulled this stunt, he might have come out unscathed. Blame him, not me.â
Mark stared at Dexterâs calm expression, sensing a hint of helplessness.
Dexterâs scheming ran deep, as if everything were under his control. He couldnât tell if the incidents were intentional or coincidental.
âHe caused such trouble for the Olsen family. Even if he stayed, he wouldâve messed things up. What do you think?â
Dexter went behind Mark to massage his shoulders. âWith the investigation into the Carter Group and Arnoldâs disappearance, you donât have to worry about filling the void. Itâs a win-win situation.â
Markâs frustration hadnât subsided. âSummer.â
Dexter interrupted, âSummer is not biologically related to the Olsen family. As long as she quits drugs, it wonât have much impact on the Olsen family.â
He spoke as if discussing the weather, without emotional fluctuations.
Mark turned slowly. âYou knew.â
Dexter smirked. âI know everything you know.â
As they remained silent for a long while, Heather continued knocking on the door. âDex! Father!â
Mark softened his tense expression. He sighed and took a paper to wipe the blood from the cane.
âLeanne is a good girl. She isnât as scheming as Summer or that woman. Think it over. Donât cause trouble after getting married.â
Dexter remained unfazed. In his mind, he saw Josieâs pale face on the brink of death. She was telling him, âLetâs die together.â
She sounded so resolute.
âYes, I know my limits.â
Only then did Mark feel a bit relieved. He looked toward the door. âGo comfort Leanne. She was terrified last night when she found out you were on the scene.â
Just as the young man approached the door, Mark suddenly called out, âDexter.â
Dexter stood still, waiting for his next words.
âFrom a young age, I could tell you were extraordinary,â he said, his gaze warm and lingering. âAfter all these years, I never thought you would actually win. Now that you have, donât let me down.â
These words served as a different form of affirmation. Dexter unlocked the door and stepped out. When Heather saw him, she rushed into his arms. âAre you okay? Did father make things difficult for you?â
The woman was petite, wearing her usual white dress. Dexter used to find her stunning, but having seen Josie in the same dress, he now thought of Heather as ordinary.
In his mind, there was only the figure of that woman, standing in the rain, looking vivid yet lonely.