âMr. Lockhart,â Dexterâs voice drawled out, âWhat about you?â
Seth was taken aback. âWhat?â
âHave you ever considered sitting in my position over all these years?â
Dexterâs eyes were as sharp as a knifeâs edge, capable of piercing straight into someoneâs heart.
Seth was startled before ingratiating lines carved his face. âMr. Russell, my loyalty to you has never wavered over all these years. Not even for a second, and the heavens can bear witness to that.
Moreover, Iâve always believed that Russell Group can only continue to thrive under your leadership!â
He spoke with absolute conviction and flattery. Seeing Dexter withdraw his gaze, he continued, âRest assured, the shares in my hands will never be sold to Mr. Harrison.â
After hearing this, Dexterâs expression remained unreadable. He ordered his men to see the guest out.
Once Seth had left, Larry stepped forward and whispered, âShould we keep an eye on Mr. Lockhart?â
Dexter hummed in agreement, picking up his coffee cup and taking a sip.
Larry hesitated for a bit, then added, âMr. Russell, please donât take this the wrong way, but Ms. Warren also holds some shares of Russell Group.â
The meaning of the words was apparent.
Before, Josie had never considered meddling in Russell Groupâs affairs, but since Larry suddenly brought it up, she belatedly recalled that she did indeed possess some shares of Russell Group.
When they divorced, Dexter personally gave her one percent of it.
But what can this one percent do?
Dexter probably felt the same way and said, âHers doesnât count.â He didnât want to involve her in the intricate and complex internal affairs.
The conversation ended, and Josie took off her headphones, sitting in a daze. Just then, her phone rang. It was a call from Morgan.
The voice from the other side was as languid as ever. âAre you with Dexter?â
Josie walked barefoot to the balcony. With a hint of helplessness in her voice, she grumbled, âWhy do you ask when you already know?â
He said playfully, âIâve taken care of the matters in Rivodia. I should be able to return to Wavery in a couple of days. Are you aware of Russell Groupâs internal strife?â
Josie furrowed her brows, feeling the chill of late autumn. âIâve heard of it.â
âDexter wants to expand his business overseas and needs the support of the Olsen family. The handover is likely to be completed at the wedding in two days. You⦠might want to give it some more thought.â
Even Morgan was hesitating. Josie fell silent for a moment. âThought about what?â
âPut yourself in his shoes.â
The steady and confident footsteps echoed outside, drawing closer step by step. Josie, clutching her phone, pursed her lips and said, âYouâre overthinking it.â
Morgan understood and said, âOnce everything is over, come back to Rivodia with me. Iâll help you find your father. Instead of placing your trust in the police or Dexter, why not believe in me? Iâm telling you the truth, Josie.â
At that moment, Josieâs back tensed. She didnât catch the implications behind Morganâs words. All she could hear was Dexterâs footsteps getting closer and closer.
âIâm hanging up.â
She turned around just as the man was pushing the door open. One stood in the light, while the other was shrouded in the shadows, their positions clearly defined.
Dexterâs gaze fell on her bare, pristine feet. Josie was reminded of past instances when he had scolded her for not wearing shoes, and she subconsciously brought her feet together.
âWhy are you here?â
âTo get my clothes.â
After they parted ways, nothing in the room was moved, including the items in the closet.
Josie let out a sigh, bypassed him to shut the laptop, and waited in silence.
Dexter took his clothes and went into the bathroom, and the sound of water carried into the room.
Josieâs phone vibrated, indicating a message from Morgan. It read: The Bastille Group and Russell Group are currently vying for the remaining projects after the Carter Groupâs dissolution. If possible, can you help me find some documents?
Josie scrolled down, viewing the content of the documents. She had seen them before in Dexterâs study.
Perhaps fearing her reluctance, Morgan sent another text: Russell Group might not necessarily need these materials, so thereâs no need to feel burdened. Iâve helped you a lot, Jo. Help me out just this once.