Arnold didn’t come alone. He brought with him a group of skilled individuals. However, they were outnumbered there, and the situation didn’t look promising.
Perched on a high vantage point, Arnold watched as Mark’s ship gradually drew closer. Suddenly, he declared, “Josie is already dead.”
Dexter’s pupils contracted sharply, clearly seeing Mark lean back when he heard those words. Then, he made a concerted effort to regain his composure. “If she’s dead, I still must see her body. If you can’t deliver today, don’t even think about leaving the country.”
Arnold’s expression hardened, revealing an almost imperceptible hint of provocation. “Rather than asking me for her, you may as well send someone out to sea. It may even be faster.”
The implication of those words was clear as day: Josie had perished in the sea with no chance of return.
Mark paused for a moment before he spoke. “That’s acceptable too. You can accompany her to the underworld today.”
As he raised his hand, the people behind him hoisted their guns.
The situation was the same for Arnold. In the vast expanse of the sea, two ships stood their ground, each commanding their own territory.
Inside the secret room, Josie’s pain had gradually subsided. She faintly heard a noise coming from above. Listening carefully, she recognized it as the sound of a loudspeaker. “Have we left Wavery yet?” she asked.
One of them checked the locator. “Arnold is about to leave the country.”
“Is Dexter still on the boat?”
No one responded, which she took as silent agreement.
Then, someone responded, “Arnold had taken Mr. Russell hostage, using Mr. Russell as a means to secure his escape from the country.”
Holding such a bargaining chip, it’s no wonder that Caleb and his team had let Arnold go. Although, it’ll be lucky for Dexter to escape unscathed, seeing that Arnold absolutely despises Dexter! Taking a deep breath, Josie acknowledged that, with her latest status, she wasn’t suitable to go out.
Thus, she pleaded, “I just want to take a look. I won’t do anything rash. Is there a way?”
The others were clearly in a difficult position, taking the initiative to explain, “Mr. Russell is safe at the moment. Negotiations are currently underway outside.”
“Is there room for negotiation? Dexter and I were both on the ship. Who could Arnold possibly negotiate with?”
“Your father.”
Josie’s pupils contracted. She quickly discerned that the father being referred to was not Paul but rather Mark.
Why is he here? Overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, Josie had lost all sense of reason. She abruptly rose and rushed to the door, clinging to the window, gazing at the light outside.
Indeed, the outside was already prepared for what was to come. Mark stood at the bow of the ship, his figure faintly visible in the dim light. Even though he was over fifty years old, his vigor had not faded in the slightest.
However, his hair had already turned gray.
Josie covered her mouth, a sense of disbelief washing over her. She couldn’t comprehend why her actions had alarmed Mark. At that time, her actions had nothing to do with the interests of the Olsen family. The only thing that connected them was herself! He came for my sake.
“Are you certain, Old Mr. Olsen? If you kill me, no one will ever know where Josie drew his last breath. It will be quite a task to find her then.
Surely, you wouldn’t want the Olsen family ancestral hall to forever lack the name of Josie, would you?” With a mischievous grin, Arnold spoke in a tone that was both threatening and manipulative.
He knew he was no match for Mark. The tide had turned against him in Wavery, and once he was ensnared, there would be no chance for him to turn things around.
Arnold’s words struck Mark’s heart deeply. Mark said in a grave voice, “I’ll repeat what I said before. If she’s dead, I want to see her body. If you don’t want to die, turn around now and pull her up.”
Arnold glanced at Dexter. The sun had already risen halfway into the sky, casting light on Dexter’s lean and neat figure. Dexter showed no signs of nervousness. Instead, he seemed overly calm.
The two of them locked eyes.
“You’ve got the wrong person, Old Mr. Olsen, if you’re asking me for her,” uttered Arnold.
