Josie glanced down at herself. “It’s nothing. Just a kid causing trouble. I have to discipline him a bit.”
Juliette looked at Zach and the others, roughly understanding the situation. She sternly commanded the staff, “What are you standing around for? Call the police now!”
Just as Josie was about to speak, a voice suddenly echoed from behind. “Apologies. Allow me to handle this matter.”
She paused, turning around to find herself unexpectedly facing Laura. She was dressed in a practical manner, appearing travel-worn.
Upon seeing her, Josie immediately understood why Zach had such a peculiar expression on his face. She paused for a moment. “Hey, Laura.”
Laura nodded at her, then turned to Juliette and explained, “It’s a family matter of the Olsen family. I apologize for any inconvenience, Ms. Witherspoon. Rest assured, I will handle this matter appropriately.”
“Household affairs?” Juliette asked, casting a puzzled yet somewhat understanding glance at Josie.
“Yes. I rushed over today specifically to apologize to you for the delay in our collaboration. This is a carefully chosen gift as a token of my apology. Please accept it.” Laura came prepared, carrying a gift in her hand, which she respectfully presented with both hands.
Josie understood the situation. She made a special trip to come here today.
Juliette didn’t accept it, her enthusiasm somewhat faded. “That matter is already in the past,” she said. “I’ve signed the contract. It seems like your internal communication isn’t very good.”
Her words carried an eerie undertone, her gaze lingering on Josie and Laura for a few moments. The former quietly explained, “Mark asked me to deliver the contract. It’s all taken care of now.”
A myriad of emotions played across Laura’s face, momentarily beyond her control.
Juliette took everything in, then found an excuse to leave.
For a moment, silence filled the grand hall. Zach, hands tucked in his pockets, stepped forward, his tone brusque. “When did you get back?”
As he spoke those words, Shirley couldn’t help but step forward, attempting to grasp Zach’s arm. However, with an impassive expression, Zach shrugged her off.
With a stern expression, Laura retorted, “Since when do I have to report to you about my comings and goings?”
She turned around and pressed the elevator button.
With a firm grip, Zach seized her arm, his teeth gritted in anger. “Don’t you dare act high and mighty with me! We’re far from done discussing your actions back in Rivodia!”
Laura was no longer afraid of him at all. She glanced at the mess on the ground. “Do I need to tell your father about today’s events?”
“Are you threatening me?”
“I was merely reminding you to always know your place. It seems like when the cat’s away, the mice will play.”
Laura spoke with her usual sharp tongue. Josie, listening from the side, couldn’t help but feel that her words carried a hint of sarcasm directed at herself.
However, the next moment, the elevator arrived. Laura took Josie’s hand directly and stepped in, leaving that place behind.
As Laura gently dabbed away the spilled wine with a tissue, she said, “Zach is just that kind of person. He’s outwardly strong, but inwardly weak. You don’t need to be afraid of him.”
After some thought, Josie explained, “I initially didn’t want to take on this task, the reason being-“
“I know,” Laura interrupted with a smile. “You are the cherished daughter of Mark and Claudia. Resources naturally find their way to you. Look at you, you’re doing wonderfully.”
Josie frowned, wanting to explain further, but Laura interrupted her. She clenched the tissue in her hand and tossed it into the trash can. “I should be thanking you. Without your help, my collaboration with Juliette could have easily fallen through.”
Josie pressed his lips together, deciding it was best to say nothing more.
“You’ve only seen her once, but she seemed quite fond of you.”
“Perhaps it was because we hit it off in our conversation.”
Upon leaving the hotel, they saw that Laura’s car was parked outside. She opened the car door and said, “Yes. You’ve always had this knack.”
For reasons unknown, when Josie met with Laura this time, the latter’s aggressive nature was unusually intense.
