Josie’s first instinct was to pull her hand back, while Dexter’s immediate reaction was to tighten his grip on her hand. They both remained in a standoff, rooted to the spot.
A moment later, Dexter was the first to regain his composure. He slowly dropped her hand. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
The familiar pang of forlornness and pity returned. Josie lowered her gaze, instinctively wanting to flee. “I’ll be leaving.”
She feared that if she lingered any longer, she wouldn’t be able to contain her overwhelming sympathy.
But before she had walked far, a thought struck her. She turned around and asked, “Where are you staying with Grape now?”
Dexter stood under the streetlight. “At Russell Mansion, so there’s no need to worry.”
Josie nodded and made her way back to the house with the housekeeper.
How foolish I was to think that he would return to Mason Garden. That place is likely somewhere no one would ever wish to step foot in.
It was only after she had arrived at her room and looked out through the window that she realized she had a clear view of Dexter’s car from there. He hadn’t left but was still standing in the same spot, gazing in the direction of the Olsen Residence.
Moses walked out from the side and murmured something to him.
Dexter gave a nod of acknowledgment before he finally got into the car and left.
Josie slid down to the floor, still unable to imagine the loneliness he suffered in the two years she was away from Wavery.
The next day, Laura had a custom-made evening dress delivered specially for her. “No matter what, your identity is there for all to see. It’s only appropriate that you dress accordingly.”
It was a white gown, perfectly tailored to flatter the wearer’s figure, making the designer’s capabilities apparent.
Josie recognized the brand. Back when Rachel was still around, the Olsen family threw her a birthday party, during which they wore the same outfits from that brand.
At that moment, both Claudia and Mark were also there. The latter didn’t realize anything amiss.
“White is nice. It suits you and is also your favorite color,” Mark commented. It seemed like he knew Josie well, but the latter wasn’t as happy as supposed.
“I stopped liking to wear white a long time ago.”
Claudia’s eyes dimmed, but she was quick to diffuse the situation. “It’s okay. There are plenty of other clothes in the wardrobe. Changing into a different one won’t make any difference.”
Laura’s expression dulled as well. However, Josie took the gown from her. “Anyway, it looks great. Thank you, Laura.”
Laura shot her a grateful look. “Go and change then.”
While the Olsen family appeared calm on the surface, it was actually filled with signs of an impending storm.
When Josie came out after changing, she suddenly heard voices around the corner.
It was Zach’s voice. “Have you lost your mind? Aren’t things chaotic enough already that you even want to parade Josie around in public now? Do you really believe your status is so high that no one can threaten it?”
Laura was at the end of her patience. “You may be wary of her, but I’m not. She’s my best friend. Am I supposed to be on guard against her? Zach, don’t forget that she’s your biological sister.”
Zach went silent. A while later, he sneered, “Well then, I wish you luck that you won’t be a stepping stone to your so-called best friend.”
“You needn’t worry yourself about me.”
Overhearing every word, Josie leaned back against the wall.
Have I really been overthinking? Laura clearly has no ulterior motives toward me. Yet, I second- guessed her with Dexter. If she were to learn about it, she would likely be sad.
Undeniably, Josie looked stunning in white. Her skin was as white as snow, smooth and exquisite. Not an ounce of excess fat could be found on her, the gown fitting her perfectly and giving her a graceful demeanor when she moved.
Mark watched the two women left hand in hand. He sighed helplessly. “If only Leanne grew up by our side from young.”
In that case, she would certainly be an exceedingly obedient and clingy daughter and not so much a stranger.
Claudia shook her head. “We owe her. By the way, Dexter should have arrived by now, right?”
Snapping back to reality, Mark affirmed, “It’s about the time scheduled, so he should be here by now.”
