Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter)

Throughout their ascent to the top floor via the private elevator, Josie seemed rather distracted. She stared at Juliette's retreating figure, beginning to waver on whether to lay all her cards on the table. As time went on, it was inevitable that rumors would start to spread. Ultimately, it wasn't a sustainable plan.

"What are you daydreaming about? We're here." Juliette stepped out of the elevator and noticed Josie lost in thought, prompting her with a reminder.

It took a moment for Josie to catch on, but she managed to muster a smile and follow along. She held a gift in her hand, one that Juliette had prepared ahead of time. It was heavy, its contents unknown to her. "Dexter has a fondness for antiques. This porcelain piece, which I've acquired from elsewhere at a hefty price, would make the perfect gift for him. He'll love it," Juliette assured as they walked, assuming Josie's uneasiness.

Josie responded absentmindedly. The receptionist nodded subtly at her, filled with unspoken implications.

Dexter was in a meeting, and they had to wait. Larry ushered them into the office, his face full of smiles. "Mr. Russell will be finished soon. Please wait for a moment."

Josie's lips twitched, feeling there was always a hint of mockery in his smile.

"What can I get you two to drink? I'll go prepare it." Larry was just Dexter's secretary, but in reality, he held considerable power.

Juliette didn't dare to slack off and respectfully said, "Water will be fine, thank you, Mr. Peeple."

"No need to thank me."

As Larry was about to turn away, Josie spoke up, "I'd like some coffee, but there's no need to trouble you. I can get it myself." Before Juliette even had a chance to intervene, she had already pulled Larry into the break room outside, which was empty. Larry said, "Ms. Warren, what are you—"

"Why are you still smiling? Is it really that funny?" Josie said, unable to contain her frustration.

Larry couldn't help but chuckle. "Really, why all this fuss? Ms. Witherspoon will eventually find out everything. It will be quite a hassle to explain then. Why not just speak the truth?"

It's not that simple. Juliette's feelings for Dexter are clearly etched on her face. She simply couldn't bear to tell Juliette the truth. "What should I say? I have no connection with Dexter now. Should I tell her that I was his ex-wife?"

Larry choked up.

Casually, Josie grabbed a box of coffee beans and scooped a handful into the coffee machine. "When will he be done?"

"It was supposed to take quite a while longer," Larry said with a meaningful tone. "However, I suspect it's already over now that Mr. Russell heard you're here."

Larry quickly poured some water and took it out to Juliette.

Tsk. It's going to be a battlefield. Lost in the hum of the coffee machine, Josie found herself momentarily daydreaming. She was wrestling with a dilemma in regards to what to do about Grape's name.

Just then, the door to the tea room abruptly swung open. Without turning around, she assumed it was Larry returning. "What brings you back again?"

She waited for a response, but none came. The silence tipped her off that something was amiss. She turned around and was startled to see a man standing at the door. He was young and handsome, dressed in a sharp suit and polished shoes.

His eyes were bright and sharp, studying her intently.

"I'm sorry." Josie was taken aback because it was someone she never met before.

The other party raised an eyebrow and surprisingly, walked right in. They grabbed a handful of coffee beans and pressed the start button on another coffee machine right next to her. "You're not from our company."

"I came to see Mr. Russell."

The other person glanced at her. "I've seen you before."

Josie was taken aback once again, finding that person truly odd. "I don't seem to remember you."

"In Russell Group's employee handbook, I've seen your picture," he said with a grin. "Oh, and I've also seen your photo at Mr. Russell's residence."

Josie's brows furrowed. "Who are you?"