Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter)

"That's exactly what I meant," Josie responded quickly, her laugh laced with a hint of danger. "Russell Group's massive empire, yet stumbling over something as trivial as a coffee machine. It could be seen as a weakness by others, no? I'm merely offering my valuable advice."

"Josie!" exclaimed Juliette.

Josie stepped forward, reluctantly taking a seat next to Dexter. "Juliette, relax. See, Mr. Russell isn't even upset. It seems he approves."

Juliette choked up. As she looked at Dexter again, she realized he didn't seem to be angry at all. There was even a sense of relaxation in his eyes and brows.

Thus, Juliette said, "Dexter, you must have heard of Josie's reputation. She's used to being the daughter of an elite family and tends to speak without restraint. Don't take it to heart."

Dexter couldn't help but smile when he heard the words "daughter of an elite family." Then, he said, "Indeed, she is."

The dual meanings embedded in those words could only be understood by the two of them.

Beneath the table, Juliette subtly nudged Josie with her foot, insinuating, "Did you forget something?"

Josie was not in the best of moods, yet she maintained a respectful demeanor. She took out the item from the gift box. "I came today to thank you for your help that night, Mr. Russell. Without you, the outcome would have been unthinkable. Please accept this small token of my appreciation."

Dexter watched her performance with a relaxed demeanor, a hint of amusement in his voice as he asked, "What gift?"

Josie shot him a stealthy glare, wondering why he had to push his luck.

"It's..." She struggled to find the right words as she unwrapped the package. Prior to that, Juliette hadn't specifically told her what the item was.

Once the packaging was removed, the blue porcelain was revealed. Indeed, it was a top-tier treasure.

"A single cup," said Josie.

Juliette choked on her coffee upon hearing that, coughing several times. "It's an ancient blue porcelain cup. Josie put a lot of effort into securing this piece all because he heard that you have a fondness for such items."

Josie responded, "Mhm hmm."

Dexter nodded. "That's thoughtful of you. However, this blue porcelain is just too perfect, with not a single crack in sight. It couldn't have been that ancient. Ms. Warren, you've been fooled."

Surprised, Josie glanced at the porcelain, then at Juliette. She couldn't understand how that could have happened.

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward. Juliette was taken aback. "This can't be possible, Josie. Where did you obtain this?"

Josie furrowed her brows. "Auction."

She lifted her gaze to meet Dexter's. "You've got it wrong."

He remained silent.

Larry spoke up. "An identical cup is kept at Russell Mansion."

Juliette stood up in a panic. "It could be an accident, then. Hurry, get up and apologize to Mr. Russell."

Josie didn't move. She pursed her lips and set down the object, suspecting that Dexter was deliberately trying to embarrass her.

"Get up," Juliette urged.

"No need," Dexter said calmly. "The items at the auction aren't always genuine. Once you bid on them, the deal is final, there's no chance to back out. I suspect the seller might have been playing tricks. It has nothing to do with Ms. Warren."

His expression was unreadable. It was hard to tell whether he was angry or not. However, Josie was grimacing.

She eventually rose to her feet. "I'm sorry, Mr. Russell. I've let you down."

Dexter's eyes held a cloud of gloom. She knew full well he didn't mean anything else.

Juliette was about to speak, but Josie had already turned around and walked straight out of Dexter's office.

Seeing that, Juliette sighed.

After leaving Russell Group, Josie walked on, with Juliette hot on her heels. "I'm sorry, Josie. I had no idea things would turn out this way. I didn't do it on purpose. I was just... I really meant well." Josie replied, "I know, Juliette. I don't blame you. Let me take a walk alone."