Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter)

She immediately crouched down, examining the child's forehead. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

Despite her gentleness, Grape instinctively stepped back, clinging onto Moses' leg. "You're the one who quarreled with my mom. I don't like you."

Claudia was at a loss for words. Upon closer inspection, she was even more convinced Grape resembled Josie.

With an apologetic expression, Moses said, "Mrs. Olsen, I'm sorry about that. She's a kid; she doesn't know what she's talking about."

Claudia pursed her lips. This child is extremely reliant on Moses but doesn't know me at all.

"It's all right." She reached out, caressing Grape's soft cheek. "Your name is Grape, right? We will meet again in the future."

After Claudia left, Grape timidly blinked and asked, "Mr. Chakov, who was that?"

Moses was at a loss for words, unsure how to explain when Dexter's voice rang out. "She's someone you'll have to respect in the future."

Looking up, they saw the man emerge from the shadows, his tone solemn.

Josie had been listless at work all day.

As Juliette passed by her office and noticed something was wrong, she knocked and entered. "What's wrong? Are you still troubled by the incident the other day? I've already explained it to Dexter personally. He surely won't blame you."

Josie forced a smile, wanting to tell Juliette it was not about that, but she didn't know how to explain. "That's great. Thanks for your help, Juliette."

"I was also to blame. I owe you an apology. Rest assured, if you wish, I can continue to make arrangements—"

"Forget it." Before she could finish, Josie cut her off, "Let's leave it at that. The project is already in its final stages. I can't cause you any more trouble, Juliette."

Juliette frowned in concern and spoke after a moment of hesitation. "I'll treat you to a meal once the project is over. You must come, okay?"

Josie nodded in agreement.

The smooth progression of the project was largely due to Juliette's efforts. It was truly impressive how she, as a woman, had come this far. Josie admired her for her talent and ability.

As for Dexter's suspicions, Josie decided to put that aside, for she was reluctant to believe that Juliette was that kind of person.

She couldn't return to the Olsen Residence for now, or a major argument would be inevitable. After work, she lingered in her office for quite some time. Eventually, she grabbed her car keys and left with resignation.

Throughout her journey, she couldn't stop thinking about how much of a coincidence it was that Claudia happened to discover Grape's existence that very night.

Logically speaking, this slip-up shouldn't have happened, for Dexter must've kept it completely confidential.

She couldn't figure that out no matter how hard she tried, and by the time she lifted her head, the car had already pulled up outside the Russell Mansion. Almost inaudibly, she sighed.

She didn't inform Dexter in advance, as the Russells treated her just like family. The servants bowed and greeted her, allowing her entry.

She was free to roam the place.

There was a circular lake within the Russell Mansion's garden, and along its banks, numerous maidenhair trees were planted. Whenever the wind blew, their yellow leaves would rustle and fall. Josie got tired from walking and found herself sitting on a bench by the lake, her mind in a constant state of turmoil.

After what felt like an eternity, she was about to get up when a voice rang out beside her. "It'd be a shame not to have a drink while enjoying such a beautiful view."

It was none other than Dexter. He had arrived unnoticed, standing tall and poised under the streetlight, his gaze deep and brooding while he carried two bottles of wine in his hand. "What are you-"

"I was informed of your arrival from the moment you entered. I didn't disturb you because I didn't want to spoil your mood."

He didn't want to spoil my mood, huh?

Josie let out a soft chuckle before settling back onto the bench.