Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter)

Dawn was almost breaking.

The doctor and nurse promptly entered the room for an examination. Not long after, Mark regained consciousness.

At first, he was somewhat disoriented. However, when the top management of Olsen Group came to visit, he finally regained his senses.

"It's just a minor illness, and yet you all came to see me. It's no big deal. No need to worry."

"No way, we were all concerned about your health. If something were to happen to you, Olsen Group would be without a backbone."

"That's right! Luckily, you're blessed with good fortune, so you'll definitely be fine."

"However, why did the illness suddenly come back?"

The group stood before the sickbed, chattering away. They spoke with apparent concern, but in reality, they were probing.

With a casual glance, Mark said, "Don't let their exaggerations fool you; it's just a minor issue. They're really making a mountain out of a molehill. You all should head back." Everyone exchanged glances. It was clear that his complexion wasn't too good.

"Mr. Olsen, we've been hearing rumors these past few days about your esteemed daughter returning home. Is there any truth to it?"

This was what they came for.

Mark didn't feel like dealing with them, so Claudia tactfully took over and said, "She has indeed returned. If there's a chance, I'll introduce her to everyone." Everyone chuckled, all in agreement.

"Ms. Olsen has always been a promising young woman. If she joins the corporation, you should definitely give us a heads up in advance so we can take good care of her."

Claudia merely curved her lips into a smile, not giving a definitive answer.

Continuing to probe wouldn't be quite appropriate. Hence, after exchanging a few pleasantries, the group eventually left the hospital room.

The room fell silent as Claudia adjusted the drip speed for Mark. She cautioned, "Don't get worked up. Hasn't it always been like this over the years? The slightest hint of trouble, and they swarm in like flies attracted to a scent."

Mark's expression remained stern, yet there was a fleeting moment of softness when his gaze fell upon the small room attached to his ward.

Josie was silently cooking a pot of oatmeal in the kitchen.

Claudia nodded at Josie, lowering her voice to say to Mark, "She hasn't slept all night."

The slight resentment in Mark's heart lessened a bit.

The oatmeal was done cooking long ago.

Josie had simply been waiting for it to cool down a bit. Despite spending a long time mentally preparing herself, she still didn't dare to take it out. The confrontation with Dexter remained etched in her mind. Perhaps, at times... her words were a bit too provocative.

At that moment, Mark cleared his throat and asked Claudia, "What am I eating?"

"Oatmeal."

Snapping back to reality, Josie carried out the oatmeal. "The doctor advised you to eat light food. This is plain oatmeal, with just a touch of honey added." Claudia observed the situation, feeling reassured. She then turned around and said, "I'm going to get the medicine."

The hospital room was suddenly empty, leaving only the father and daughter alone together.

Mark was hooked up to an IV and unable to use his hands. Left with no other choice, Josie reluctantly sat by the window, feeding him with a spoon. "Here, have some."

The spoon was brought to Mark's lips, yet he didn't open his mouth. He stared intently at Josie, the usual warmth in his demeanor noticeably absent.

He had weathered the ups and downs of the business world for many years, having witnessed life and death in its rawest forms. When his expression, etched with the traces of time and hardship, fell into a solemn state, it exuded an overwhelming sense of pressure.

Josie's hand, holding the spoon, was trembling imperceptibly.

"What's wrong..."

Mark furrowed his brow. "When did it happen?"

Josie knew what he was talking about, so she immediately put down the spoon and placed the bowl on the table.

"Over a year ago."

With a soft huff, Mark declared, "Planning to raise her on your own, eh? Quite ambitious you are. As expected of my capable daughter."

It sounded like praise, but it was actually full of sarcasm.

Swallowing nervously, Josie confessed, "I am capable of raising her alone, but I didn't tell you all to avoid unnecessary trouble. Of course, I admit I was indeed too impulsive."

"Impulsive? Understatement of the year! Is it worth sacrificing your future for a man?"