Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter)

A warm feeling spread through Josie's heart. No matter what, she refused to believe that Juliette, of all people, could be so despicable.

"Rumors claim that you upset Mr. Olsen to the point of hospitalization. Is there any truth to it?"

Josie was a little surprised about how well-informed the outside world seemed to be. "You could say that."

"For what reason?"

Josie hesitated, unable to voice out that it was due to having Dexter's child.

"Did you see the bird in the sickroom?"

Juliette gave a soft hum of acknowledgment.

"A caged bird always yearns to fly."

The implications in her words were heavy. Understanding the hint, Juliette refrained from asking further.

She changed the subject by saying, "I saw Laura today."

The mention of Laura had Josie pausing. Upon noticing Juliette had something more to say, she prompted, "And?"

"Everyone outside is always saying she's the demoness of Olsen Group, handling matters with such efficiency and decisiveness that it seems she's determined to take over." Juliette spoke cryptically before hinting at something else, "It's not my place to interfere in your family matters, but I have a closer relationship with you, so consider this a friendly warning - be careful."

Josie's eyes softened slightly, a curve gracing her lips as she replied, "I know."

The phone in her hand suddenly vibrated. Juliette glanced down at it before her face lit up with joy. "I can't talk right now. Something urgent has come up, so I have to go."

Josie watched her joyfully sprint away, not attempting to hold her back any further.

At that moment, in Russell Group.

Preston had just concluded the Monday meeting, so everyone started to file out one after the other. The large conference room was suddenly empty, with only Dexter still seated at the very end. Throughout the entire meeting, Dexter hadn't paid much attention, seemingly indifferent as he occasionally fiddled with his phone.

"Mr. Russell, what-"

Preston stepped forward, but before he could finish speaking, Dexter, while opening his phone, interrupted him. "Greenleaf Corporation's foundation is too weak, so they won't make significant contributions in the medical field. With too many competing companies, it's not suitable to continue tracking them. Notify your people to change their focus."

Preston was stunned since he hadn't expected that Dexter had heard everything that was discussed in the meeting earlier.

He retracted his initial words, slightly furrowing his brows as he said, "That did occur to me. I have already made contact with another company involved in Al medical research, known as 'Eccentric Corporation'."

Dexter didn't look up, his eyes fixed on the location Josie had sent him. Attached to it was a message: Eight o'clock tonight!

The corner of his mouth subconsciously curled up. After a long pause without hearing the next sentence from Preston, he finally looked up. "And?"

Preston hesitated before speaking. "They want you to negotiate in person."

Dexter raised an eyebrow.

Everyone knew that Dexter preferred to stay behind the scenes, rarely socializing publicly. Getting a chance to meet him was as difficult as reaching the heavens. Hence, it was clear this request carried a hint of personal motives.

Preston explained, "The owner of Eccentric Corporation has heard about how you saved Russell Group in the stock market. He's always held you in high regard and has been wanting to meet you." Investment in the medical sector was indeed the top priority for Russell Group in the latter half of the year, and Eccentric Corporation's proposal was truly more competitive.

Dexter glanced at his phone, then looked at Preston. "When can we meet?"

Preston wasn't surprised that Dexter agreed. "Anytime is fine."

Dexter glanced at his wristwatch; it was half past six in the evening. "Make arrangements for seven o'clock. The location..."

"Your usual spot, right?"

"No, any place within Bijou International will do."

The restaurant Josie had picked was also located there, making it somewhat more convenient for him.

Preston was taken aback. Bijou International was a bustling commercial district, hardly suitable for discussing business matters. Moreover, for someone of Dexter's stature to go there felt a little demeaning. "Well? What are you waiting for?"

"I'll go right now."