Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter)

For the first time, she showed vulnerability. "What should I do?"

Mark squinted his eyes, locking his gaze with her. "If you wish, leave it to me to resolve. Take the child and go. The world is vast. You can go anywhere. However, remember one thing. Stay away from this place forever."

Forever? Josie had once contemplated it, but she couldn't achieve it. She didn't believe she was capable of it.

Seeing her silence, Mark asked further, "What's wrong? Is there someone in Wavery that you can't let go of?"

"Your know the answer to that question."

The connection between people could be ephemeral. Yet, certain people, once entangled, would become impossible to let go of throughout one's lifetime.

Mark let out an unnoticeable sigh of relief and said, "I heard that you visited the corporation a few days ago and asked a few questions."

Surprised, Josie asked, "You knew about that?"

"Do you really think of me as some old man who pays no attention to outside matters?" Mark raised a finger and added, "You were right about one thing. Orchids, compared to sunflowers, are more fitting for the office desk."

Josie was even more surprised. "If you knew everything, then why didn't you "

"Step in?" Mark gave a helpless smile. "Look at me now. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Josie recalled the medical report she had once seen, feeling somewhat heavy-hearted. "In reality, you're still young. There's no need for such thoughts."

"I'm not young anymore." Mark waved his hand dismissively. "But you, you're truly still youthful."

Josie froze instantly.

"Since you have an idea, why not take care of it for me as well?"

The weight of Josie's thoughts suddenly bore down on her. She hadn't expected her intentions to be seen through. Already hesitant, she turned around and poured a glass of water to mask her disarray. "Me? Aside from our shared blood, it seems my identity is even less suited to be trusted by you."

"You've always been bold. I noticed it two years ago." Mark gave a smile. "I suppose Dexter thought the same. That's why he meticulously planned everything, guiding you back to Olsen Group."

"You all have your own agendas. I'm just a pawn in the game." She let out a soft laugh and took a sip of water.

"You are not a pawn. There's no pawn in this world that would rebel against its player."

Mark's words made sense.

Recalling the information from the documents, Josie understood the urgency of purging internal issues. After some thought, she said, "You handle it."

Mark let out a sigh of relief. "If that's the case, why don't we register Grape? The name is Philomena, correct?"

"What?"

"Philomena Warren. That's a nice name."

Josie was taken aback. She hadn't expected Mark to compromise so quickly. "You...”

"Don't you understand yet? I've been looking forward to you coming back to us. In fact, I longed for that the most. Now that you're willing

nothing else really matters Content

For a moment, as she gazed into his world-weary eyes, Josie was reminded once again of a saying. The love of parents for their children is marked by far-reaching plans for their future.

Seeing her standing there, frozen in place, Mark added, "I really like that child. Bring her to see me more often. Also, don't lose your temper with the child."

Grape was thoroughly enjoying herself downstairs, while Josie was half-leaning against the window, watching her for a long time.

Striking at the heart was the best

strategy, and Mark understood her

vulnerabilities well. Her initial hesitation had transformed into motivation due to his yielding. If one were to say that Wavery was a trap,

she would be more than willing to step right into it.

Mark was right. If she didn't resist, those people would eventually cross the line.

She didn't mind the rest, but since it involved her child, she couldn't possibly endure it silently.

As night fell, Dexter personally drove to pick up Grape.

Although there was no longer a need to hide from the outside world, Josie still felt that the safest place for her was to stay in Russell Mansion.