Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter)

The front entrance was swarming with people, so they had to exit through the back door, which was much quieter. The crabapple trees in the courtyard were in full bloom.

Morgan lightly grasped her hand. "Your hands are cold. There's no need to pretend."

Josie's face was as pale as a sheet, and it felt as if a slow knife was gently slicing through his flesh. The pain was unbearable.

She had thought that the shadows of two years ago were all in the past, that she would never feel their weight again in this lifetime. But that wasn't the case. Those shadows were still lurking deep within her heart, ready to surge up with overwhelming pain at the slightest touch.

So that's one once bitten, twice shy means.

She didn't feel like responding, yet as she turned the corner, she unexpectedly ran into a couple.

The crowd was bustling with people, yet when she looked over, it seemed as if his face was the only one that was distinct. One glance and it was impossible to forget.

He had lost weight, yet his charm remained undiminished.

The woman beside him was petite and clever, but her face was mature, her gaze steady. Together, they looked particularly well-matched.

Dexter and Josie locked eyes for a few seconds, then he naturally looked away, focusing on Morgan.

Morgan took the initiative to greet, "Mr. Russell, long time no see."

Dexter approached and told the woman beside him. "This is Mr. Morgan Bastille, the CEO of Eccentric Corporation, whose reputation has recently soared in Wavery." The woman nodded and greeted generously, "Selena Quiroz, I've heard so much about you, Mr. Bastille."

Josie hadn't heard this name before.

Morgan nodded as well, a smile gracing his features. "Mr. Russell, congratulations. You've managed to dodge a bullet."

Dexter smirked playfully. "How sincere you are in congratulating me?"

Morgan burst into laughter.

As the two men chatted, Josie's presence was almost negligible. She felt almost suffocated and then heard Selena ask, "You must be Jo, right?"

This form of address left Josie somewhat at a loss. She slightly raised an eyebrow, choosing not to respond.

Seeing her confusion, Selena explained, "Dexter mentioned you to me. I'm a few years older than you, so it isn't rude for me to call you Jo."

"But I've never met you before, Ms. Quiroz."

"Well, now you have, and you'll continue to meet me in the future."

Josie's hand in her coat pocket involuntarily clenched tightly. It was hard not to see this as a provocation.

"I have no intention of meeting you again, Ms. Quiroz." With that, she passed by the two of them and walked away quickly without sparing Dexter a look.

As she walked into the rain, her figure was resolute. Morgan paused slightly. "Dexter, you did that on purpose."

Josie had walked a great distance,

unfamiliar with the paths here, not knowing where they led. She was

merely strolling aimlessly forward when hurried footsteps echoed from behind.

It was Morgan. Josie! It's going to pour. Get in the car with me!"

Josie closed her eyes in pain. Before this, she even thought Dexter would catch up to her.

She walked a bit further before suddenly feeling a sense of aimlessness. Abruptly, she stopped and took a deep breath.

At the same time, Morgan breathed a sigh of relief.

Inside the warm car, Morgan handed her a box of cigarettes. It was Doral, her favorite kind.

Josie lit one up.

"I've told you before that

businessmen prioritize profit over personal ties. You shouldn't have held any expectations." Morgan toyed with a lighter. "Of course Dexter won't let a conglomerate like Russell Group go down. However, he turned down your help, and for that, I call him a man."

Yes, he had rejected the opportunity she had tirelessly hustled for, choosing instead to collaborate with another woman. Josie truly couldn't understand him.