Chapter 718
Chapter 718 A Chance to Be Dex's Brother-in-Law
The feud between the Carters and the Russells had deep roots, hence Scar's intense animosity toward them.
As the words left Scar's mouth, Arnold kicked him in the belly. "Keep yapping, and I might finish you off first!"
"Relax, man. Amidst the commotion, Dexter's attention was snagged by faint makeup smudges on Arnold's shoulder. They appeared to be imprints left by a woman resting against him. He gestured to Leanne, who promptly handed him a cigarette.
Dexter extracted one and passed Josie a lighter, motioning for her to ignite it.
Josie's nerves were taut and reluctant.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Dexter's lips. "Go on, light it."
She hesitated for a moment before taking the lighter. With a snap, a spark of fire illuminated the sharp arch of the man's brows and his eyes.
Smoke filled his lungs, and Dexter released a long exhale, finally easing a bit.
It had been a while since he had smoked. He'd promised to quit, and since then, he'd refrained from touching a cigarette.
Tonight was the first exception.
"I'm cool, no worries," Arnold remarked as he took a tissue from one of his subordinates, wiping his fingers clean. "But did you switch personal assistants? I didn't see Mr. May around today."
Attention was refocused on Leanne.
Now being a part of the Olsen family, she no longer felt inferior, exuding confidence and handling the attention from others with calm composure.
"Oh? You mean Leanne?"
Dexter seized the opportunity to interject, "In case you didn't know, you two are related. She's your sister-in-law."
Arnold arched an eyebrow, not denying it. "True, but who's to say if I'll ever have the chance to be your brother-in-law in the future."
His implication was clear, and Dexter's expression shifted.
Leanne stepped forward and said, "Mr. Carter, you've crossed a line."
Josie was still present.
"He's consistent like that, saying what's on his mind or nothing. By the way, Ms. Olsen, I'm curious why you've come here today..." Josie had reached her breaking point, unable to stand on the sidelines of the men's showdown.
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The atmosphere was becoming unbearable, and she needed relief.
In a confrontation, she locked eyes with Leanne.
Leanne's initial firmness wavered as she grappled with Josie's question. "I...".
Casting a fleeting look at Dexter, she seemed on the verge of speaking but held back.
The glowing tip of the cigarette accentuated Dexter's fingers, his demeanor gradually taking on a darker edge.
"Let me answer on your behalf," Josie had already pieced together much of the puzzle.
"As the esteemed and cherished daughter of the Olsen family, you likely find it somewhat beneath you and not entirely fitting to work at the Russell Group, given that it doesn't enhance the prestige of your Ms. Olsen persona. But shouldn't you be accountable for the role you've willingly taken on?"
"Did you convey the message I asked you to pass on to Mr. Russell? My hunch is you didn't." Josie knew it was Leanne who had answered the call she had made to Dexter.
Josie couldn't deny Leanne's cunning and capability. Despite Thomas never being granted access to Dexter's personal calls, Leanne, who had only recently joined the Russell Group, seemed to muster that privilege.
Under Josie's scrutiny, Leanne appeared vulnerable, as if she had been backed into a corner.
To their surprise, Dexter positioned himself before Leanne, appearing like a protector.
The cigarette was almost burned, and he said, "She did mention the call you made."
Josie's conversation was cut short. She met the man's gaze, realizing that he was shielding Leanne.
Hearing that, she let out a cold chuckle. "Oh, she did. My bad for misunderstanding Ms. Olsen then.
Leanne rushed to explain, "I answered the call because Mr. Russell was caught up in important matters and...
"Enough, Dexter cut in, his gaze fixed on Josie's determined expression. "Since Mrs. Russell can piece it together, explanations aren't necessary."
"Dex..." Leanne's voice quivered, the words escaping inadvertently. She realized her mistake too late. "Mr. Russell..."
This only fueled Josie's frustration. She nodded with a wry smile. Her words were tinged with irony. "Exactly, no need for explanations."
Dexter extinguished his cigarette.
At that moment, applause rang out from behind. It was Arnold, stepping forward leisurely. “Looks like I might actually have a shot at becoming your brother-in-law, ch, Dex."
Josie turned and flung her bag at him. "What's gotten into you? You're so eager to join his family, to become his brother-in-law, huh?!"
After her outburst, she continued striding forward with determined steps under Dexter's piercing gaze.
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