Chapter 255 Sheâs Back The day was slowly transitioning into the evening, and fireworks were already lighting up the sky in the distance, creating a festive atmosphere.
Wyatt had been waiting by the door for who knows how long. When he saw Dexter and Josie, he said, âHey, Dex. Jo, canât you guys stay a few more days? Itâs a shame you only come back a couple of times a year. Dad would love it if you could stay longer before leaving again.â
Locking eyes with Josie, Dexter nodded with a smile. âWeâd stay longer if we could, Wyatt, but you know the deal. Grandpaâs expecting my report, and we canât keep him waiting. Luckily, with everyone here keeping an eye on the family estate, we can rest a little easier.â
Wyatt didnât say anything more after that.
They exited the premises in the company of a few other visitors. Josie quickly checked her phone, finding nothing unexpected. Their car, parked at the entrance, remained unharmed. She didnât understand why Arnold had called on such short notice, insisting she leaves immediately after the ceremony.
Josie felt the urge to share this with Dexter, but knowing his ongoing issues with Arnold and his dislike for her communicating with him, she kept the information to herself.
Fortunately, it didnât seem like a big deal for now.
Yanis and a few others gathered at the door, seeing them off.
Politely, Yanis said to Josic, âWe probably wonât see each other until Christmas. Take care until then.â
Josie smiled, nodding, and held onto Dexterâs arm, getting ready to step into the car.
Just as the driver opened the car door, a gray Lincoln suddenly appeared, driving in the opposite direction with its high beams on. Everyoneâs attention turned to the unexpected vehicle, momentarily freezing them in their tracks.
The ceremony was done and dusted. There shouldnât be anyone else showing up now.
Who could it be?
Dexter squinted his eyes, instinctively tightening his grip on Josieâs wrist.
The approaching Lincoln pulled up right behind his Mercedez AMG G 63. Then, the driver stepped out and opened the backseat door. Before they could catch a glimpse of the personâs face, a voice said, âNo matter how hard I tried to rush, I still ended up being late.â
It was a vibrant womanâs voice, not young but bursting with life.
Josieâs heart skipped a beat. She instinctively turned to look at the man by her side and saw his face cloud over as he fixed his gaze on the woman.
She was a middle-aged woman, seemingly advanced in years, yet her attire was meticulous. She wore a vintage dress with a light yellow mink coat gracefully draping over it, emanating an aura of elegance.
She leisurely removed her sunglasses and glanced at the crowd, noting their surprised expressions, which pleased her greatly.
Someone exclaimed, and Wyatt even stepped forward and called, âDexâ¦â
Josie couldnât discern Dexterâs expression as he immediately assumed a protective stance, pulling her behind him.
âXanthe? Why did you come back?â Yanis was the first to respond, his hand trembling even with the support of a cane.
Xanthe? Sheâs Xanthe Quorn?
Josieâs eyes widened in realization. Just as she had imagined, this woman had a commanding presence. As she approached, the intensity in her eyes mirrored Dexterâs.
So⦠Dexterâs mother wasnât gone; she was still alive.
Josie had always assumed that he refrained from discussing his mother because she had passed away.
Little did she know, Xanthe was not only alive but also thriving.
âHey bro, seems like Iâm not welcomed here.â Xanthe carried herself with poise. She stood before Dexter, maintaining an intense gaze while conversing with others.
âWhen did you come back?â
âJust got off the plane. Since itâs the New Year, I figured I should swing by and visit the family.â
Dexter remained silent, and his gaze turned away. Towering over Xanthe, he put her at an unexpected disadvantage.
âAnd whoâs this?â Finally, Xantheâs attention fell upon the timid and petite woman standing behind him.