Josie sensed his moodiness despite his empathetic words.
However, Dexter did not reveal his anger, so Josie was unsure what emotions he hid. All she felt was his intimidating aura. After a moment, he said, âI need you to go somewhere with me tonight.â
Josie wanted to say something but did not know how to express her thoughts.
She could not deny that she was at fault for secretly collaborating with Arnold. Furthermore, she even planned to keep hiding the matter from Dexter.
That night, Josie sat in the Porscheâs backseat to keep some distance from Dexter. She apologized, âIâm sorry.â
Dexter did not look at her but played with a lighter. âYou went out on New Yearâs Eve. Was it because someone died on the construction site?â
He guessed it.
âYes.â
âWhy didnât you tell me about it?â
Josie recalled her thoughts and feelings from that day and pursed her lips. âI mentioned it, but you did not listen.â
Dexter frowned slightly and considered. However, he could recall that she had ever told him.
âYou didnât.â
Josie had said she was honest with him and asked if he would do the same.
However, Dexter had not told her the truth, so she did not bring up the matter concerning Arnold.
They arrived at their destination. Josie was surprised to find themselves before Sky Palace. âWhy this place?â
Dexter replied emotionlessly, âGet out of the car.â
He dragged Josie out of the car and toward Sky Palace. She staggered as she struggled to keep up with him. The struggle also caused her skirt to flare up. The attendant had a shocked. expression as Josie stumbled through the door.
âMrs. Russell, she isâ¦â
âSheâs my wife.â Dexter released his grip and held her hand instead. Josie immediately adjusted her expression and squeezed out a smile.
âOh, Mrs. Russell⦠Nice to finally meet you.â The person was a middle-aged man. His clothes and demeanor indicated he was no ordinary person but likely someone with governmental authority.
Dexter explained casually, âHeâs Caesar Perkins, a director of the local government.â
Josie nodded. âNice to meet you.â
Larry reserved a large private lounge beforehand. It felt empty with only the three of them. Most of the seats were left vacant.
Caesar appeared uneasy. âWe discovered the matter too late and could not find anything to hold the incident against Carter Group.â
Dexter placed some food on Josieâs plate. âWhat about Mr. Lynch from the agency? How long do we have before he retires?â
âItâs less than half a month.â
Larry entered and reported, âMr. Lynch and a few others are in the private lounge next door. Mr. Carter hosted the gathering.â
Dexter sneered, âThey must be celebrating.â
No one dared to speak.
Caesar looked at Dexter and said, âMr. Russell, the higher-ups will not get involved since we donât have evidence. Unfortunately, we wasted months of effort to trap him.â
Josie did not dare to move in her seat. She thought about what she had heard and realized Carter Group had fallen into Dexterâs trap when he accepted the construction project.
She had no idea how many people Dexter had involved in this.
âWho says we donât?â Dexter smirked and called over a waiter. âHow old are you?â
The waiter was a young man. He came to their table nervously. âIâm twenty-twoâ¦.â
âWill you be willing to do something for me?â
The waiter had witnessed many things in this place and knew everyone in this place was influential people. He was unsure how to refuse Dexter and did not know what to say.
âThereâs nothing to be scared of. Iâm only asking you to send a dish to them,â Dexter continued indifferently.
Larry stepped forward and strapped a watch around the waiterâs wrist. Then, he stuffed a card into his pocket and said, âYou will receive payment if you succeed. Even if you fail, you will leave Sky Palace and work in Mandarin Oriental Hotel instead.â