The feud between the Carters and the Russells had deep roots, hence Scarâs intense animosity toward them.
As the words left Scarâs mouth, Arnold kicked him in the belly. âKeep yapping, and I might finish you off first!â
âRelax, man. Amidst the commotion, Dexterâs attention was snagged by faint makeup smudges on Arnoldâs 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.
Josieâs nerves were taut and reluctant.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Dexterâs lips. âGo on, light it.â
She hesitated for a moment before taking the lighter. With a snap, a spark of fire illuminated the sharp arch of the manâs 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. Heâd promised to quit, and since then, heâd refrained from touching a cigarette.
Tonight was the first exception.
âIâm cool, no worries,â Arnold remarked as he took a tissue from one of his subordinates, wiping his fingers clean. âBut did you switch personal assistants? I didnât see Mr. May around today.â
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.
âOh? You mean Leanne?â
Dexter seized the opportunity to interject, âIn case you didnât know, you two are related. Sheâs your sister- in-law.â
Arnold arched an eyebrow, not denying it. âTrue, but whoâs to say if Iâll ever have the chance to be your brother-in-law in the future.â
His implication was clear, and Dexterâs expression shifted.
Leanne stepped forward and said, âMr. Carter, youâve crossed a line.â
Josie was still present.
âHeâs consistent like that, saying whatâs on his mind or nothing. By the way, Ms. Olsen, Iâm curious why youâve come here todayâ¦â
Josie had reached her breaking point, unable to stand on the sidelines of the menâs showdown.
The atmosphere was becoming unbearable, and she needed relief.
In a confrontation, she locked eyes with Leanne.
Leanneâs initial firmness wavered as she grappled with Josieâs question. âIâ¦â.
Casting a fleeting look at Dexter, she seemed on the verge of speaking but held back.
The glowing tip of the cigarette accentuated Dexterâs fingers, his demeanor gradually taking on a darker edge.
âLet me answer on your behalf,â Josie had already pieced together much of the puzzle.
âAs 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 doesnât enhance the prestige of your Ms. Olsen persona. But shouldnât you be accountable for the role youâve willingly taken on?â
âDid you convey the message I asked you to pass on to Mr. Russell? My hunch is you didnât.â Josie knew it was Leanne who had answered the call she had made to Dexter.
Josie couldnât deny Leanneâs cunning and capability. Despite Thomas never being granted access to Dexterâs personal calls, Leanne, who had only recently joined the Russell Group, seemed to muster that privilege.
Under Josieâs 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, âShe did mention the call you made.â
Josieâs conversation was cut short. She met the manâs gaze, realizing that he was shielding Leanne.
Hearing that, she let out a cold chuckle. âOh, she did. My bad for misunderstanding Ms. Olsen then.
Leanne rushed to explain, âI answered the call because Mr. Russell was caught up in important matters andâ¦
âEnough, Dexter cut in, his gaze fixed on Josieâs determined expression. âSince Mrs. Russell can piece it together, explanations arenât necessary.â
âDexâ¦â Leanneâs voice quivered, the words escaping inadvertently. She realized her mistake too late.
âMr. Russellâ¦â
This only fueled Josieâs frustration. She nodded with a wry smile. Her words were tinged with irony.
âExactly, no need for explanations.â
Dexter extinguished his cigarette.
At that moment, applause rang out from behind. It was Arnold, stepping forward leisurely. âLooks like I might actually have a shot at becoming your brother-in-law, ch, Dex.â
Josie turned and flung her bag at him. âWhatâs gotten into you? Youâre so eager to join his family, to become his brother-in-law, huh?!â
After her outburst, she continued striding forward with determined steps under Dexterâs piercing gaze.