The road came alive with a parade of sleek, black luxury cars, neatly spaced about five meters apart, cruising down the empty thoroughfare.
The rain pelted down incessantly, creating a rhythmic symphony on the car roofs. At the same time, raindrops painted graceful trails on the windowpanes.
Breaking the silence, Dexterâs voice carried a tinge of nostalgia, âItâs been a while since Wavery saw rain. this heavy.â
Leanne lowered her gaze, âWeâve had a two-month dry spell. Spring is here finally, bringing the inevitable. rain.â
âAfter this storm passes, the weather will gradually warm up.â
Dexter removed the rosary from his wrist, his fingers methodically tracing each bead, his expression a mystery.
Despite the carâs spacious design, their whispered exchange seemed to confine their surroundings.
The man casually shifted his posture, stretching out his long legs. One hand rested casually on his knee, projecting an air of relaxation.
In contrast, Leanne appeared slightly constrained.
âDex⦠Why didnât you clarify things today? When you didnât answer the phone, were you out hunting for her fatherâs whereabouts?â
Earlier that day, Dexter had received news that someone had sighted Paul. Yet, upon his arrival, the informant had changed his story, claiming it was a misunderstanding.
Dexter wasnât one to miss the subtle machinations at play. Swiftly withdrawing, he ordered his bodyguards to give the informant a lesson.
It was precisely due to the escalating violence that he couldnât answer the call.
Leanne took the call in his place and quickly informed Dexter. He promptly organized a teain to locate Josie, only to find that she had sought out Arnold..
Interestingly, Wyattâs information seemed intertwined with Arnoldâs as well.
This sequence of events led to their unexpected encounter.
Earlier, Dexter and Josie were both gauging each otherâs trustworthiness.
âShe wonât buy it,â Dexter sighed, rubbing his temple.
â¦Because she saw me with you, she might not believe your explanation,â
Leanne analyzed perceptively, her chuckle tinged with self-mockery, âPerhaps I shouldnât have tagged along today.â
Regret tinted her words, prompting a thoughtful look from Dexter. âDonât worry about it.â
âBut you are.â Leanne sensed his uncase. It was clear that Josieâs defiance had affected Dexter.
âIs it that obvious?â Dexterâs lips curved into a wry smile, his fingers fidgeting with the rosary beads picking.
Leanne shifted her stance, perching on his knee as she regarded him, an infatuated glint in her eyes.
âDex⦠Why do you keep me close despite Mrs. Russell bothering you?â
Dexter didnât look at her, âYouâre my assistant.â
ââ¦Iâve been an assistant to many people, but Iâm not interested in being just another assistant for you.â
Leanneâs words were almost on the nose.
Dexter eventually glanced downwards, and Leanneâs eyes gleamed brightly in the dim light.
âWith the rain and the need for caution, our driver wonât speed. Itâll take us about an hour to reach the Olsen Residence at our current pace. It could get exhausting. You should take a nap if you can.â
Dexter deftly ignored her flirtatious advance.
With someone else, her implied meaning might have been clear.
Leanneâs hand on his leg was tender, brushing over his vulnerable points.
âDex, even if I end up being a secret companion, Iâd still be willing.â
She was candid and raw, though.
Dexter paused in his manipulation of the beads. âMy business involves risks that can manifest at any time. You shouldnât associate yourself with me too much.â
âIâm quite accommodating, Dex. Iâm willing to go along with your wishes.â
Dexterâs response prompted him to gently lift her chin. âAre you sure?â
âWell, I wouldnât behave like her, openly provoke you in front of everyone.â
Thinking back to Josieâs disrespectful behavior earlier, Leanne believed Dexter wouldnât condone such actions.
His silence persisted, and he asked, âWould you go as far as pilfering secrets from the Olsen family on my behalf?â
Even her gaze faltered.
âConsider it a gesture of your loyalty and commitment, like you saidâ¦â Dexter echoed her words.
âLâ¦â Leanneâs thoughts raced, âI havenât even begun at the Olsen Group. Itâs beyond my capability.â
âAbility can be nurtured if the intention is there.â
Leanneâs hand slipped away, âMark has been kind to me⦠Heâs my father.â