Josie endured a fitful night’s sleep, jolting awake multiple times in the darkness. Consequently, she appeared somewhat pallid and fatigued as dawn approached.
Despite her evident misery and exhaustion, her innate elegance remained undiminished.
“You’re up quite early,” remarked Emily, her surprise evident. “Mr. Olsen just headed out for his morning run, and Mrs. Olsen is still in bed.”
Perplexed, Josie took a seat and asked, “Morning run?”
That didn’t seem right. Mark had been in poor health in the past, often visiting the hospital. How could he now have the energy for morning jogs?
Noting Josie’s confusion, Emily explained, “Yes, Mr. Olsen always has this habit, saying it’s a way to stay physically active.”
Such a habit must have been cultivated only within the past couple of years.
Josie nursed a splitting headache, gesturing to Emily for a cup of coffee. Her mind started to drift, replaying Justin’s words once more.
Something wasn’t right. Justin had always been opposed to her going back to the Olsen Residence. Yet yesterday, he seemed oddly indifferent, dodging the issue altogether.
Before Josie could unravel the mystery, the sharp roar of a sports car shattered the silence. She glanced up to see a brand-new Rolls-Royce flawlessly parked at the entrance. A flamboyantly dressed man emerged, exuding an aura of confidence as he strode in.
“Mr. Olsen? Why the sudden return?” Emily’s surprise was palpable.
It was unmistakably Zach, his purpose evident. Ignoring the servants, he made a beeline for Josie.
Josie was delighted to see him. She eased back into her chair, anticipating his approach.
Zach slammed his hands onto the table, his face twisted in fury. His glare bore into Josie, his voice dripping with anger. “Leave. Now.”
Baffled, Josie arched an eyebrow. “And who might you be?”
“I’m your father,” Zach spat out, wasting no time as he lunged forward, seizing Josie’s arm and forcibly pulling her away. “You’ve got nerve, returning to the Olsen Residence. I’ve never seen such shamelessness.”
Josie, however, hadn’t spent the past years training for nothing. She swiftly broke free, pivoting to pin Zach’s arm against the table. “All flash and no substance. That won’t cut it.”
Writhing in agony, Zach struggled desperately. “Let me go!”
Ignoring his pleas, Josie tightened her grip. Zach’s voice rose to a frantic pitch, “I said let go, Josie!”
“Even though you know my name, you still challenge me.” Josie leaned in closer. “Apologize, and I might consider releasing you.”
With disdain, Zach spat at her, a sneer contorting his face. “You’re not worthy of that!”
Josie swiftly evaded the spittle. “Then don’t blame me for not showing you any mercy.”
Emily, fraught with worry and unsure of what to do, stood by helplessly. “Please, don’t fight!”
Josie hadn’t intended to escalate things with Zach. Sustaining the struggle had taxed her strength more than she anticipated, prompting her to release him.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a dog causing chaos in its own backyard,” Josie remarked, straightforward and to the point.
Shaking his hand to ease the ache, Zach fired back with equal bluntness, “You’re correct about one thing-it’s my domain, not yours! So why are you here, stirring up trouble?”
Zach had spent the last night in the nightclub, drinking excessively. After having one too many, he caught wind of talk about the Olsen family causing a stir, aiming to bring the real Liana back.
He had specifically asked the person who said that for confirmation.
Fueled by rage, Zach slammed his wine glass down, ready to throw a punch. “What rubbish are you spewing?”
The man recoiled in fear. “It’s… It’s true. My brother works for the Department of Transportation. He mentioned seeing it while clearing the roads…”
Zach sobered up completely from his drunken stupor, cursing quietly to himself as he drove through the night back to the Olsen residence.
Upon his arrival, he was met with the sight of Josie, aloof and composed, seated confidently at the head of the table, exuding defiance.
Taking a leisurely sip of her coffee, Josie responded with a hint of amusement, “You probably shouldn’t be sharing this with me. If you’re brave enough, go tell Mark.”
“You’re nothing but a lowlife,” Zach spat back, his disdain palpable. “You’re not even worthy of speaking my father’s name.”
