Josie turned her face away, not responding immediately. However, the rise and fall of her chest had already betrayed her emotions. As it turns out, this has been the plan from the very beginning.
“As long as you stay, we will take care of all the treatment and care for Paul,” said Claudia. “Dexter has personally guaranteed. As long as you agree, there will be no issues on his end.”
After a long silence, Josie finally said, “I want to know something. If I hadn’t mentioned leaving today, would you still have said all this?”
Claudia paused, her mind turning over the information. “Indeed, I only found the medicine these past few days. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was afraid you’d be disappointed-“
Unexpectedly, Josie interrupted her by asking, “If you’re using these threats to make me stay, how could I dare to entrust him to you?”
“Leanne-“
“I must admit that your offer is quite tempting. It’s tempting enough that I lack the confidence to refuse. Dexter has always encouraged me to stay with the Olsen family. Perhaps he considered this as well. However, the reality of it all still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.”
Those firm words, spoken with resounding clarity, pierced Claudia’s heart and made her lips quiver. She wanted to explain, yet she didn’t know how to.
After a moment, Claudia reached out, her fingers clutching the corner of Josie’s clothing. She gave it a gentle shake and said, “Leanne, I know you’re considerate toward the man who raised you for many years, but your biological father is here. Can you show him some understanding as well?”
Josie was taken aback by her actions. Perhaps it was her tone that was too soft, too pitiful. Unconsciously, her stern expression softened. “You…”
“Two years… As you’re aware, Mark has been getting on in years, and his health has been progressively declining over these two years. Each day is precious. So, we thought it would be a good idea to have Paul move in with us. It seems like the best solution,” Claudia said.
To Josie’s surprise, such was the intention behind the actions.
Josie’s aloofness had completely vanished without her realizing it. Her gaze fell on the hand that was gripping her collar.
She almost forgot that the woman before her was her biological mother, after all.
Overwhelmed by emotions, Josie returned to her seat. “Give me some time to think about it,” she said.
Claudia immediately curved her lips into a smile. “No rush. We can wait.”
After that, the door to the room was gently closed.
They were capable of waiting, but it wasn’t certain if Paul could. Dexter might not have said it outright, but Josie understood that Paul’s health was likely not in the best condition.
Moreover, even if she agreed, she still had to get through to Justin.
With that in mind, Josie made a phone call.
After a while, the other end of the line picked up. The voice was groggy, likely due to being roused from sleep. “Jo.”
Josie closed her eyes and held her patience for a moment before he couldn’t resist any longer. “Did you reveal Paul’s matters to the Olsen family?”
There was a moment of silence on the other end, followed by the sound of someone shifting. In a languid tone, the person said, “The last time I went to Olsen Residence, it was to discuss this matter. Emotionally and rationally, it’s the best arrangement.”
“Yes, it’s the best arrangement, isn’t it? You informed everyone, and I’m the last to know.”
“No…” Dexter cleared his throat. “My people have joined forces with the Olsen family in the past few days to locate the source of the medicine. I didn’t hide it from you on purpose.”
Was Claudia telling me the truth? Josie thought about the situation before asking, “Their stipulation is for me to stay at Olsen Residence.”
“That’s good.”
“You make it sound so simple, but what about Grape?”
“She’ll stay with me,” Dexter said with a light laugh. “I am capable of providing for a child.”
Josie felt an urge to punch him. “I’m starting to understand it. All of this you’ve done isn’t all just for custody rights, is it?”
Dexter replied in a languid manner, “Would you believe me if I said it was all for you?”
