Although Grape knew that Dexter was her father, she had never addressed him as such, instead opting to use "Mr. Russell" as a substitute.

Josie reached out and gently patted her little head. "Adult matters are beyond a child's understanding. When you grow up, you'll naturally understand." Grape wore an expression of apparent comprehension yet confusion, her tiny head appearing as though it was deep in thought.

The following day, early in the morning.

Before Josie could even get out of bed, she was rudely awakened by the incessant ringing of her phone. Groping for her phone, she answered the call in a daze.

"Good morning, Alice," came the hearty voice of Lachlan from the other end of the receiver.

Josie opened his eyes and glanced at the time. It was only seven in the morning. "Morning..."

"Haven't you gotten up yet?"

Josie gave a hum of acknowledgment, even though she was already fully awake.

"You're calling me so early. Is there something going on?"

"Come over to the window for a moment..."

Josie was puzzled. "What?"

prepared a surprise for you. You can see it from the

confusion in Josie's eyes deepened. Unable to resist Lachlan's persistent suspense, she rose, clad in her pajamas, and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling

waved at her and said in a

unbelievable. "Didn't you go back to the country to deal with work-related matters?

back ahead of schedule. What's the matter? Aren't you planning to

just wait a

her clothes, Josie finally descended the stairs to open the door. As soon as she did, she saw Lachlan standing there, looking like a weary traveler. The dark circles under his eyes were a

you return

it's because I desperately wanted to see

smiled faintly, yet she was somewhat reluctant to respond to what was

should save those sweet words for other young

but tease, "I'm being serious, but you don't believe me.

early in the morning. Anyone who didn't know better would think

had no choice

How is it? There must have been quite a few outstanding

it came to work,

there are a few promising candidates. They should be able to stand

subject by saying, "By the way, there's something I need to tell you. I've decided to return to my home

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