Blind Date Turned Proposal (Josie and Dexter)

Arnold offered a smile that seemed more like a veiled threat than a friendly gesture, "I just caught a glimpse of your little one. As adorable as the photos suggested, with eyes that mirror yours." The words struck Josie as an unmistakable threat, igniting a fierce glare from her as she muttered under her breath, "Dare to lay a finger on her, and you'll regret it."

Arnold, however, appeared to ignore her words, continuing with an air of entitlement, "Given the family ties, she really ought to be calling me 'mister.' I've been back on home turf for a while, so it's high time I presented her with a proper welcome gift. Lead the way; I want to meet her."

Downstairs, Laura was caught up in conversation with Grape when Josie obstructed Arnold's view. With a determined tone, she addressed him, "Arnold, the child has done nothing wrong. If you've got a beef with anyone, take it up with me. Leave my child out of your machinations."

Her bravery seemed to envelop her with the aura of motherhood. Arnold paused, a hint of reminiscence in his gaze, before abruptly changing the subject, "You were but a little girl when we first crossed paths." Josie turned away, refusing to engage further in this unsettling dialogue. As she began her descent down the stairs, Arnold couldn't help but probe about a sensitive topic, "You haven't spoken to Dexter about that incident, have you?"

He was alluding to the unnerving episode involving Vipera.

Josie pressed her lips tightly together before replying with a simple, "No."

"That's probably for the best," he noted.

Turning back toward him, Josie implored with a sense of desperation, "Promise me something. Once all of this is over, you'll keep supplying the medicine."

carefree smile, "Of course, no problem at

couldn't shake off the

of slight distress as she sought comfort in her mother's embrace. "Sorry, Grape. Would you

was saying how much I really liked Aunt Laura. She's

soft chuckle, "And what about Ms. Whiteford? Don't you care

a special place for Ms. Whiteford, but she hardly ever visits or spends time with me," Grape

those who

several pairs of shoes scattered across the foyer caught Josie's attention. She inquired, upon entering, to Justin, "Who's visited

Justin took over Grape, he hinted with a tight-lipped expression, "Seems to

way to the

have extended to Wavery. They've suddenly pulled ten cash counters from Bank of Wavery. It

emerged, albeit with a weary tone, "There's a railway renovation underway in Rivodia facing a shortfall of four hundred million.

"But, is success guaranteed?"

room fell into

like a deliberate distraction. Her heart raced as she pushed the door open, stepping into the room