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

Josie couldn't shake off the unease that clung to her

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

Aunt Laura. She's always

out a soft chuckle, "And what about Ms. Whiteford? Don't you care for her as

Whiteford, but she hardly ever visits or spends time with me,"

those who make time for them are

shoes scattered across the foyer caught

he hinted with a tight-lipped expression, "Seems to be

the study to

study, Josie could overhear a discussion unfolding within, "Our inside source has reported that Vipera's operations have extended to Wavery. They've suddenly pulled ten cash counters from Bank of

a shortfall of four hundred million. If Mr. Dalton is out of the picture, that gap could easily be bridged. Quite a

"But, is success guaranteed?"

fell into a momentary

distraction. Her heart raced as she pushed the door open, stepping into the room to the surprise of everyone present. Without hesitation, she blurted out, "I just... I just