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

home, Josie couldn't shake off the unease that

in her mother's embrace. "Sorry, Grape. Would you mind repeating what you just said?" Josie requested, making an effort to shake off her worries and adopt a

I really liked Aunt Laura. She's always been

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

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

who make time for them are cherished

scattered across the foyer

with a tight-lipped expression, "Seems to be one of

their way to the study to delve

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 Wavery. It looks like this ship is doomed

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

"But, is success guaranteed?"

room fell into a

that Arnold's visit to the construction site wasn't just a casual drop-by; it felt more like a deliberate distraction. Her heart raced as she pushed the door open, stepping into