Upon returning to her residence, Josie hadn't anticipated encountering Zach in the courtyard.

Leaning against the magnolia tree, he idly scrolled through his phone, bored. Upon hearing footsteps, he glanced up abruptly.

"You've got some nerve showing your face here," Zach remarked bluntly.

Josie turned to face him, closing the distance between them with deliberate steps. "This is my home. Leave."

Her assertion carried an undertone of authority, and Zach immediately bristled. His agitation palpable, he retorted, "Yours? I've lived here for over twenty years. Who do you think you are?" Josie's patience wore thin. "When I resided here, you weren't even born."

Zach lost it and lunged forward, seizing her by the throat, his anger evident in his clenched teeth. "If you dare to stay," he threatened, "I'll show you the consequences of messing with a local!" Josie felt a twinge of discomfort, but she refused to let it surface. Instead, she offered a smile. "Zach, you haven't changed a bit in these two years."

Zach remained silent.

"I haven't even done anything yet, just stayed at your place for a few days, and you're already so worked up. Aren't you a bit too impatient?" Josie's tone was calm, almost teasing. Zach wished he could kill her on the spot. "You think you're high and mighty, don't you? Why don't you just leave? If you hate the Olsen family so much, why did you come back?"

one by one. "But seeing you in this state now, I find it rather amusing. Suddenly, I don't

voice cracked with

the door. "Emily, please escort our

troubled as she glanced at Zach, lowering her head. "Mr.

his anger, Zach kicked the tree trunk

her room, Josie checked the time—already eight in the

number, but no

Is he still asleep?

couldn't shake a sense of foreboding, though she couldn't quite explain why. Her

some affairs, she hoped he

stood

prowled, their presence ominous and menacing, their eyes gleaming

faced a predicament-they had to confront the menacing wolves before they could reach her. "Mr. Russell, it might startle Grape if she hears the gunshots,"

should be worried about now," he snapped in a hushed tone, his eyes narrowed with concern.

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