Blind Date Turned Proposal

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Josie shot him a look that was meant to be reproachful, yet her eyes, dancing with a blend of shyness and apprehension, unwittingly conveyed more allure than admonition at that instant, exuding an irresistible charm.

As she withdrew her hand, an impromptu query crossed her mind. "Has that car accident left any lasting effects on your heart?”

At this juncture, Dexter's attention appeared to slightly diminish. His response, delivered in a tone straddling the line between sincerity and jest, was ambiguous, "No, the impact you've had on it is far more significant."

Unable to contain herself, Josie lightly slapped him on his body, her action more playful than punitive. In her movement, she inadvertently grazed his delicate area.

Dexter's brow knitted, a quiet hiss escaping him. He grabbed her hand again, his voice a low caution, "Be careful with your movements."

The realization of her accidental contact sent a flush of warmth across Josie. She knew she couldn't linger any longer, "I really need to leave now!"

She hastened out of the car, the cool embrace of the night air alleviating the heat on her cheeks as she made her exit.

Raising her head, she found herself locking eyes with the few individuals who had been awaiting her return. She halted, momentarily frozen, before a wave of embarrassment overcame her, wishing she could vanish into thin air.

D*mn it, Dexter!

Laura, seemingly having just arrived and slightly out of breath, scrutinized Josie from head to toe before breaking the silence. "You look fine. Perhaps I was overly concerned."

Josie caught her breath and approached, inquiring, "Where were you earlier?"

"After making a call to my mother, I went out to meet her, worried she might lose her way. Little did I expect to just miss her."

Josie acknowledged with a nod, her attention then diverted by the absence of Vivian. Claudia stepped forward to inform, "Your friend departed a while ago; she mentioned she would contact you later." Josie grasped the situation without further explanation.

Once inside the car, an initial silence lingered between them, momentarily thickening the air.

Claudia stared out the window, seemingly engrossed in the passing view. Josie observed her for a moment before deciding to initiate conversation, "Thank you for your help today. Without it, clearing my name would have been a struggle."

Claudia offered a subtle nod in

el.

acknowledgment. "It wasn't your fault, but had the events escalated today, it could've severely tarnishe your reputation. Have your considered why Ava chose to forfeit her own interests rather than disclose her accomplice to you?"

Josie mused, "It's likely that someone present intimidated her into silence. I suppose it was Shirley."

Claudia regarded Josie with a nod of affirmation. "If that's the case, why didn't you confront them sooner? With my presence, the Ross family would have hesitated to make any missteps."

"The alliance between the Ross and

Olsen families was at stake." Josie clarified earnestly, "I wasn't physically harmed. However, any discord sown among our younger members that jeopardizes the collaborative interests of both families would result in a net loss. Weighing the benefits against the drawbacks, I understand the

importance of discretion." Content

Claudia's approval became more evident. "Thus, it wasn't I who helped you, but rather you who provided assistance to us, Leanne. It was always clear to me that your insight and judgment extend beyond the trivial."

These words were spoken without anyone catching the fleeting shadow of discomfort that passed over Laura's features as she remained silently seated.

It was apparent Claudia was steering Josie in a particular direction.

"Truth be told, had things escalated

further just now, pacifying the

situation would have been a

challenge, especially considering the close ties between the two families," Laura confessed openly, "I'm sorry you had to go through that, Jo."

Josie shook her head, yet the memory of Dexter's intense stare was imprinted in her mind, indelible.

Claudia, noticing her preoccupation, turned toward Laura and inquired, "The project you're embarking on with Juliette, has it commenced?"

"It had."

"Let Leanne take the lead on this. Her skills are a perfect match. It would alleviate much of your burden," she proposed.

Laura furrowed her brows. "But..."

"I've mentioned before that I have no intention of getting involved with the Olsen family's business," Josie interjected, reaching out to hold Laura's hand to stop her from continuing.

Claudia, far from offended, merely smiled softly. "In any case, don't rush your decisions. Who knows? You might find yourself more amenable by tomorrow."