Josie was confused. This is Olsen Residence. The Olsen family has such a strong sense of territoriality. How could they possibly take in an elderly man severely ill, let alone the fact that he's Pop? Dexter gently assisted her to sit down beside him, whispering a reminder, "It was Mark who made the decision voluntarily. Although Justin didn't quite agree, I thought it was a good idea. This way, you get to see Paul every day and feel more at ease, right?"

Yes... Of course, this is the best outcome, but I still find it hard to believe that Mark would make such a decision. Could it be that Claudia was telling the truth that day? Josie wore a look of utter confusion as if she were a child unable to find her way home.

The Olsen family had purposely arranged for Paul to stay near her residence a mere few steps away. It was early autumn, and the night breeze was steeped with the rich fragrance of lilytree.

Dexter stood under the tree, his features subtly highlighted in the shadows, his bone structure smooth and refined. "Shall we go in and take a look?"

Josie didn't reject. By then, her panic had subsided.

Outside the house where Paul resided, Zach had been standing for what seemed like an eternity. His face was clouded with gloom as he stared at Josie's silhouette, his resentment so intense it felt as though he could skin her alive.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Inside, there was a faint scent of disinfectant. Claudia was supporting Mark, instructing the servants at the same time, "Make sure to change the bedding every day, clean the room daily, and don't leave any sharp objects around. Also, someone must be with him at all times. Understand?"

Several servants responded immediately, "Understood, Mrs. Olsen."

Josie walked to the doorway. It had been a while since she last saw Paul. He had lost a considerable amount of weight, but his face didn't look haggard. It was clear that he was well taken care of, whether he was by Dexter's side or in the nursing home.

His eyes were slightly downcast, but he directly caught sight of Josie. "Jo..."

Seeing that Paul could still recognize her, Josie immediately pushed through the crowd and entered. "Dad."

A single call-out caused Mark's cane-supported figure to pause. He exchanged a glance with Claudia, both of their eyes filled with a sense of loss.

"Are you getting used to it here?" Josie asked.

Paul was still somewhat confused. "Jo, you're done with school. Let me fix you some dinner."

A group of people hastily tried to hold him down, but only Josie held his hand, gently consoling, "Dad, I've already eaten at school. Don't worry."

Paul didn't seem to understand what

was going on "Have you finished your homework? You didn't cause any trouble at school, did you? That little blond troublemaker at the corner has he stopped throwing your backpack into the trash can?

Remember to tell your to

1.n

If

not, I'll go give him a piece of my mind tomorrow."

Josie's eyes brimmed with moisture. Those were all events of the past. It was often said that those with Alzheimer's disease would only remember their obsessions, and it was clear that his obsession was none other than Josie.

The vast room was eerily silent.

Josie gently pressed Paul's hand to her own cheek. "I've finished my homework, and I've been listening to the teacher. I didn't even sleep in class. That little blonde guy wouldn't dare to mess with me. He couldn't beat me even if he tried. So you don't have to worry."

Dexter couldn't bring himself to stay and watch. He turned around and left, his whole being consumed with restlessness and frustration.

Those past events she was reluctant to confront were all the days he was absent. At that moment, when faced with them, he still couldn't bear the regret.

It was rare for Paul to engage in conversation with her, but he still said, "I know you too well, you sly girl. You always think you're so smart. You probably spent half your class time sleeping, didn't you?" Josie laughed through her tears, which slid down her cheeks.

Claudia could no longer bear to watch. She gently patted Mark's hand and whispered, "Let's go."

As biological parents, seeing their daughter's deep bond with her adoptive father was heart-wrenching. What hurt even more was the realization that all of this was justified. If there was anyone to blame, it was themselves.