"Why so nervous?" the man asked.

The coffee was ready. Josie cradled it in her hands for warmth, her gaze steady on the other person. "Anyone who has access to Russell Group's employee handbook wouldn't be of a low rank, and being able to enter Dexter's home just further supports this assumption. It's rather inappropriate for a person of your stature to be joking around in the break room instead of working at this hour, don't you think?" Any trace of surprise had already vanished from her eyes.

She was smarter and more composed than he had imagined.

The man chuckled lightly. "The meeting is over. It's time for a break now."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Preston Kaufman." He reached out his hand. "You must be Josie. I've heard a lot about you."

Preston... Josie had heard this name before. Back in Rivodia, when Charles was under investigation, many people got implicated. The person Dexter had stepped in to save seemed to be called Preston. Josie shook hands with him. "So you're Mr. Kaufman. I've heard about you for quite some time."

Preston adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. "Do you know when I first became aware of you?"

Back when Josie departed, Dexter had effectively put a lockdown on all information related to her, affording her the utmost peace. Consequently, few of those who came later were aware of Josie's existence.

Josie shook her head.

"In the first year that Mr. Russell brought me to his side after I had independently completed my first project, I was invited to dine at Russell Mansion. During the meal, he entrusted me with many confidential and significant aspects of our work. However, all of that wasn't really anything special." Preston, seemingly reminded of something, suddenly burst into laughter. "After we separated, I accidentally shattered a picture frame in Mr. Russell's study. In the one year I have known him, he has always carried an inherent dignity, never showing his anger and always displaying a gentle demeanor. That was the first time I saw him lose his temper. Even now, the memory still gives me the jitters."

Upon hearing his next words, Josie felt a sting in her heart. "He ignored the pain from the glass shards. It seemed he only cared about the photo, and the person in that photo was you."

The coffee machine beeped rhythmically. Preston turned to the side, nonchalantly saying, "Later, Larry informed me that it was Mr. Russell's beloved."

"Beloved." He found it amusing, casting another glance at Josie. "Seeing you now, I think you're nothing special."

He spoke in a manner that lacked respect for others.

Josie had no intention of staying longer. "It's a shame I don't possess the beauty that could topple kingdoms and cities. I must have disappointed you." As she reached the door, he called out to her. "Ms. Warren."

She gave him a sideways glance. "If you don't wish to stay, I beg you, please don't torment him."

To think he's Dexter's die-hard fan. Josie let out a scornful laugh and walked away.

Even though she didn't usually care about what others said, her mood took a nosedive when Preston spoke. She felt agitated.

Just as expected, the meeting had concluded. Dexter had already returned to his office. A few people were gathered around the tea table. His brows and eyes were dark, his expression incredibly indifferent, as if he was waiting for her to return. This content © 2024 .

Josie's complexion was off, and she hadn't had the chance to compose herself by the time she reached the door. Larry was the first to smooth things over for her. "Ms. Warren, did you perhaps have a bit of difficulty with the coffee machine? It seemed to have taken you a bit longer."

〃

Josie glanced at the half-cold coffee in her hand. "Hmm, your company's coffee machine really doesn't measure up to ours."

That statement was indeed blunt. Juliette was frantically giving her signals. After all, they were there to express gratitude, not to stir up trouble.

Josie acted as if she hadn't seen anything.

With a playful smirk, Dexter poured a

cup of coffee. His fingers, defined and graceful, held the pot with an air of elegance. He then placed the coffee in front of the empty seat next to him.

"Ms. Warren, your valuable suggestions will indeed be implemented," he assured.

Immediately, Juliette interjected, "That's not what she meant."