Dexter typically refrained from addressing her casually as Leanne. However, at that moment, the situation demanded a more intimate approach. She was in bad shape and he needed to pull her back to reality. He asked softly, “What happened?” Josie's eyes had turned bright red due to the biting wind. She sniffled, her voice hoarse as she asked, “Dexter? Weren't you mad at me...” Dexter held her even tighter, whispering, “I never took it to heart. Today, I had Justin invite you in, hoping you would give me a chance to make amends. But your pride is so strong. I waited for a long time, but that chance never came.” At last, Josie showed some response. She managed a smile and said, “Well, you got that chance now.” “I gave it to myself.” She put away her smile, closing her weary eyes to soak in the warmth of the embrace. In a whisper, she asked, “What would you do if you found out that your life has been filled with deception and manipulation from the very beginning?”Dexter pursed his lips, cradling her cold face in his large hands. He brushed away the stray strands of hair from her face and answered, “I would have my revenge.” “When will this cycle of revenge ever end?” “Then I'll seek revenge for you. You don't have to do anything.” Josie found it hard to muster a smile as she slowly said, “When I was investigating Paul's whereabouts years ago, someone informed me that his dismissal was due to medical malpractice. The patient involved was Mr. Dalton's elder sister.” Dexter released her and gripped her hand instead. “I know.” “Today, I found out that the patient's name is Yulissa Bastille. She's Morgan's elder sister.” Dexter slightly lifted his eyes, and a spark of surprise flashed across them. Clearly, he hadn't expected this either. “Can you understand how I feel, Dexter?” Josie said, her words trailing off into a laugh. But it was a bitter, ugly laugh. “He was only seventeen back then, hadn't even started college, and yet he managed to drive my entire family out of Rivodia. Then, over the next few years, he worked his way into a graduate program in Wavery, becoming my senior. The acquaintance, the love, the breakup were all part of his deliberate design.” Josie spoke slowly, yet her words were crystal clear. She was trembling all over, her fingertips digging into Dexter's flesh. She was filled with hatred and was on the verge of a breakdown. “He despises Paul, despises me. If it's true that I deserved what happened back then, I can let it slide. But what about everything that transpired afterward? How many of those incidents was he involved in orchestrating? Paul's disappearance, the torment, everything that Arnold did... I don't dare to think about it. I have no idea how he managed to shower me with attention while simultaneously wrecking my entire life.” Tears fell heavily from Josie's eyes, and her hands dropped weakly to her side. A droplet of blood, not her own, fell onto the soft sand, staining it a dark red. She broke down in tears. “What should I do, Dexter... What should I do!” Dexter closed his eyes, pulling her abruptly into his embrace, holding her tightly. “Leanne, it doesn't matter. You still have me, you still have Grape, and you still have your designs that you're so proud of. Your life hasn't been ruined by him. He can't do that to you. It's not too late to realize now. You have me. Trust me.” He spoke each word, each sentence, with a resounding strength, holding her as if he were holding the entire world. Josie cried for what seemed like an eternity until she was drained of all her strength. Finally, Dexter picked her up in a bridal carry, bringing her back into the car. He turned on the heater and poured her a warm cup of water. “Rest if you're tired. I'll take you home.” Josie was tense all over. Even in her dreams, she dared not let her guard down. She feared being schemed against at any moment, so she had her defenses up.