“I’ve had the opportunity to work with her father in the past and met her on several occasions. Despite her youth, she showcased insightful ideas that truly made her stand out as someone to collaborate with.”
Josie was eager to share everything she knew about Juliette in a single breath.
Previously, Josie might have outright declined, but something within her hesitated this time around.
Spotting her hesitation, Laura interjected, suggesting they reconsider, “Let’s hold off on that. Jo has just gotten back and isn’t yet acclimated to the business industry here. I’ve been deeply involved in this project for several months now; it would make more sense for me to continue leading it.”
“She needs the practice, after all.”
“But-“
“I’d like to take it on,” Josie interjected, silencing the room. “I had already made a commitment to guide her. We can sort out who will ultimately lead the project later on.”
Mark, elated by her willingness, nodded so vigorously his leg nearly turned a shade of purple from all the enthusiastic tapping.
Claudia likewise voiced her support for Josie’s decision. Laura, caught off guard, was left feeling somewhat agitated and anxious.
“Here’s what we’ll do, Laura,” Mark proposed, “Don’t rush with the project. Allow Leanne to familiarize herself first, then you can transfer all the related documents to her. I’m assigning you to head a more critical acquisition case. You have no objections, right?”
Laura managed a wry smile. “No objections here. It was originally Jo’s project, after all.”
The subtlety in her tone did not escape Claudia, who cast her a few more scrutinizing glances, her expression darkening slightly.
Once it was just the two of them, Josie couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable. “I apologize for stepping in and taking over your project upon my return. It wasn’t intentional. This project just aligns so well with my skill set. Additionally, I find Juliette’s unique perspectives quite admirable.”
Her agreement wasn’t solely influenced by the recent news. Indeed, there were underlying reasons, such as a shared camaraderie among women.
Leaning against the door, Laura let out a scornful laugh. “Why the apology? Eventually, everything in the Olsen family will be yours. For years, Zach’s mistresses have belittled and mocked me without any repercussions from the Olsens. Yet, upon your return, Claudia swiftly dealt with two of them.”
Her smile was dazzling yet filled Josie with guilt. “Perhaps… now you’re in a position to act as well,” she suggested.
Laura simply shook her head, offering no further comment.
Though she took on the role of the guide, Josie realized how much the city had changed in her absence. Preparing for the trip required extensive online research for travel guides.
Their first destination was the sea. Josie personally arranged for a yacht, planning a tour around the island..
To her surprise, Juliette arrived, unaccompanied, dressed casually in a short- sleeved shirt and shorts, her hair tied back in a high ponytail and adorned with a baseball cap, looking much younger than her thirty years.
“Ms. Olsen, why are you just standing there watching me? Aren’t we setting sail?” Juliette inquired, her smile bright.
Josie chuckled. “I was mesmerized by your youthful appearance, almost too captivated to move.”
Juliette, adventurous by nature, eagerly took on piloting the yacht after a quick lesson. Josie accompanied her, sharing stories of the historical sites they passed.
“Have you always lived in Wavery?”
Allowing the breeze to tousle her hair, Josie teased, “Ms. Witherspoon, given that your call reached Mark, surely you’re aware of my origins?”
The two shared a glance and laughed.
“I didn’t mean to intrude, but your name came up at the cocktail party last night, revealing you as the Olsen family’s daughter. Had I known sooner, I would’ve visited you directly. I’ve even met your father.”
I knew it would spread, but I didn’t expect it to spread this quickly. Josie, not yet accustomed to referring to Mark as her father, mused, “It’s just a temporary arrangement.”
Juliette, picking up on the delicate nuances of their conversation, chose not to delve further.
