Seeing that Nolan showed no sign of forgiving her, Josie turned to me with pitiful eyes. "Morgan, could you help me explain to Mr. Spencer? I really didn't mean to. Anyway, you're out now. Let bygones be bygones. I'll definitely be more careful in the future!"
She was acting super humble, like it'd be the worst crime in the world if I didn't forgive her. I saw the same old tricks way too many times five years ago. Now, it didn't even bother me.
I didn't care about Nolan anymore, so naturally, I didn't care about the people around him either. "Hmm, I don't blame you. You're right, it's all in the past. There's no point dwelling on it now."
Nolan finally broke into a smile. "Morgan, I knew you wouldn't blame me. Josie, go sit beside her. I don't want her to misunderstand."
With Josie joining the table, he had to call the waiter to add more dishes. I listened as he rattled off a string of unfamiliar dishes, even thoughtfully reminding the waiter of Josie's dietary restrictions.
A flash of provocation flickered in Josie's eyes. "Miss Jackson, please don't overthink it. I was actually the one who introduced Mr. Spencer to this restaurant. We often eat here because of overtime and business dinners and after a while, he memorized my preferences."
The implication was that in the five years I was locked away, she and Nolan had shared too many special memories.
She expected me to react like before—to make a scene and confront Nolan. But this time, I only smiled. "It's only natural for a man to look after a woman, especially when you're his subordinate. It's his duty. Besides, he's given me hundreds of thousands in year-end bonuses before. This little thing is nothing."
Josie clenched her teeth, struggling to maintain her calmness. "You're right, Morgan. Mr. Spencer is a good man. Otherwise, I wouldn't have worked for him this long."
As if recalling something, she poured wine for me with a smile. "I heard life in there isn't easy. Some cliques bully newcomers. Morgan, you weren't bullied, were you?"
Nolan sat up straight, her face filled with worry.
"You really want me to be bullied?" I responded calmly.
Josie's smile froze. "How could you think that? I was just worried about you … "
She then continued, "I've seen news reports about the poor conditions in prison, how new inmates only get leftovers, get beaten if they don't do chores for the older ones and even that some women develop preferences for other women. If the other person refuses, they might get attacked in their sleep ... "
Realizing she'd misspoke, Josie smiled apologetically. "That's not what I meant. It's just that you're so pretty, Morgan. I was afraid someone would bully you."
I smirked. "Then I'm sorry to disappoint you, no one bullies me."
"Besides, those who had tried to bully me had already been taught a lesson by that person."
I didn't voice that last part because there was no need to tell these two.
Nolan finally let out a sigh of relief. "I was so afraid of bringing up bad memories that I never dared to ask. Thank goodness you're okay."
"What if something had happened?" I questioned.
That man reacted confidently. "Then I'd never forgive myself."
I smiled, tapping my fingers on the table. "Really? I had no idea. While I was suffering inside, you were worrying about me outside."
Just as Nolan was about to speak, Josie cut in. "That's right, Morgan. Mr. Spencer was in a terrible state these past five years and his insomnia was severe. He had to drink himself senseless every night to fall asleep. And strangely, when he was drunk, he would only let me pick him up and take him home."
"There were several times his call came in at three in the morning. Since Mr. Spencer's villa is in the suburbs and I couldn't get a cab, I had no choice but to spend the night at his place."
