Daniel tightened his fists, a mix of anger and smugness coursing through him. He took pride in his financial prowess, and at the very least, he treated Maisie fairly when it came to money.He asked, half in jest, "By the way, are you and your fiance still sharing expenses?"Maisie's expression changed, and she nervously averted her gaze, fiddling with her hands."Well... I'll get you a thermos," she said, as if to leave.But just as she reached the door, Daniel called her back. "Maisie, I have an empty apartment."She was momentarily stunned.He offered her a warm smile. "You could move in. I... I can cut you a deal on the rent. What do you think?"-The apartment was situated in the city center within a top-tier luxury complex. It was a spacious 200-square-meter flat with a south-facing orientation and ample natural light streaming in through full-length windows. It offered a panoramic view of the bustling neighborhood below, especially enchanting in the evenings.The apartme
Maisie's heart skipped a beat as she softly agreed and ended the call.Later, Graham called. As usual, he sounded rushed. Checking the time, Maisie realized a whole day had passed since she had last spoken to him.In a hushed tone, Maisie asked, "Graham, don't you think there's something—" She stopped herself before the words "not quite normal between us" escaped.Graham paused as if something had just clicked. "Maisie, are you facing difficulties over there?""No," she replied, forcing a smile. "I've moved to a new place.""Oh.""Next time you visit, don't go to the old place," she said."Did you get a promotion?" Graham chuckled. "Or a raise? Congratulations!"Maisie exhaled deeply. It felt like she and Graham inhabited separate worlds."Alright, I won't keep you any longer. I'm a bit busy here," he said."Busy?" Maisie was puzzled. It was late at night on his end, so what could he be busy with?"Graham, I—""Maisie, let's talk later," Graham interrupted, his voice soundi
"Why? Do you like it?" Maisie seemed surprised, unable to hold back a smile. "I originally planned to make truffle and mushroom soup, but Nicole thought people might not like the truffles' taste. As such, she asked me not to make it."Daniel didn't like truffles, but Maisie's version was unexpectedly tasty, none of the flavors he disliked. He found himself craving that taste.Unfortunately, she had forgotten everything."Mr. Quimby, don't stay here." She chuckled. "There's a lot of smoke. Why don't you go to the living room and have some fruit? I have one more dish to prepare, and it'll be ready soon!"Daniel nodded and left. As he passed through the living room, he noticed Nicole, her eyes expressing a mix of emotions.Maisie brought the soup to the table at that moment.Daniel raised his eyebrows and smiled at Maisie. "Do you have any tabasco?""Mr. Quimby, still tempting fate?" Maisie smiled. "I told you your wound hasn't healed, and you can't have spicy food. Plus, it's hars
It was a chilly late autumn, much like the last time. Daniel had spent a significant sum to persuade Maisie to stay with him when she was desperate.Autumn in Cumulus City mirrored Centrolis. It was dry and chilly, with golden sycamore leaves adorning the entire city. It cast a dreamy and romantic spell over the otherwise quiet urban landscape.-Back then.Maisie was a university student in her third year.To ensure Maisie's well-being, Daniel arranged for her brother's treatment at the best hospital, providing her with a generous monthly allowance. This transformed her into someone without status or identity, someone he could instruct.However, he didn't rush to win her heart from the outset. For some inexplicable reason, he felt a unique connection with her from their very first meeting.Later, he realized it was something they called "love at first sight". Regrettably, he recognized this feeling too late.On the day they officially became a couple, Daniel's driver chauffeur
"What?"Daniel turned to look at Persephone. He patted her head and lifted her up. "I'll take you home, Sephy.""Are you going somewhere else?" Persephone asked."I want to go to the theme park," Daniel replied.Persephone cheered. "I'm coming too!""I'm sorry, Sephy," he said, looking at her, "I can't take you with me today. I'd like to be alone."Persephone felt down but didn't make a fuss. She understood that her beloved granduncle was having a tough day.'Is it because of Ms. Maisie?' Persephone recalled how she used to be rewarded with snacks every time she shared information about Maisie with him. She figured she could brighten his mood by revealing a secret about her teacher.She leaned in close to his ear. "Granduncle, let me tell you something about Ms. Maisie..."She emphasized, "The prince is coming back!""What?" His expression changed, as she expected."It's true." Persephone nodded. "She told me herself when we were buying sauce. The prince is returning to disc
Daniel observed as Maisie welcomed Graham with a smile. However, as the door closed behind them, his heart sank.He restlessly paced back and forth, eventually reaching for his phone to call his subordinate. He couldn't contain his frustration and yelled as soon as the call was answered, "Why is Graham here?!"His subordinate was taken aback, clueless about the situation.In need of a moment to calm down, Daniel closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly."I asked, why is Graham staying in the apartment in Mange Square, right across from my house?" he asked with more composure.The subordinate hesitated before speaking. "I... I'm not sure."Daniel was frustrated. He hung up and awaited an update from his subordinate.After a short while, he received a report. "Mr. Quimby, the Bayers don't own the apartment Mr. Bayer is staying at. He bought it after making his first million from venture capital. It's his personal property.""Why did he choose this place, then?" Dan
A few days later, Daniel's subordinate handed him an invitation and Fat Lawler's information."This Fat Lawler has been running Cumulus City's underworld. His influence in Centrolis is minor, but he has been infiltrating Centrolis in recent years."Daniel casually flipped through the file, "So, did he succeed?""Not really." His subordinate smiled. "You know that Centrolis is your brother-in-law's territory. Even though Nic is no longer in the underworld, his sway is much greater than Fat Lawler's. But there's one thing...""What is it?""Fat Lawler is smart to be cozying up to the kingpins in Centrolis. As Nic is no longer a part of the underworld, they no longer belong to the same world, and he has to abide by their rules. Although he's influential, he can't meddle in the underworld."Also, Fat Lawler's business primarily revolves around casinos and providing loans. Whether in Cumulus City or Centrolis, he has a piece of the pie in both casinos and providing loans businesses.
Fat Lawler furrowed his brow, deep in thought. He didn't recall the name Wesley Mebane."I've got my subordinates handling my business," he replied matter-of-factly. "We give out loans to a lot of folks daily. How could I be expected to remember them all? But why are you asking about this?""Wesley is a worthless gambler and a real jerk. But, well, he happens to be my..." Daniel paused for a moment, then continued. "He's my wife's brother-in-law.""Your wife?" Fat Lawler asked."Exactly." Daniel nodded with a hint of a smile. "He had the audacity to use my wife as collateral. He even suggested that your subordinates could have her if he couldn't pay up."Fat Lawler's expression grew serious. "How did this happen?"Just then, someone whispered in his ear, and he had a sudden realization. A cold gleam flashed in his eyes."So, you're the one who had my two subordinates arrested that day!"Daniel remained composed. "They caused trouble for my wife. I showed mercy by having them ha