"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
Maisie hadn't seen Daniel outside the kindergarten for a few days. Instead, it was the Hamertons' nanny and bodyguards who came to pick up Persephone.She didn't know why, but she would instinctively look for him as soon as school was over. She told herself it was wrong. However, she couldn't shake Daniel from her mind as if she was bewitched.As she opened the door to the apartment, the door across from her opened, revealing Graham with a smile on his face. He walked toward her."I... I don't have a kettle here. Can I have a cup of tea at your place?" he asked.She nodded and let him in. She made a pot of Ceylon tea but noticed his frown when she brought it out."What's wrong?" she asked."I..." He hesitated. "I never drink this tea."She was stunned. Indeed, she had never found out what he liked. Meanwhile, Daniel had drunk this tea when he came the other day. She flushed, feeling guilty.Maisie was about to make him a new one, but Graham grabbed her."Maisie, can we talk?"
Graham said, looking at Maisie, "Do you understand what I just said?"Maisie smiled, indicating she understood.This would mean they would have an independent marriage, not interfering with each other's lives, sharing living expenses, and offering help in family emergencies if desired, or not if they chose not to.However, the Bayers were a prestigious family and were unlikely to face such emergencies. Meanwhile, Maisie was from a less notable background and seemed to be the one with endless troubles.She asked, "Graham, are you considering a prenup with me?""How did you guess?" His eyes brightened. "You've grasped my point, Maisie! I'm pleased."Her surprise was evident. She had only been testing him, not expecting a definite answer."Prenups are necessary," he affirmed. "Many young people overseas do this before marriage. I've spent enough time abroad to embrace the concept, and I agree with it. It's better to clarify everything before marriage. Even if we were to divorce in
"Only Morpheus and Sephy aren't like that. They respect and understand me. Sephy told me once, 'One's appearance doesn't indicate anything. A clean heart is what truly matters!'"Rebecca chuckled dismissively."You're a psychologist, yet you fail to grasp this," Wynn said coldly. "Actually, I pity you. You could have stepped out, yet you insist on dwelling on the trivialities."Morpheus has psychological barriers, a consequence of returning from the battlefield. No one has cured his PTSD except Sephy... It shows that a true psychologist is never just a title."What truly heals everything is love!"-One particular morning a year later, sunlight streamed through sheer cream curtains onto the floor.Persephone was sound asleep when she suddenly felt something pressing down on her... Then, Morpheus' strong arms wrapped around her slender waist. She drowsily opened her eyes to find him sealing her lips with heated kisses.Over the year, his kissing skills had improved, and Persepho
With Morpheus' involvement, the police didn't slack off and quickly found Rebecca.That day, Rebecca was preparing to escape from a small port. The boat she had found was an illegally operating one.As she was about to board, piercing sirens sounded nearby.The boat owner, enraged upon hearing the sirens, grabbed Rebecca by her hair and pushed her into the water.Rebecca screamed for help, but he roared, "I didn't expect you to be sent by the cops!""I'm not..." Rebecca choked on water. "Sir, let's leave now. Your boat is fast. As long as we reach the open sea, no one will catch you!""Dream on!" The boat owner wanted to strangle her. "Do you not understand? These sirens are from the royal guards! Who did you bitch provoke?"Rebecca was dumbfounded. Being a foreigner, she naturally didn't understand the local affairs in the Southeast Aciatic region.The police and royal guards quickly caught up, armed, and surrounded them.Rebecca turned pale and trembled all over, her gaze gr
"You had no choice on the battlefield."Persephone looked at him with her crystal eyes. There was a magical power in them. Even if a devil was tearing him apart, her eyes would always bring him back to light.She smiled and caressed his cheek. "Though you killed your father, you saved the country.""Do you really… think so?"She nodded. "You're not at fault. He was the one who made a mistake. You were just fulfilling your job as a general to protect the country."But I also understand that he's your father who brought you up, after all. You guys must have had happy days before that happened, right?"Morpheus held his head low in silence."You did well as the protector of the country," she said softly. "But as a son, you can secretly pay homage to him."Persephone held his hand. "Reconcile with your father, Morpheus. You'll also reconcile with yourself by doing that, okay?"He was stunned for a long time and felt a lump in his throat.-Morpheus stayed with Persephone in the
"No way!" Christopher smirked, glancing at Morpheus. "To him, you're his only princess! I just got lucky for the princess carry, thanks to you!""Yeah, at least you're self-aware!" Persephone nodded, rubbing her chin."We've known each other for so long! What kind of person do you think I am?" Christopher laughed. "I can be a bit shameless at times, but..."But upon learning that the one she loved was the unbeatable god of war, he willingly stepped back, offering his blessings with a smile."Okay, okay. You two stop crowding around me!" Christopher waved his hand. "Sephy needs more rest, and I'd like to get some more sleep, too! Once we heal, let's go out and have some fun together!""You're still thinking about fun?" Morpheus' deep voice intervened with a wry smile. "With the factory explosion incident, the royal family is furious and will thoroughly investigate it. Many people will probably be coming to talk to you both in the next few days. After all, you two are the most direc
"Let's get out first!""Hey, wait..." Persephone pointed to the other side.In moments of life and death, it wasn't appropriate to laugh, but Morpheus still chuckled. The young Prince Christopher was sprawled on the floor in a very ridiculous pose, and they almost forgot about him!"Don't worry," Morpheus whispered. "I won't let anything happen to him."He had Persephone cling to his back and then carried Christopher.Christopher was a tall fellow, so it took some effort to carry them both to a safe place.Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars rushed in. Their sirens pierced the sky, startling a flock of birds.The fire was soon extinguished, and Persephone and Christopher received timely treatment. Luckily, their burns weren't too severe, and even more fortunately, their faces were unharmed.When Christopher woke up, he felt bandages wrapped around his head, and his skin had a burning sensation. His heart sank, and he was almost on the verge of tears."Tell me the truth! A
There was fire everywhere. Flames rushed toward Persephone like menacing dragons. Her consciousness grew increasingly blurred, but the searing pain coursing through her body became clearer. She struggled to get up, the agony almost unbearable.Despite several attempts, it was futile...Something was pinning her feet down, and stones kept falling on her. She couldn't even muster a shout.Many images flashed through her mind in that fleeting moment, each frame featuring Morpheus' face…She remembered the times they had spent together in Flinge, how he had initially distanced himself from her, then later had exerted every effort to protect her. She recalled how he would gently ruffle her hair and call her "silly goose"..."Morpheus, I'm afraid I might have to go first..."The fire grew fiercer, explosions resonated continuously, and she could no longer hold on.Christopher, who was nearby, wasn't any better.Amidst the roaring flames, he couldn't see anything clearly, only pulling
"No need, you can go back first." Morpheus glanced at him. "I'll wait here for her a little longer.""Prince Christopher wouldn't do anything to Ms. Hamerton...""Alfred, what are you thinking?" Morpheus couldn't help but chuckle. "I know exactly what Christopher is like, but I just want to wait here for Sephy. Christopher mentioned that she'd specifically designed these fireworks for me. Hah! I'm the useless one. I don't even dare to go inside and take a look.""Sir, don't say that.""If I wait here, will it count as accompanying her in her efforts?"Alfred nodded.Morpheus smiled and sent Alfred back. He continued waiting under the tree.The air in Southeast Aciatic was hot and humid. The shade of the banyan tree offered some relief, but it couldn't completely dispel the oppressive heat.Morpheus took a deep breath, about to move elsewhere, when he glimpsed a suspicious figure swiftly darting through the factory's side gate.The security at the side gate was lax, making it e
Christopher struggled to swallow the bite of the sandwich in his mouth for what seemed like ages. He gazed at Persephone, his mind wandering back…He didn't just know Morpheus. He had been close since childhood to the children of the two prominent military families in Southeast Aciatic.Compared to the Harrises, he preferred visiting the Ortons, especially when he got to spend time with Morpheus. He considered Morpheus a friend, a brother even, having engaged in countless mischief together, much to their parents' dismay.In his memory, Morpheus was someone who smiled a lot, radiating warmth and brightness like the Southeast Aciatic sun when he did.However, from the moment Kaiden betrayed the country, Morpheus never smiled again, gradually growing distant from Christopher as well.It wasn't until that evening at the gates of the palace that Christopher felt like it had been a lifetime."I... I don't know him." Christopher forced a smile. "Where would I have met your boyfriend!"
Morpheus wasn't just an ordinary person!Christopher wholeheartedly accepted his defeat to Morpheus."Then... I'd like to invite you to come over to my place for a while as a friend. That's fine, right?"-A few days later, Persephone finally ran into Christopher, who had been missing in action for days, in the classroom."Hey, you finally showed up!" She dashed over, plopping down in the seat beside him and handing him breakfast. "You haven't eaten, right? Let's eat together!"Usually, Christopher would readily accept, but he waved his hands now. "No, no, no!""What's wrong?" Persephone widened her eyes. "This breakfast isn't poisoned!"Christopher awkwardly smiled. "You have a boyfriend, so maybe... we should keep some distance."Persephone burst into laughter. Then she remarked, "Strange... Morpheus was right!""Uh, what?""My boyfriend!" She chuckled. "He made this breakfast. I asked if he could also make a portion for you, and he said sure, just worried you wouldn't tak