Chapter 1684

Daniel's smile couldn't entirely mask his imposing presence, which still managed to unsettle Maisie. He gently held her hand, understanding her unspoken reason for being there.

"Don't worry. I was just curious," he assured her, meeting her gaze. "Maisie, are you... still afraid of me?"

"Still?" Maisie questioned, puzzled. "Was I afraid of you before?"

Daniel fell silent, his thoughts taking him back in time.

The old Maisie had indeed been fearful of him. She had been worried he might become tired of her, stop supporting her family, or cast her out on a whim. As such, she had been meticulous, going to great lengths to please him. Even in bed, she had yielded to his every desire, striving to accommodate his every whim.

Back then, he had been enamored with her, seeing her as the most submissive and obedient woman he had ever met. Looking back, he now realized his affection had been more like a master's fondness for a submissive pet.

Daniel gazed at her once more, the clarity in her