Chris nodded and waved goodbye.-Maisie was in the kitchen preparing a new dessert. She was at the final step, about to finish the whole thing.The aroma wafting from the oven filled the entire small apartment, adding a touch of warmth to the place.Daniel wasn't idle either. He was helping her tidy up the desk, organize her writing materials, and pour some kibbles into the small bowl in the corner of the living room.Tigger perked up at the sound of dog food, waddling over with its chubby body, its trot making it wobble. It approached Daniel, nuzzling affectionately.Daniel responded with a gentle pat on the head.The little German Shepherd was just over a month old, a joint decision by him and Maisie during a visit to the pet store.-Back then.They initially aimed for a cat, but fate intervened—Tigger's mother was on the verge of giving birth to puppies as they entered the store.The shop owner, a kind-hearted elderly lady and an experienced veterinarian, asked Daniel a
Daniel turned around to walk to her, his gaze incredibly tender.His voice was deep as he took her hand with a smile. "Maisie, it was all my fault before... I'm grateful that fate has given me another chance to cherish you."Maisie's eyes widened in confusion. What was he talking about out of the blue?She was about to reach for the thing around Daniel's neck when he grabbed her hand."Thank you, Maisie." He was moved. "This time, I'll cherish what you've given me. I won't lose it again."Maisie was even more perplexed. She then saw him turn toward the mirror, stand straight, and smile happily."Well... this royal blue is bright and looks good. Although I've never tried this color, since it's from you, I'll definitely—""Daniel!" Maisie interrupted him with an awkward smile. "I think you've misunderstood.""Misunderstood? This isn't for me?"Maisie was exasperated as she took the "scarf" off his neck. Tigger trotted over, and Maisie put the "scarf" around it...Daniel's mind
"What's going on?" Daniel was speechless. "Tigger, look properly. It's me!"Tigger didn't care who it was. Someone was bothering its mom, and it had to step up!"Hey, Tigger, be good... Don't bite me!" Daniel had to get up from the couch, coaxing and scolding Tigger aside.Maisie also got up, laughing so hard tears almost came out.After calming Tigger, she offered Daniel a piece of the dessert."Well... consider this my apology?" Maisie smiled sweetly, slightly acting cute.Daniel could only take a few deep breaths, forcing the fire inside him to extinguish quickly. He took a bite of the dessert. The aroma tantalized his taste buds, as enticing as the person in front of him."Is it good?""Mm-hmm." He smiled. "Delicious.""Then my recipe this time is a success!""Everything you make is delicious." He gently embraced her. "Maisie, what if... I don't leave today, okay?""Hmm?""I'll sleep outside with Tigger, bond with him! So, he won't bite me again."Maisie laughed, feeli
"Odd?" Daniel narrowed his eyes. "What exactly do you mean?""Just... just a feeling I have," Chris said quietly. "Have you had any recent dealings with the Newhouse Group? If so, I suggest you take it slow."Daniel looked at Chris. A special forces soldier's intuition was usually accurate. If Chris was mentioning a problem, it must be significant."Yes," he replied in a deep voice. "I have two collaborations with the Newhouse Group but haven't signed any agreements. I'm currently investigating them in secret."Chris was taken aback. "Uncle Daniel, you suspect...""I suspect irregular financial transactions within the Newhouse Group, not specifically Jodie. Why do you feel something's off about her?"Chris organized his thoughts and summarized his previous encounter with Jodie, as well as her being with Maisie's mother."She's a wealthy heiress. Why would she be with Maisie's mom and even appear at the rehab center at the same time? Isn't that strange?" Chris spoke frankly. "Tha
Daniel couldn't sleep anyway, so he left Tigger and joined her in the living room to go through things together."How do you find the sketches?" "Hmm..." Maisie finished going through all of them and pointed to one. "Only this one seems most fitting!"It was the pivotal scene in the book, where the female lead, though in a delirious state, still loved that man."Though the female lead is mentally unclear, her heart holds love. This sketch captures her gaze with tenderness. I like it! This is how it should be."Daniel paused. Though not an art enthusiast, he could tell this sketch was distinctly different from the others. If his guess was right, the rest seemed to be drawn by Toph, except this one, which appeared to be Harvey's work.He wasn't sure how to express the complex emotions stirring within him. However, his eyes welled up slightly by seeing Maisie facing their unpleasant past so openly and hearing her say she still held love in her heart."Daniel, what's wrong?" Maisie
"I see." Daniel's expression shifted when a thought suddenly struck him.He spent the night with Maisie, sorting through the plot and the sketches. By the time he returned to the study, Tigger was already fast asleep on his blanket. He chuckled softly, nudging Tigger aside, but tossed and turned in bed.Maisie's words, "I'm the only healthy one in our family", echoed in his mind.A sudden thought flashed through his mind—could Jodie not be the real heiress of the Newhouses? Could it be someone else?-Daniel arranged to meet with Chris and Lena at the five-star hotel under the Quimby Group on that particular day."Uncle Daniel, you're being too nice! You've already treated us. Why again today?"Daniel was taken aback. Who else, if not Toph, had such carefree laughter?Chris and Lena exchanged smiles, apologizing, "Zuko is with his family, so he sticks with us!""What?! You're making it sound like I'm a single guy..." Toph was upset. "I'm married too, you know?"Daniel smiled.
Daniel hadn't even had a chance to explain when Toph returned excitedly with two large plates of food. "Wow, these are all my favorites! Uncle Daniel, this hotel is amazing! By the way, can I stay here for a few nights? I want to try the late-night snacks!""Stay as long as you like." Daniel chuckled. "I only thought of having you all over at home for safety and comfort, so I didn't consider the hotel. If you like it, I'll arrange it.""Thank you, thank you!"Except for Toph, who was fully engrossed in eating, the other three exchanged glances, halting the previous conversation with an unspoken understanding."Hmm?" Chris noticed Toph's sketchbook and casually picked it up. "You're really dedicated now, carrying it everywhere!""It's the professional ethics of an illustrator." Toph puffed his cheeks. "Inspiration strikes at any moment. I have to jot it down. When I see something beautiful, be it a person or scenery, I have to record it as a reference.""Not bad." Daniel smiled li
Chris held Lena's hand and chuckled. "If you need my help, count me in!""The part where I need you has yet to come." Daniel smiled and looked at Lena. "The security of the Newhouses is renowned. From what I know, 1/3 of their family income goes into security.""Oh?" Lena chuckled wryly. "Maybe it's a rich people's woe, having too much money and worrying about being targeted. So, they hire more bodyguards.""Exactly. They're not just afraid of being targeted for money but also for their safety, especially Mrs. Newhouse."Daniel's gaze was cryptic. "Mrs. Newhouse always has female bodyguards around her, and the Newhouses are currently seeking a reliable person to train these female guards. I hope... that person is you."Lena paused, then nodded. "I understand."She turned to Chris, smiling gently. "This needs Mr. Hamerton's help! If someone from the Hamertons recommends, the Newhouses won't refuse.""Naturally." Daniel smiled. "Once you're in the Newhouses, keep an eye on Jodie's