"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
"So, you're the great author who managed to convince my son to draw illustrations?" Delilah raised her tone, particularly emphasizing "the great author" and causing Maisie to blush a bit."You're too kind, Ms. Roper," Maisie replied softly. "The collaboration with Mr. Harvery was purely coincidental.""Harvey never draws for anyone," Delilah said. "His dream is to hold a world tour exhibition. Drawing illustrations is a small matter he doesn't bother with. But the fact that he's willing to draw for you indeed surprised me!"Maisie lowered her head and discreetly observed Delilah.Delilah exuded elegance, meticulously dressed from head to toe. Every strand of her hair radiated luxury. Despite her smiling face, her gaze remained cold and discerning.Maisie didn't understand why she was being scrutinized like this on their first meeting.Feeling uncomfortable under Delilah's intense gaze, she poured some coffee for her and respectfully pushed it toward her. "Please, have some."Del
Later, Maisie recounted her encounter with Delilah to Daniel. Daniel frowned. "She... was that arrogant?"That meeting had been arranged at his request through Lily. Beyond assisting Maisie in expanding her network, there was a more critical motive—he aimed to verify his suspicion that Maisie could truly be the Newhouses' biological daughter!The conclusion of the meeting took an unexpectedly unpleasant turn."I wasn't impressed with her. She spoke quite harshly," Maisie honestly admitted. "Although... Maybe she didn't form a favorable opinion of me either! Well, someone in her position as a renowned author wouldn't necessarily be very approachable, right?"Daniel found it puzzling. Shouldn't there be a natural connection between blood relatives?"It's alright," he reassured with a light smile. "Familiarity breeds comfort. Meeting a few more times will help build a rapport.""Huh? I have to meet her again? I don't want to!" Maisie protested."Talented people often have peculia
Maisie was startled and flushed with embarrassment, quickly putting some space between herself and Daniel.Lena caught sight of the scene and felt a tad awkward. She smiled wryly, paused momentarily, and then placed the dog food on the floor."I-I'm here to bring Tigger food..." Lena chuckled. "I didn't expect both of you to be home."Daniel looked utterly puzzled, unable to make sense of the situation.Taking a deep breath, Maisie softly explained, "I gave the password to Lena... I'm often not at home when things get busy, and I was worried Tigger won't have anyone to take care of him, so... I asked her to look after him.""Yes, yes!" Lena chuckled. "Uncle Daniel, I thought Aunt Maisie would still be at the publishing company proofreading manuscripts at this time, so..."Daniel's glower was so dark it could produce a gallon of ink. With great effort, he had finally gotten Tigger to another room, so close to the successful completion of something important, and almost there with