Daniel set out two wine glasses in the room, pouring the expensive red wine he had the butler fetch from the wine cellar. The beautiful, dark red color gleamed charmingly under the light. Maisie watched quietly, a happy smile playing on her lips.He handed her the wine before taking a sip himself. "Hmm, drink it. It's amazing!"Maisie felt shy. "You know I can't drink very well.""This wine has a great aftertaste. You'll regret it if you don't try it."She smiled and joined him, sitting on the rug beside the floor-to-ceiling window.The moonlight illuminated the room, and the wide window offered a view of the mountains and lush forest outside.Leaning on his shoulder, she felt a tranquil moment as if time itself were a quiet stream."The island is huge." Daniel chuckled. "It's quite rich in produce, and there are few people. It's pretty self-sufficient. There's a hunting ground behind the forest. And a horse training ground next to it. I used to always ride horses when I was you
"This is your aunt's house!" Maisie sounded genuine. "We can't do this in a senior's house…"Daniel was stunned."Can't you tell why she arranged two rooms for us?" She poked him gently. "Behave yourself and go to bed now! We should behave here. Your aunt might have a bad impression of me because of the past, so I don't want to make things worse…"He smiled helplessly and got up unwillingly. He rolled off the bed.Maisie was right. He was being absurd and had not thought things through.He was glad that she was sensible.After leaving, Daniel did not return to his room right away. Instead, he paced back and forth in the corridor. He could not sleep, so he took a cold shower before returning to the corridor again.He was confused about his exuberant energy that came out of nowhere. Just as he was sighing, his aunt's bright voice suddenly sounded behind him."What's wrong with you? Why are you not sleeping in the middle of the night and making a wish to the moon?"Daniel turned
"Oh, well…" Whitney stammered for a while, struggling to find words.Daniel chuckled and left, even making a funny face at her before his departure.Whitney waved her fist at him, a smile playing on her lips.Daniel's mood seemed to lift more and more since reuniting with Maisie.As Whitney pondered, love exerted a potent influence. It transformed a once brutal and cold man into a sunshine boy.Instead of heading to sleep, Whitney headed to her study. It was expansive—some popular bookstores weren't even half its size. The room was adorned with out-of-print books, antique vases, and paintings by renowned artists, giving it an air of sophistication.She sat at the desk and placed Maisie's work on it. After ordering some tea, she admired it in a relaxed manner.She went to the safe behind her and retrieved Anya's old work a moment later.A soft sigh escaped her lips.For some reason, she missed Anya more tonight, especially after meeting Maisie.Perhaps, in that moment when Mai
Whitney's expression shifted.As she pondered, there was indeed something within the interlayer! She retrieved it and found a folded note revealing a bank name and a series of numbers when unfolded."What's this now?" She was perplexed.Cumulus Bank, a local bank, had its headquarters adjacent to the Quimby Group. Due to the Quimby Group's ownership, it was often referred to as the Quimbys' treasure.But what did the series of numbers signify?She fell into a momentary silence before carefully stowing away the note. Returning to her room, she decided to discuss it with Toby.-The Newhouses' banquet unfolded as scheduled.The Newhouses' hotel was abuzz with activity, hosting the elites of Cumulus City.Wilfred skillfully played the role of the perfect host.Besides him, Maisie was the center of attention.All eyes were on the young author who had already produced a best-selling book. The film funded by Wilfred was an adaptation of her work, and he had appointed her as the sc
Whitney adjusted her shawl and stood tall, exuding authority in the presence of those women."Tell me!" She raised her voice, projecting majesty. "I think I heard you say that my nephew is a... cuckold? I'd like to know how you came to that conclusion."The women knew Whitney was not to be offended and smiled as they attempted to leave. Unexpectedly, Whitney didn't let them go, her voice escalating.The onlookers turned their attention, and an awkward tension filled the atmosphere."Why aren't you saying anything?" Whitney scoffed, glancing at Maisie behind her. "This is my nephew's wife. Don't you know her?""We do, we do..." the women said softly."Then why did you criticize her?""You misunderstood us, Ms. Kinglake!" Danielle explained with a smile. "We were just chatting. We—""Chatting? You were crossing the line. How dare you stir trouble here?!"The onlookers observed in silence. Despite the rumors of Whitney disliking Maisie, she was standing up for her at this critica
Daniel gently wrapped his arm around Maisie's shoulder, embracing her. "Did my aunt make things difficult for you?""No!" Maisie hurriedly replied, "Someone was saying bad things about me, and Ms. Kinglake helped me out.""Oh?""I feel... I wasn't imagining things." Maisie smiled sheepishly. "I think Ms. Kinglake actually likes me...""Of course!"Daniel and Maisie exchanged smiles. The weight on their hearts dissipated like clouds gradually fading, soon to see the light.The Hamerton heirs also attended the banquet, except Lina, who was absent due to being in her later pregnancy stage.Zuko held Persephone's hand throughout, displaying his unconditional love for his daughter in front of everyone.Toph remained sociable, getting along with everyone. Wherever he was, laughter and joy rang out from time to time.However, today was a bit different. He had a new company by his side… Harvey followed him silently. Whenever he noticed charming or sweet women approaching Toph, he imme
Harvey glared at him and then turned to run away.Toph stood frozen, but Harvey had already run far ahead by the time he reacted. He spent a while in the banquet hall but found it uninteresting. He wanted to find Harvey but was clueless about the convoluted layout of the Newhouses' hotel. All he could do was wander around like a headless fly, searching here and there.At the same time, Jodie and Cindy were arguing in the lounge."Stop!" Jodie's tone was agitated. "You keep asking me for money repeatedly. Do you see me as an ATM? What kind of mother are you?!""Jojo!" Cindy almost knelt down, pleading, "Your brother's situation is terrible now... He's suffering so much in that rehab center! The Newhouses have connections. Can't you spend some money to get him out? He also has Type 2 diabetes and can't bear it anymore!""And how's that my concern?" Jodie's gaze was full of anger and despair.She even felt some empathy for Maisie. Over so many years, Cindy hadn't asked her for money
Jodie and Cindy froze in place, unable to utter a word."I used to just suspect, but I heard it firsthand today!" Harvey rushed to them, glaring at Cindy. "You, old witch! You've torn our family apart, yet you and your rotten daughter want to take over our family? Dream on! I'm going to tell my father now! I'll make sure you both have no place to hide!"Cindy panicked and grabbed him. Although Harvey was pale and thin, Cindy was a woman well past 50, so she was no match for a young man.Harvey shook off Cindy and ran outside but heard Jodie's sharp voice behind him."Someone! Get some help!"Harvey froze in place as if struck by lightning."Harvey's having an attack!" Jodie flashed a malicious smile. The moment Harvey turned back, she pointed her phone at him. "Harvey is really ill this time. Inform the doctor!"Harvey turned to look at her, his lips quivering.Over the years, he had been tormented by Jodie like this. Whatever the doctors injected into him during his "fits" alw