Ch. 1621..1630

Chapter 1621

Chapter 1621

"Wait a moment!" Daniel called out. "Don't speak recklessly!"

Mario quickly grasped the situation and nodded with a chuckle.

When Maisie emerged from the dressing room, she radiated an otherworldly glow. Her wedding dress sparkled, and she appeared like a celestial being under a starry sky. Each smile and frown showcased her breathtaking beauty.

The long-sleeved wedding dress followed a traditional, simple, and elegant design with a touch of lace on the chest for that perfect finishing touch. It preserved the bride's purity while exuding charm. "What do you think?" Mario asked with satisfaction. "I designed this dress a few days ago, and several royal families from Eropah came to negotiate for it. But I believe in fate. I won't even ask for payment if the dress finds the right bride!"

He added softly, "This dress is a bit more conservative, but it suits Ms. Squire's temperament perfectly. It has a subtle and alluring charm."

Daniel was entirely captivated by Maisie and barely heard Mario's words.

Blushing, Maisie approached the mirror and shyly smiled.

Mario waved his hand in front of Daniel's eyes. "Hey, Daniel, say something?"

"Hmm?" Daniel snapped back to reality and mumbled, "Oh, it looks great... Excellent."

Mario smiled, then hurriedly attended to Maisie's dress and makeup.

Daniel observed silently, and tears welled up in his eyes. It was as if he saw a girl who once walked past a bridal shop window, holding his hand and gazing longingly at wedding dresses. Yet, she had remained silent because she understood he wouldn't marry her.

There were numerous chances to be together forever and express their love.

With a bitter smile, Daniel turned to leave but was halted by a small hand.

"Granduncle, where are you going?" Persephone asked.

"I..." Daniel forced a smile. "I'm just stepping outside for some fresh air."

"Stay!" Persephone tugged him back. "Ms. Maisie looks so beautiful, like a princess! Did you see it?

"Granduncle, you look very much like a prince today! Princes also wear ties like this."

Daniel's expression shifted, and he sternly replied, "Don't talk nonsense!"

However, it was too late-Maisie had overheard everything.

Their eyes met, conveying a subtle emotion in that moment.

Maisie's heart raced, and she quickly averted her gaze.

The stylists and photographers asked Maisie for a few photos while Persephone changed into her flower girl attire and joyfully pranced around. Daniel silently retreated.

Alone in the courtyard, he took out a photo and fell into deep thought.

In the evening, Graham arrived at Maisie's doorstep.

"I'm sorry," he immediately apologized when they met. "I had an urgent work matter today, so I couldn't accompany you. Have you chosen a dress?"

Maisie remained expressionless, standing there quietly, but her silence felt like a dormant volcano.

Graham sensed his mistake and didn't press on. Instead, he presented a small gift and placed it in her hand.

"This brooch is quite unique, isn't it?" He smiled. "My mother gave it to me and insisted that I pass it on to her future daughter-in-law."

Maisie opened the box and examined the bird-shaped brooch studded with green gemstones and a pink diamond for the head feathers. It was exquisite, its value clear at a glance. However, she closed the box and returned it.

"What's wrong? Don't you like it?" he asked.

"It's too precious. I can't accept it," she calmly replied.

"Why not? My mother said it's for her future daughter-in-law."

Maisie looked into his eyes and smiled. "You can give it to me when I truly become her daughter-in-law, can't you?"

Taken aback, Graham mechanically took the box back, his lips moistened. He realized that the girl before him was different from before.

"May I come in and talk?"

Maisie nodded and invited him inside. She prepared tea for him, as she had before, but this time instinctively reached for Ceylon tea. "Why this again?" Graham furrowed his brow. "I've told you I don't like this, haven't I?"

"But this is all we have. Please bear with it," she replied.

"You want me to tolerate it?"

"Is that not possible?" Maisie asked. "If we marry in the future, understanding and compromise are part of the husband-wife relationship."

Graham bit his lip and didn't speak. Accidentally, he knocked the teacup, scalding himself slightly with the hot tea. The dark tea seemed to mock him. Everything there reminded him that this was Daniel's domain, from the tea set to the tea itself-these were all Daniel's preferences.

The person before him was also someone Daniel liked!

Graham clenched his fists, not out of jealousy, but due to a man's natural possessiveness. After all, Maisie was still his fiancee.

"Do you have something to say?" Maisie inquired softly.

Graham composed himself, gazed at the teapot, and sneered. "This Ceylon tea is what Mr. Quimby prefers, right?"

"What are you getting at?"

"And all these utensils in your kitchen, they're all white!" He stared at her. "I've never liked white things!"

Maisie set down the teacup with a steely expression. "Are you trying to pick a fight, or are you deflecting from why you left the bridal shop today without explanation?"

"You-"

"This place belongs to Mr. Quimby, to begin with!" Maisie emphasized each word. "Everything in the house naturally reflects his preferences."

"That includes you, doesn't it?" he shot back.

Maisie was taken aback, staring at Graham. She realized she had never truly understood him.

Indeed, they had spent little time together, and they were far from a typical couple.

Moreover, perhaps they didn't really know each other well. If they did, would they still be willing to take the step into marriage together?

Maisie turned her head, her beautiful eyes betraying a trace of sadness.

Graham glanced at her and left, but he forgot his phone on the sofa.

Maisie thought about following him, but his phone rang. The name on the screen read "Sophia".

Chapter 1622

Chapter 1622

Maisie gripped the phone, her mind a blank canvas. She wanted to answer the call but hesitated the moment her finger brushed the answer button.

Her intuition told her that Sophia and Graham had an unusual relationship.

Days passed routinely. Maisie arrived at work on time each day, occasionally bringing back a bouquet of flowers from the local florist. Sometimes, she treated herself to street food or went shopping for little things she liked after work.

Graham stayed exceedingly busy, with barely a spare moment for her. Even when they managed to meet, it was always brief, and meaningful conversations were scarce.

Maisie couldn't help but notice that Graham's phone rang more frequently during their meetings as if the caller deliberately timed the interruptions. Each time he answered, he dodged her questions about the caller and gave no direct answers.

All of this left Maisie convinced that it had something to do with the mysterious "Sophia" from the phone call.

Daniel occasionally showed up at the kindergarten to collect Persephone and chat with Maisie, making a conscious effort to restrain himself. Yet, restraint could sometimes reveal more than words.

The photo had been in his pocket all along, but he wasn't sure if he should share it with her. He hoped it would bring her happiness, but he questioned if he still had the right to do so.

One day after kindergarten, Maisie approached Daniel with a soft greeting.

Daniel had Persephone get into the car first. He then asked with a smile, "Is there something you'd like to discuss?"

"Yes." Maisie nodded and pointed to her phone.

Daniel checked his phone and saw that Maisie had sent him some money. "This is?"

"This month's rent." Maisie chuckled. "I've been living there for a month now, and I'm not sure if this covers it. During this time, I had my sister stay with me, which might have inconvenienced you. "But my sister has returned to our hometown, and I'll be living there alone from now on. Don't worry. I haven't made any changes at home. Everything remains just as you left it." Daniel smiled lightly. Her mention of "home" sounded particularly pleasant.

"As you're the one living in that house, you're the host. As such, feel free to make any changes you like. It's your place." He gazed at her. "Why did your sister go back? Has she settled her affairs?" "Yeah, thanks to you," Maisie expressed her gratitude. "Fat Lawler was a great help, and Wesley willingly signed the divorce papers, so my sister is free now."

"That's good."

"Mr. Quimby, I... I don't know the specific cost of this kind of house, but I understand it must be expensive. I've transferred what I have for now, and if it falls short, please let me know."

"I'm not sure about the rent for this type of house either." Daniel's tone was gentle. "But I'm aware of your salary."

"I..."

"How will you manage after sending me a month's worth of your salary?"

After a pause, Maisie lowered her head and said, "I still have some savings."

"Centrolis is costly, and you're a young woman. Keep some money for yourself." Daniel returned all the money to her.

"Mr. Quimby!"

Daniel turned to her, and she seemed somewhat lost.

He smiled and said, "Why don't you consider me a friend? How about transferring half of it to me? I don't need the rent money, but you'll feel uncomfortable if I don't take it." Maisie was torn. "I'd still feel bad..."

Daniel approached her, mustering the courage to ask, "Would you be willing to call me a friend?"

Chapter 1623

Chapter 1623

Maisie's heart skipped a beat. She felt a unique connection with Daniel that went beyond friendship. It was a feeling akin to memories from a past life, familiar and comforting.

"Since you see me as a friend, helping each other is the natural way of things," Daniel reassured her softly. "You don't need to hesitate. But if it truly bothers you, you can treat me to a meal again. That might make you feel better."

The day Maisie invited Daniel to dinner marked the start of winter. She had prepared a hearty hot pot, filling the table with fish, shrimp, beef, lamb, fresh veggies, and mushrooms.

Daniel brought a bottle of wine, and they enjoyed a warm conversation while indulging in the hot pot's comforting heat.

As he asked about her wedding preparations, Maisie hesitated for a moment, smiled, and didn't give a direct response.

"What's the matter?" Daniel asked. "Is there something you and your fiance don't agree on?"

Maisie spoke softly. "I always feel like he's keeping something from me."

"What is it?"

Maisie didn't provide details. She attempted to add water to the hot pot but accidentally scalded her fair hand on the edge of the pot, causing a blister to form.

Concerned, Daniel swiftly led her to the kitchen, where he ran her burned hand under cold water. He found some ice cubes, wrapped them in a cloth, and applied them to her injured hand.

"How does it feel? Is it painful?" He was anxious and sweating.

Maisie's heart raced. She realized that the sense of being cared for and protected came from Daniel-not her fiance-someone she had known for only a few months.

At times, she wondered if their connection was more profound than their short acquaintance suggested. She found solace and security when she was with him, yet there was also an unexplained pain deep within her heart.

Could such complex emotions arise in just a few months?

"Maisie!" Daniel grew increasingly worried when she didn't respond. "Is it very painful?"

"Oh, no..."

Daniel was about to call a doctor he knew but stopped as Maisie gently spoke, "I'm genuinely okay. Don't bother your friend. The ice is soothing. At most, I'll use some burn ointment... although I'm not sure if I have any at home."

"I'll go buy some."

Before Maisie could say more, Daniel put on his coat and hurried downstairs.

The pharmacy was outside their residential area. Upon his return with the ointment, he noticed a car parked at the entrance. A man and a woman stepped out of the car, embracing each other naturally. The woman even kissed the man on the cheek.

Daniel's gaze turned icy.

Under normal circumstances, this scene wouldn't be unusual, but the man was Graham!

Daniel clenched his fists and watched the couple intently. They were engrossed in conversation, paying no attention to Daniel, who stood in a concealed spot.

"When are you going to be honest with your family?" the woman asked.

Graham furrowed his brows and glanced around. He tried to remove the woman's hands from his body, but she clung even tighter.

"What's the matter? Are you worried she'll see us?" The woman smirked. "It's the weekend today, and you said she's a homebody, never leaving the house on her days off, right? I guess that's what your parents consider a good girl, huh? To be honest, I find it boring as hell!"

Chapter 1624

Chapter 1624

"Alright, that's enough," Graham said, furrowing his brows but still looking indulgent as he gazed at the woman.

The woman was tall and curvy, dressed provocatively even in the cold winter with black tights and a short skirt. Her heavy makeup and wavy hair made her look alluring and foxy. Leaning against Graham, she added a touch of seductive allure.

With Graham's indulgence, the woman's actions grew more unrestrained. She didn't mind the passersby's glances as she kissed Graham on the lips.

Graham gently pushed her away, somewhat helpless. "I promise I'll find the right time to explain to my family."

"Will your family be okay with me?"

"Don't worry. With me around, they'll have to be."

The woman smiled, took the car keys, and waved to him before driving away in the sports car.

Daniel's gaze darkened.

If he hadn't mistaken the car, it belonged to the Bayers. Wasn't Graham the kind of man who even insisted on splitting expenses in his marriage? Would he be so generous as to let someone else use his car? Daniel continued watching.

Instead of going upstairs, Graham made a few phone calls, and a car arrived to pick him up shortly after.

Daniel took out his phone and instructed his subordinate in a low voice, "Check Graham Bayer's spending records."

The subordinate seemed puzzled. "Sir..."

"Just for the past three months."

After the call, Daniel quickly went upstairs.

He carefully applied the burn ointment to Maisie's injury, fearing it would leave a scar. He advised her to go to the hospital for a checkup.

Maisie smiled. "It'll be fine. I've burned myself while cooking before. With my experience, it should heal in two or three days."

Daniel suddenly felt a pang of sadness. He recalled the days when she stayed at their home, always cooking delicious meals and finding the most happiness when he returned home from work. He remembered her running to him like a cheerful bird, helping him take off his coat and fetch his slippers. He remembered her fingers becoming sensitive from preparing food and washing dishes. People often realized the value of the seemingly insignificant past only after losing it.

Daniel fell silent for a moment and softly said, "Don't cook by yourself anymore. I'll have the hotel deliver your meals on time."

"No need, Mr. Quimby..."

He gently held her hand, careful not to squeeze her injured hand, but she still felt his warmth.

Maisie's face burned, and she wanted to pull her hand away.

Daniel did not let go.

"Mr. Quimby..."

"Maisie, actually..."

Daniel was so close to telling Maisie about their past, but he hated his old self the moment he met Maisie's clear eyes.

"What is it?"

Daniel let go quietly with a somewhat awkward smile. The hot pot on the table had cooled down, and only half a bottle of wine was left. "Your hand is injured. Leave these things," he said, looking at her. "Let me clean up."

Maisie remained silent, just sitting there quietly.

She watched him busily tidy up the living room, wash dishes, and clean the kitchen, then take out the trash before leaving.

For some reason, she had an inexplicable feeling that made her want to cry.

Daniel left Maisie's home and walked along the street alone. Because he had been drinking, he didn't drive, and his subordinate was stuck in traffic during rush hour.

He strolled and looked at the sunset and the birds returning home, feeling a tinge of melancholy. Maisie had lost their child on such a winter day, and he couldn't imagine how desperate she must have felt lying in the cold wind.

His subordinate's car pulled up next to him.

"Mr. Quimby!" As soon as he got in, the subordinate hurriedly explained, "We just finished investigating Mr. Bayer, which took some time."

"Mm." Daniel was somewhat tired as he leaned back in his seat. "What's the result?"

"It's all here."

The subordinate handed him a folder containing the spending records for the past three months, most of which were at high-end hotels, shopping malls, and jewelry stores.

"We also did some additional investigation," the subordinate added. "Mr. Bayer's expenses include... children's items."

"What?" Daniel was taken aback.

"Perhaps he bought them for other kids in the family?" the subordinate wondered aloud.

Daniel closed the folder.

Other kids? The Bayers had many relatives but very few children. Moreover, according to what he knew, Josiah and family rarely visited their relatives. Why would his son buy things for some relatives' children for no reason?

The only possibility was that woman who had driven his car downstairs...

There was no true splitting of expenses fairly. Men seemed to go to great lengths to avoid sharing their resources with someone they didn't like, but when they cared for someone, they wanted to give them the world!

Ruth summoned Maisie to her office one day.

As soon as Maisie entered, she saw a woman sitting on the sofa with a young boy. The woman was strikingly beautiful and stylishly dressed. The boy had curly hair, fair skin, and big eyes, resembling a mixed- race child. He sat silently next to his mother.

Maisie wasn't sure what was happening when Ruth smiled and said, "This young boy is named James. He and his mother have just returned from abroad. He'll be joining your class from now on."

Then Ruth introduced Maisie to the woman, "Ma'am, this is Ms. Squire. She's an excellent teacher at our kindergarten, so you can feel at ease with your child in her class."

The woman smiled at Maisie, who nodded slightly. But in the woman's proud gaze, she sensed something different.

Maisie handed her a form. "Please fill out this enrollment application."

"Oh..." The woman glanced at it. "Parents' names and occupations?"

"The enrollment form is just a formality," Ruth explained with a smile. "You can start by enrolling your child, and the form can be completed later."

"In that case, thank you, Ms. Corbin!" The woman smiled. "Ms. Squire, I'll take the form home and complete it in a few days before returning." "A few days?" Maisie seemed puzzled.

"Yeah," the woman replied with her arms crossed. "Because James doesn't have a father, but... in a few days, he will!"

Chapter 1625

Chapter 1625

"In a few days?" Maisie's surprise grew.

She thought the child might come from a divorced family, and the woman probably meant that she would find a stepfather for him in a few days.

Maisie felt for the child, who seemed quiet and timid. Since he arrived, he hadn't said a word.

Now, she realized it was because he lacked his biological father's protection.

With this in mind, Maisie smiled at the boy. However, James suddenly fixed his gaze on her, his beautiful amber eyes displaying an unexpected coldness for his age. Maisie shivered, taken aback by such a gaze coming from a child.

"Ms. Squire?" The woman gently stroked James' head. "Isn't my son adorable?"

"Oh..." Maisie snapped back to reality and managed a smile. "Yes, he's very handsome and cute."

"James, you need to listen to Ms. Squire from now on!"

James nodded obediently, but Maisie couldn't shake the feeling that she saw a hint of a mocking smirk on the boy, well beyond his years.

Maisie looked at the woman. "Ma'am, may I have your contact information? In case there's an emergency with James, I can reach you immediately." "Of course." The woman provided her phone number.

When Maisie asked how she should address her, she smiled cryptically and said, "My future husband's last name is Bayer. You can call me... Mrs. Bayer!" "Mrs. Bayer?" Maisie was surprised.

She felt something was amiss, like a heavy weight on her chest, making her uncomfortable. But then, she considered there were millions of people in Centrolis, and there was more than one family with the last name Bayer.

Perhaps it was just a coincidence...

Maisie lowered her head, smiled, and scolded herself for being too sensitive and unfairly suspecting Graham of everything, making herself paranoid.

"Alright, Mrs. Bayer." She shook hands with the woman, took James by the hand, and smiled politely. "You can rest assured with your child under my care. I'll do my best to ensure that your child has a wonderful childhood."

Unexpectedly, James was far from an ordinary child.

Within three days of enrolling in the kindergarten, Maisie received more than 30 complaints about James from various teachers.

All the teachers reported that James was a very unusual child. No matter what the teachers said to him, he acted as if he couldn't hear.

At first, Maisie assumed it was a language barrier. After all, he was a mixed-race child who had grown up abroad. It was understandable that he might have trouble adapting.

Later, she discovered he was fluent in their language and understood several dialects. When the teachers tried to discipline him, he simply pretended not to understand.

Not only was he disobedient, but he also dominated the class, bullying other children. He began with hitting, then progressed to shoving and even biting...

He would also intentionally damage the other children's toys and classroom equipment.

The children in the class all came from prestigious backgrounds and were raised with good manners and discipline. They had never encountered a wild child like James. As a result, they endured the bullying and went home to cry.

As more parents came forward, demanding an explanation from the kindergarten, Ruth didn't dare to offend them, given their wealth and status. This left her feeling extremely anxious. During that time, Maisie was equally exhausted. She even forgot about the enrollment application form.

One day, Ruth, who was extremely frustrated, dragged Maisie to complain, "If I had known, I wouldn't have enrolled this problematic student! It's driving me crazy-crazy!"

Chapter 1626

Chapter 1626

Maisie could only offer a few words of comfort. She had tried calling James' mother, but the calls would go unanswered, or the mother would dismiss it as kids' play and not a big deal. But when she tried to speak more this time, the mother said curtly, "Ms. Squire, do you need more money? It's fine. If money can solve the problem, my future husband will help!" "Ma'am "

Before Maisie could finish her sentence, the call abruptly ended. She sighed weakly, glanced at her half-eaten sandwich, took a few quick bites, and rushed off to work. However, one problem led to another.

On this day, a teacher ran up to Maisie before she even entered the classroom. "Ms. Squire, two kids from your class are fighting!"

Maisie's heart leaped into her throat, and she was sure it was James causing trouble again.

When she rushed over to see, it wasn't James bullying someone-it was Persephone!

The little princess was on top of James, throwing punches rapidly, each one quick and strong.

A group of other children surrounded her, cheering her on, and the classroom was in chaos with the noise!

James had taken quite a beating, his face swollen and battered.

After Persephone had her fill of beating him, she dismounted, kicked him hard, and grabbed his throat, slapping him twice.

She scolded him fiercely, "Do you dare to do that again, you little brat?!

"When my grandpa was a gangster on the streets, you were probably still nursing from your mother!"

"Pft!"

"Sephy!" Maisie exclaimed and hurried over, trying to separate the two children.

Persephone's hair was a mess, and her little dress was dirty.

However, when she saw Maisie approaching, she raised her head proudly and waved her hand. "Ms. Squire, don't worry! I'm not hurt!"

Maisie, however, was stern. "Why did you fight?"

Persephone immediately froze. She hadn't expected that her act of justice would go unrewarded and the teacher would scold her! Just a moment ago, she had been the heroine, and now she was somehow a naughty student?

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she forced herself not to cry. Her Grandpa Nicholas had told her not to show her vulnerable side!

In the otherwise silent classroom, a meek voice suddenly echoed.

"Ms. Squire, don't blame Persephone!"

Maisie was startled. It was Luna usually the most well-behaved girl-who stood up timidly to defend Persephone. "Ms. Squire, Persephone fought with James for us..."

"That's right!" Another boy stood up at this point. "James took my toys and stole my snacks!"

"When Zack was using the bathroom, James hit him on the head, and it left a big bump!"

"He scribbled on my desk! Look, Ms. Squire!"

"He even... He..." Another girl looked at Maisie with teary eyes. "He lifted my skirt! My mom told me that girls should never have their skirts lifted by boys!"

"Ms. Squire, don't punish Persephone!"

"She's our heroine!"

Chapter 1627

Chapter 1627

"Well..." Maisie hesitated on how to proceed.

The children were very young but already had a clear sense of right and wrong. As their teacher, if she couldn't measure up to the children, how could she be a role model for them?

Maisie bit her lip and first checked on James' injuries before taking him to the school infirmary. Then, she returned to take Persephone by the hand and headed to the office for a private conversation. She placed Persephone in a chair in the office and squatted down in front of her.

"Sephy, I wasn't blaming you for what happened." Maisie smiled and whispered in her ear, "A girl doesn't have the physical advantage to fight with a boy."

In an instant, the little princess' eyes lit up, filled with a mixture of surprise and emotions. Then her tears fell.

"It's alright, it's alright!" She raised her chubby little hand, trying to reassure her teacher. "I'm not hurt, and I'm really good at fighting! Ms. Maisie, don't worry about me!"

"Alright." Maisie patted her head and tidied up her disheveled hair. "Now, can you tell me the whole story of what happened?"

Persephone perked up and began explaining in detail how James had been bullying their classmates, even lifting a girl's skirt. She ended by proudly saying, "Ms. Maisie, don't you worry. This little matter wouldn't even be a blip in the underworld!"

Maisie couldn't help but chuckle. She knew Persephone was close to her grandfather, and her grandfather was none other than the famous Nicholas Thompson. Under such guidance, it was easy to imagine what kind of person she would grow into.

"So, besides fighting with him, have you used other ways to support your classmates?" Maisie asked.

"Of course!" Persephone said honestly. "I made all of them ignore him!"

"You... isolated him?"

Persephone pouted, furrowing her brow in confusion. She didn't quite understand what 'isolating' meant. However, since the teacher said so, it must be right!

"Yes, I isolated him. Is that a problem? My grandpa said that we shouldn't play with little rascals like him!"

Maisie was at a loss for words and didn't know whether to cry or laugh. While James had certainly been misbehaving, Persephone's recent physical altercation with him wasn't exactly justifiable. She had lost the moral high ground she previously held by fighting with him.

This was exactly what Maisie was most worried about. She took a deep breath and decided to send Persephone home and then discuss how to deal with James with Ruth.

However, Zuko was currently accompanying Lina for a prenatal check-up and couldn't pick up the child. Zephyr and Cordelia had gone on vacation to Southeast Aciatic, leaving Centrolis.

Maisie had no choice but to contact Daniel, and together, they took Persephone to the Thompson residence.

As soon as they entered, they saw Nicholas running over, nervously inquiring whether his precious granddaughter had been hurt and whether the opponent was powerful or used any special martial arts techniques.

Linda gave a heavy cough, and Nicholas stopped his prattling.

She looked up at Maisie and Daniel. These two already gave her enough headaches, and now they were accompanied by Persephone. She couldn't help but wonder about James' background and the support behind him.

Linda rubbed her temples and politely asked Maisie to briefly explain the situation.

Maisie recounted it while Daniel couldn't hold back his laughter.

Linda coughed again to ensure her blood pressure was still within normal range.

"Sephy, a girl shouldn't be fighting outside. It's not proper," she tried to counsel her granddaughter.

Persephone was quick to respond. "Grandpa said women can also have a place in the underworld!"

Linda was baffled. "But... it's not right for you to insult someone. You shouldn't call your classmate a little rascal."

"I haven't even called him a mongrel yet!"

"Who taught you that?!"

Chapter 1628

Chapter 1628

"Grandpa Nicholas!" Persephone exclaimed, her eyes scanning the room, eager to find her grandfather.

Unbeknownst to her, he was already crouched behind the sofa.

Linda was exasperated. "What else has your grandfather been teaching you?"

Persephone continued. "Grandpa said people should eat when they're hungry, sleep when they're tired, and speak their minds when they're unhappy.

"He also mentioned we don't have to be nice to people like that! Just give them three words-just beat them!

"Oh, he also told me that you were really good at fighting when you were young!"

Maisie struggled to stifle her laughter but couldn't help but chuckle, covering her face with embarrassment and turning away.

Persephone lifted her chin, acting as if she had achieved something incredible, her expression filled with pride.

Linda took a deep breath but couldn't hold back any longer and finally snapped. "Nicholas Thompson!" she thundered.

Even though he was hiding behind the sofa, he was still pulled out by his ear.

"Nicholas, what have you been teaching her? What have you taught a good girl like her? How do we explain this to the Hamertons? How am I supposed to face Cordelia?"

"Oh, come on..." Nicholas' face turned red, and he winced in pain. "What's wrong with what I taught? A girl should be tough! What if she encounters a bad man and gets mistreated in the future?" "So, you think you're right?"

"Why not? Girls should be feisty! What if Sephy turns out like Ms. Squire and encounters someone like your brother?"

"Nicholas!" Linda couldn't take it any longer and gritted her teeth. "Will you die if you stop talking?"

"Oh, uh..." Nicholas realized he had said something wrong and quickly tried to backtrack.

Daniel's expression had soured slightly.

On the other hand, Maisie was quite bewildered, thinking she had misheard. Awkwardly, she tried to defuse the situation. "Actually... Mr. Quimby is quite nice..." "Oh, yes, he is." Nicholas chuckled. "Quite nice!"

Linda pinched him and glared at him to silence him.

Daniel walked Maisie back to her house. As they reached her doorstep, he wanted to talk to her about Graham but didn't know how to broach the subject. Maisie was about to bid farewell when Daniel stopped her.

"Maisie!"

"Yes?"

"Um..." Daniel hesitated. "Is your wedding date set?"

Maisie didn't understand why he was asking but didn't know how to respond. She glanced at the neighboring door, realizing she hadn't seen Graham in a while.

"Don't misunderstand," Daniel said gently. "I just want to say that marriage is a significant step. I hope you'll think it over carefully. Is your fiance someone you can rely on for the rest of your life? It's worth considering."

"Mr. Quimby..." Maisie frowned. "Why are you suddenly talking about this?"

"Because..." Whatever Daniel wanted to say was on the tip of his tongue. His hand was in his pocket, clutching that photo.

Just then, Maisie's phone rang.

Chapter 1629

Chapter 1629

Maisie picked up the phone and was met with a barrage of shouting. "Ms. Squire, is this how you teach children? Allowing them to fight without intervening? Is this how you set an example?!" Maisie felt frustrated but patiently explained, "Ma'am, I've talked to you about James' issues before-"

"Stop with the excuses!" the woman interrupted arrogantly. "My son is being bullied in your class, and I won't let this slide. You'll see!"

With that, she hung up.

Maisie shook her head and sighed. Working at this kindergarten had always been one of her most enjoyable experiences. She loved children and the environment, feeling fortunate to have a job she was passionate about. This was her first time encountering such a difficult and unreasonable parent.

Daniel looked at her with concern and asked, "Is there a problem? Do you need me..."

"It's okay," Maisie replied, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I can't trouble you anymore. I'm a teacher, and it's my responsibility to handle conflicts with parents. You don't need to worry about it." "Alright."

"Mr. Quimby, I'm a bit tired. I'd like to rest now. You should head back early, too."

Daniel nodded and watched her go upstairs.

As for the woman who had just called, he had already guessed the situation roughly.

At that moment, his subordinate called, "Mr. Quimby, just as you expected... Graham Bayer is indeed raising someone else's child!"

"Oh?" Daniel squinted.

"He has had a girlfriend abroad for a long time. That woman got a divorce and brought along a young boy, around four or five years old. The expenses he's been incurring for them... is not a small sum!" Daniel took a deep breath and clenched his fists.

One day, Maisie would have to face all of this, and one day, she would be hurt.

What he hoped for now was that her feelings for Graham weren't too deep. She wouldn't be hurt as long as she didn't get too deeply involved.

"What has he been doing recently?" he asked in a deep voice.

The subordinate thought for a moment and replied, "The Bayers have been investing in the mining industry recently."

"But the stock prices in the mining sector have been unstable. Graham could make a lot of money, or he could incur losses."

"Yes, boss. He is quite impulsive in certain aspects, which doesn't seem like his parents' personalities..."

"I heard that his grandfather, Kelly's father, Joe Tanner, kept a mistress' daughter for over 20 years, nearly driving his wife to death. Hah! Graham seems to have inherited the Tanner genes in this aspect!" "Mr. Quimby, what should we do next?"

"Contact Fat Lawler," Daniel said with an icy glint in his eyes. "I believe he would be willing to help."

The next day, Mrs. Bayer stormed into the kindergarten, heading straight for Ruth's office. She caused a scene, making the already angry Ruth even more furious.

Ruth was unwilling to offend the influential people behind the children at this kindergarten for her sake. Just imagine the kind of background the children there had...

Chapter 1630

Chapter 1630

Even if Mrs. Bayer had some influence, she couldn't compete against these famous wealthy families on her own. Plus, her son had gotten into trouble with the young Hamerton heiress!

Even if Ruth was slow, she knew what mattered most in this situation. This matter couldn't be smoothed over!

Maisie was there, too. Faced with Mrs. Bayer's irrational behavior, she calmly said, "Mrs. Bayer, it was James who provoked the other children first."

"But my son got beaten up. That's a fact!"

Maisie smiled. "By your reasoning, this should only be children playing around."

Mrs. Bayer was furious. "What kind of teacher are you? How can you say that?"

"When James was causing trouble, that's how you described it. So, I assume that's your logic. Why, Mrs. Bayer? When your son bullies others, it's just children playing, but when someone hits him back, it's their fault? Mrs. Bayer, it seems you have quite the double standard!"

Mrs. Bayer's eyes widened, her chest heaving. She glared at Maisie for a long time before a strange, sly smile crossed her lips. "Ms. Squire, you probably don't know who James' future stepfather is, do you?" Maisie furrowed her brow. "It's none of my business who his future stepfather is. Mrs. Bayer, you're here to resolve this issue, not to show off your family members."

"Are you sure it's none of your business?" Mrs. Bayer stepped forward with her arms crossed in provocation.

Maisie was skeptical but didn't get a chance to respond before Ruth said impatiently, "We don't care about who James' future stepfather is! But if you want to know who the fathers of the children your son bullied are, I can introduce them to you one by one!"

Mrs. Bayer was appalled and yelled at Ruth, "I know the kids in your kindergarten are from influential families! Hah! You're snobs picking on us, single mother and son!"

"Ma'am, you just asked if we know who James' future stepfather is. How are you a single mother now?"

Mrs. Bayer leered at Ruth before walking away with a parting shot of, "We'll see!"

Ruth slumped back in her chair, gasping for breath. "She's infuriating, truly infuriating... How can there be such an absurd parent? I'll find a way to kick her son out of here!

"Oh, Ms. Squire, did she submit the enrollment application form the last time she came?"

Maisie finally came to her senses and noticed the application form on the table, which was likely left there by Mrs. Bayer.

"Hah! She actually filled it out!" Ruth gnashed her teeth. "But even if she did, it won't count! Under my jurisdiction, I will absolutely not allow a child with such poor manners to be a troublemaker here!" Maisie took a look at the form, which was left empty in the father's section, and the mother's section was filled out with Sophia!

Her heart skipped a beat, and the confusion in her mind darkened like a gathering storm.

'Could all of this be a coincidence? This Sophia, who claims to be "Mrs. Bayer"... Is she the woman from Graham's phone?' she wondered.

Maisie's mind was in turmoil, her temples were throbbing, and her head was aching in waves.

"No wonder she said she's a single mother." Ruth sneered. "So, it turns out the child has no father. It seems like this woman might be a mistress kept by some wealthy man, making her own bed of thorns. She's even dragging her child into it! Don't you think so, Ms. Squire?"

Ruth noticed Maisie's pale complexion. "Ms. Squire? What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"