Ch. 1631..1640

Chapter 1631

Chapter 1631

Maisie forced a stiff smile as she shook her head.

"Ms. Squire, you've been working hard recently. How about we give you some time off?" Ruth kindly suggested. "Take a few days to rest, and if that difficult parent returns, I'll handle it." "Ms. Corbin-"

"It's okay!" Ruth smiled. "You've earned a break. Here's the plan-you can delegate your classroom duties to other teachers, and you take some time to relax and recharge. Then, we'll handle this challenging parent together."

Maisie gratefully nodded and quickly passed on her responsibilities.

However, she couldn't relax properly at home. The name "Sophia" on the application form felt like it was taunting her. She could see the woman with her arms crossed whenever she closed her eyes. She hesitated for a while but eventually dialed Graham's number.

They arranged to meet that evening.

When the appointed time came, Maisie heard movement across the hall and quickly got up to open the door, just in time to see Graham return.

"M-Maisie," Graham said awkwardly. "I was just coming back to change clothes, and then I'd come to you..."

Maisie stared at him for a while.

His appearance still exuded an air of nobility that would capture young women's hearts. However, the fatigue in his eyes was impossible to hide. He seemed to be avoiding eye contact with Maisie.

"Graham, we haven't been in touch for several days," she said, observing him quietly. "Don't you have anything you want to talk to me about?"

"Uh..." Graham stuttered and scratched his head, but in the end, he remained silent.

Maisie took a deep breath. "I won't beat around the bush. I want to ask you something."

"Sure, go ahead."

"Who's... Sophia?"

Graham appeared flustered, but he quickly regained his composure. He clenched and unclenched his fists or put his hands in his pockets and then took them out a few times as if he didn't know where to put them.

Maisie noticed these small gestures, and her heart sank bit by bit.

"Maisie," Graham said after a moment of silence, smiling at her. "Where did you hear this name?"

Maisie spoke frankly. "I saw it on your phone. Someone called you, and since your phone was left at my place that day, I saw the name."

"Oh..." Graham answered nonchalantly. "She's a colleague of mine. She works in Armania, and I still have a lot of work there. So she probably called about work."

"Is that so?" Maisie gazed at him, disappointment evident in her eyes.

Perhaps Graham didn't realize that he currently resembled a clown. His explanations were trying too hard to cover something up, and they were a joke in Maisie's eyes. Maisie continued, making one last effort. "Graham, am I still your fiancee?"

"What are you talking about? My parents quite like you and acknowledge you as the Bayers' future daughter-in-law."

"I'm asking you." Maisie kept a steady gaze on him. "Am I your fiancee to you? Do you willingly want to marry me?"

Graham seemed somewhat guilty and hesitated. "Maisie... what's going on with you today?"

Maisie smiled and asked, "In your opinion, what's the most important thing between a husband and wife?"

Graham couldn't answer.

"It's trust," Maisie said, looking into his eyes. "Graham, if there's no trust between two people, then the marriage is meaningless. Don't you think so?"

Chapter 1632

Chapter 1632

Graham shifted his eyes and nervously chuckled. "Are you overworked lately? It's pretty late now. How about you get some rest, and we can talk later?"

With that, Graham turned and left.

Maisie watched him go, thinking about his evasive words. She leaned against the wall with a bitter smile.

She had a feeling that their relationship had come to an end.

That night, Maisie tossed and turned in bed for a long time. Her mind was a mess, and her thoughts were all over the place. She rolled over and spotted the teddy bear on her bedside table. She grabbed it and hugged it tightly.

Soon, she drifted into a dream.

In her dream, she saw a bright white light that faded to reveal a beautiful small villa with a yard full of vibrant orchids in various colors.

Intrigued, she pushed open the front door, revealing a room filled with classic Eropah-style furniture. The decor was both subtle and luxurious. She stood there in shock, unsure of what to do. Then she saw someone on the sofa, who slowly stood up and turned around...

Daniel?!

Maisie was startled and instinctively took a few steps back, but Daniel grabbed her.

"Maisie, you're back," he said tenderly. She wanted to ask him what was happening when she suddenly heard a baby crying.

Daniel looked upstairs and said with a smile, "The baby's crying. She's looking for her mommy."

"What?" Maisie's heart raced.

She rushed upstairs, but the baby's crying had stopped. She saw a small crib in a room, but instead of a baby, there was a pillow inside.

Maisie let out a gasp, then turned to see Daniel standing at the door, smiling at her. However, the smile lacked warmth, and his eyes seemed strangely empty.

"What... What's going on?"

Daniel enunciated each word, "Maisie, this is our home. Have you forgotten?"

"Ah!" Maisie woke up in a cold sweat. She was trembling and took a long time to calm down. She had no idea why she had had such a dream or why Daniel had been in it.

The day had already dawned, and she had a splitting headache from the dream. She was about to get some food from the kitchen when Ruth called her.

Ruth sounded extremely anxious. "Ms. Squire, I'm really sorry, but please come to the kindergarten now."

"What's happened?"

"All the parents of the children who had conflicts with James before have arrived, and James' mother will be here shortly. All the parents are planning to resolve these issues once and for all today, so as the homeroom teacher, you have to be there."

"Alright," Maisie softly agreed. "I'll be there immediately."

After a quick freshening up, she was about to leave when she found Daniel waiting outside her door.

She was taken aback. She remembered her strange dream from the night before and felt a bit embarrassed. She forced a smile. "Mr. Quimby... Is there something you need?"

Daniel looked serious, with a hint of complexity in his gaze that she couldn't quite discern. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to the kindergarten. Many parents are there today, and Ms. Corbin hopes to resolve the issues all at once."

Daniel's expression changed slightly, and he firmly said, "Don't go."

"What did you say?" Maisie asked in surprise.

"Don't go today." Daniel's tone allowed no argument. "If there's anything, I'll handle it."

Chapter 1633

Chapter 1633

"But..." Maisie hesitated. "Mr. Quimby, this is my responsibility. Those kids in that class are under my care. If the parents have any issues or complaints, I should handle them." "I told you not to go!" Daniel's tone became firmer. His gaze was intense, like an unfathomable abyss, exuding an intimidating presence.

Maisie's heart raced. Daniel looked stern, even somewhat ruthless, but she wasn't afraid. She didn't know why, but she wasn't afraid of him no matter how he appeared. "Mr. Quimby..."

He lowered his voice and firmly squeezed her shoulder. "Maisie, leave everything to me."

Maisie suddenly realized that Daniel might know something. Her heart pounded, and she stared at him. "Mr. Quimby, is there something you want to tell me?"

Daniel bit his lip. After remaining silent for a while, he said, "I won't hide it from you. I've actually already investigated your fiance."

"What are you saying?"

Daniel produced a photo, and Maisie's mind went blank.

"James' mother, Sophia, has been in a relationship with Graham. Initially, I thought Graham was just having a fling with her because, frankly, that woman's qualifications aren't impressive. But later, I discovered that Graham wasn't just having fun with her. You see, I found several properties registered in his name that have been transferred to her name."

Maisie was stunned, and her vision suddenly went black. Just as she was about to collapse, she fell into a warm, secure embrace.

Daniel watched her with concern, his large hand gently patting her back. "I suspect Sophia will go to the kindergarten to cause a scene today and embarrass you."

Tears welled up in Maisie's eyes, but she felt helpless, unable to cry.

She felt safe and secure in Daniel's arms.

"Don't go today," Daniel said softly. "Rest assured, I will handle everything."

Daniel arrived at the international kindergarten.

The parents in the meeting room were all influential figures in Centrolis. Among them were Zuko and Lina. Some recognized Daniel and nodded in greeting. Someone asked with a smile, "Mr. Quimby, has your child been bullied by this kid as well?"

"That wouldn't happen." Daniel smiled. "Mine has faced him before."

Sitting down beside Zuko and Lina, Daniel asked, "Is Sephy doing okay?"

Lina laughed. "Don't worry, Uncle Daniel. Sephy is quite bold. She even takes pride in standing up to someone. She's just like her grandfather!" "His parenting style is right."

Zuko and Lina exchanged a smile.

Daniel continued. "Pammy, you're pregnant. Why did you come to an event like this? Zuko coming alone would have been enough."

"My daughter hit someone. How could I not come?" Lina gently patted her belly. "I hope this one will be more well-behaved than Sephy."

Chapter 1634

Chapter 1634

"Uncle Daniel," Zuko said, hugging Lina. He chuckled. "We're here for Sephy, but we're also curious about James' father."

"Hah, not a good guy for sure!" Zuko's business partner chimed in. He was close to the Hamertons.

"You can tell by the kid's mother. Both husband and wife must be birds of a feather. That's why they raised such a rotten kid!"

Lina patted the woman's hand and smiled gently.

"Mrs. Hamerton, I know you have a good temper and are generous, but don't stop me later! That brat has bullied my son, and I'm determined to get justice for my child today!"

As she finished speaking, the meeting room door swung open. Sophia exuded arrogance as she entered in high heels. James followed behind her with a frown and scanned everyone with a deep grudge. Sophia patted James' head and reassured him not to be scared.

"Ms. Corbin, folks," she said and took off her sunglasses, her crimson lips forming a mocking smirk. "My son was hit in kindergarten, and I'm determined to get to the bottom of this!"

She looked around. "Where is Ms. Squire? She's the class' homeroom teacher. Shouldn't she come forward?"

Just as she finished speaking, a low, stern voice echoed. "Why? You won't resolve the problem if Ms. Squire isn't here?"

Sophia was taken aback, and she saw Daniel playing with a lighter on the side, his expression composed but hinting at ruthlessness. When he raised his eyes, his gaze was sharp, sending shivers down one's spine.

Daniel spoke with a half-smile. "Even if Ms. Squire isn't here, we still have Ms. Corbin. Are you suggesting the principal isn't qualified to handle this matter?"

"You..." Sophia was still haughty. "Who are you? Why do you think you can meddle here?"

Before Daniel could respond, an impatient parent stood up. "Ma'am, we need to discuss this in front of everyone today. Do you know why your son was hit? He's been a tyrant in kindergarten, behaving recklessly! My son, Zack, has been bullied by him several times!"

"The same goes for my son! Your son destroyed all the limited-edition action figures he brought! They were collector's items. Ma'am, how do you propose to compensate?"

"What's more, he lifted my girl's skirt. This isn't just mischievous behavior-it's an issue of character! Bad genes!"

"Yeah, it runs in the family!"

"Hey, stop making nonsense!" Sophia was furious. "What's all this about bad genes? Do you even know what family he's from?"

As chaos erupted in the meeting room, someone passed through the door.

Suddenly, the room fell silent, and everyone stared in astonishment at the newcomer.

Lina and Zuko were particularly dumbfounded.

Only Daniel scowled.

Sophia smugly grabbed the man's arm and spoke loudly. "Darling, these people are giving our son a hard time. Tell me, how should we stand up for our son?"

Graham took a deep breath and straightened his back. His gaze slowly swept across everyone's faces.

When he saw Zuko and Lina, he paused and then looked elsewhere.

"I..."

"Graham!" Lina was a little agitated. "How could it be you?"

Zuko patted her shoulder, worried that her emotions might affect their baby. He then approached Graham, whispering, "What are you doing? This child... This child couldn't possibly be yours! You..." "Zuko, I don't want to continue like this. Today, I will put an end to everything." Graham looked at him and took Sophia's hand. "She is the woman I love and want to marry. The child isn't mine, but I'm willing to treat him as my own son."

Zuko's eyes widened. He thought he had misheard Graham and was at a loss for words.

"Graham, are you out of your mind?!" Lina wished she could slap him. "This is the woman you want to marry? What about your fiancee? What does she mean to you? You're not leaving her any shred of dignity showing up here today?"

Chapter 1635

Chapter 1635

Graham began hesitantly, "Pammy, I—"

"That's enough!" Zuko said firmly, taking a step forward to control his anger. "Graham, we've grown up together since childhood. Even if we're not as close as siblings, I've always considered you a friend. I never thought you were this kind of person!"

Lina was also furious, staring at Graham. "If you had already set your sights elsewhere, why did you have to involve Maisie? What did she do wrong?"

"Stop it, both of you!" Graham growled. "We're here today to resolve the children's issues, not mine!"

"You..."

"Ms. Corbin, fellow parents," Graham said, stepping forward and bowing slightly. "My son has misbehaved, and as his father, I'll definitely take responsibility for it. Don't worry. I won't evade it, and I'll have my lawyer discuss how to compensate. But my son was beaten-that's something I won't let go of either!"

"What did you say?!" The usually calm and collected Zuko couldn't control himself. "Graham, have you lost your mind?!"

"Zuko!" Graham raised his voice and fixed his gaze on him. "My son was being naughty at kindergarten, but your daughter gave him a black eye and a swollen face. That's also a fact! Children can be mischievous, but adults should know better. I won't deny what I should compensate for, but I also expect you to take responsibility for your part."

"You..." Zuko felt like there was a lump in his chest. 'Is this fellow possessed? Is this still Uncle Josiah's son and Arya's brother? This is outrageous!' he thought.

Daniel slapped the table and stood up abruptly. He approached Graham with fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

"Uncle Daniel!" Zuko stopped him, shaking his head.

Daniel took a few deep breaths. In the end, his rationality subdued the anger in his heart, and he slowly relaxed his fists.

"Alright, let's resolve the matter this way," Graham said, picking up James. "The kindergarten has surveillance footage. It's clear what my son did and how he was hit. I suggest we leave the rest of the matter to the lawyers."

The other parents were dumbfounded, and even Ruth was at a loss.

Sophia smugly clung to Graham's arm, and they walked out like a family of three. However, just as they reached the kindergarten gate, Graham saw a familiar figure outside.

He stopped in his tracks, staring blankly at her.

Sophia proudly clung to him like a victor.

Daniel came out chasing and wanted to take Maisie away, but it seemed like it was too late.

Maisie walked slowly toward Graham, her eyes filled with a hint of sadness, having understood everything.

Graham handed James to Sophia, letting the two of them leave first, and then he stayed behind.

"Maisie, I-"

"You don't need to say anything," Maisie said softly.

She suddenly remembered scenes from TV dramas. When the girl discovered her fiance's infidelity, she would confidently take off her engagement ring and throw it at the man in that moment of confrontation. She looked down and realized her finger was bare. She had been Graham's fiancee for so long, but he had never given her any keepsake.

Maisie smiled bitterly. This might be for the best, saving her trouble in the future.

"I understand everything now."She looked at him. "I finally understand why she told me she was Mrs. Bayer the moment she entered the kindergarten. I understand why her son can be so arrogant at the kindergarten, why I tried to reason with her, but she remained rude and indifferent... Hah! It turns out a woman can act arrogant because she has a man backing her up."

Graham hung his head, feeling an indescribable complexity in his heart.

Chapter 1636

Chapter 1636

"I'm sorry, Maisie. I... I didn't want to hurt you," Graham said.

"You can't hurt me," Maisie stated, gazing into his eyes. "Because I've realized today that my feelings for you aren't that deep." Graham was taken aback, his head snapping up.

"I just can't understand one thing." Maisie spoke softly. "Since you were already in love with someone else, why did you date me?"

Graham's throat tightened. He licked his lips and hoarsely replied, "Because Aunt Linda introduced you, and my parents were quite satisfied with you...

"Plus, you're beautiful, without a strong background, and easy to control... Even if I had other women after we got married, you wouldn't do anything to me, nor would your family would be able to do anything to

me."

Maisie's eyes widened. So, he wanted to marry her because she was easy to bully and had no family to back her up?

It made sense. In a family with matching backgrounds, someone like Lina or Arya would never put up with that. Not to mention that they wouldn't just accept the insult their powerful families would have already taken action against him.

After the initial shock, Maisie suddenly laughed.

Graham's expression changed. This was not as he had expected. He thought Maisie would be emotionally overwhelmed and might even slap him a few times. However, that didn't happen.

Maisie didn't cry or create a scene. Instead, she remained remarkably calm, making Graham feel uneasy.

"Maisie, if you're really angry, you can hit me... Come on, you can hit me! It's my fault. I'm the villain here. I was the one who wronged you!" He reached out to take Maisie's hand, but she suddenly pulled away and looked at him once before silently turning to leave.

At that moment, it felt as if her heart had fallen into place as if she had been waiting for this result all along. With the outcome now, her heart felt at peace.

Maisie went to work as usual the next day, but her colleagues looked at her differently.

She endured through the morning's classes. During the lunch break, she went to the pantry, overhearing a few of her coworkers talking.

"Is it true that Ms. Squire got dumped by her fiance?"

"It sure is! James is the child of that woman Mr. Bayer is seeing outside! That woman deliberately put her son in her class to flaunt her authority!"

"And she's this arrogant as the kept mistress?"

"Ah, Mr. Bayer would rather marry a woman who has been married before and has a child than marry Ms. Squire... Do you think there's something wrong with Ms. Squire?" Maisie bit her lip, then boldly entered the pantry. The conversations stopped abruptly.

When the crowd saw her, they didn't know what to say, and the atmosphere turned awkward. They all stared at each other and quietly left the room.

Maisie filled her cup with water and found herself face-to-face with Ruth. The latter treated her well on ordinary days, and as Daniel's senior, he had asked her to take care of Maisie. That was why Ruth was also furious in this case.

Ruth patted her shoulder and said in a low voice, "Ms. Squire, don't force yourself for the time being. If you need to take leave, take as much time off as you need."

"Ms. Corbin, I..." She had intended to say she didn't need it, but a sudden wave of dizziness almost made her lose her balance.

"Oh dear, you don't look good. Are you feeling unwell?" Ruth reached out to touch her forehead. It did feel warm, so she immediately called Daniel.

"Daniel, Ms. Squire isn't feeling well. Can you come and take care of her?"

Chapter 1637

Chapter 1637

Daniel was getting ready to go to the airport to address some matters of the Quimby Group. He had planned to leave for Cumulus City in the morning and return in the evening. But just then, Ruth called him, and it was about Maisie.

Daniel put aside his luggage without hesitation and arranged for one of his subordinates to return to Cumulus City.

"Mr. Quimby..." His subordinate was unsure of what to do.

"Once you're back, coordinate with the seniors there, and they'll handle it," Daniel hurriedly instructed. "The Quimby Group matters can wait!"

As his subordinate stood there bewildered, Daniel sped away.

The Quimby Group concerns could wait-he didn't want to miss any chance to be with Maisie.

Daniel brought Maisie back with him. She wasn't feeling well, with a headache, a sore throat, and drowsiness. She just wanted to go home and rest.

However, when they returned, they found people moving in and out of the house opposite theirs.

Maisie was taken aback.

She then saw Sophia coming out with a smug expression when she spotted her.

"You're back? Oh, Ms. Squire, thanks for taking care of James during this time. But we won't need your help from now on! Graham has arranged a private tutor for James, and he'll have lessons at home! Graham really cares about James, willing to spend on him, even more than his own son!"

Maisie stood at the doorway, looking unfazed. She then replied softly, "That's actually quite great..."

Sophia continued to boast. "Graham sold this house. So, I'm here to move some things for him today. We shouldn't have any more opportunities to meet in the future!"

"Is that so?" Maisie responded.

"Oh, and..." Sophia intentionally said loudly, "Graham said he's going to buy me a new house! Ms. Squire, you had such a great man, but you let him slip away. What a pity!" "Have you said enough?" A deep voice suddenly cut in.

Daniel had taken Maisie upstairs, and upon returning, he stumbled upon this scene. He stood in front of Maisie, radiating a cold aura, making Sophia uneasy.

She hesitated and took a few steps back, still unwilling to back down but not daring to say more.

"Did I hear you correctly?" Daniel seemed to smile. "You called Mr. Bayer a good man? If he's such a 'good man', you should cherish him!"

Sophia looked at Daniel defiantly.

"There's a saying." Daniel's voice was chilly. "That a lucky woman doesn't marry an unlucky man. Maisie not marrying that 'good man' you mentioned was fate helping her dodge a bullet. "I hope you and Mr. Bayer live peacefully from now on, with no unexpected troubles."

"You..." Sophia glared at him.

Despite his words, his tone and smirk suggested otherwise.

"Old man!" Sophia retorted, "Wash your mouth! It stinks..."

Daniel's expression changed. "What did you call me?"

"Old man!" Sophia continued. "Look at you! You're not that young anymore, so why are you watching over Ms. Squire like this? What? Are you looking to chase after younger girls?" This time, Daniel widened his eyes but didn't erupt in anger in front of Maisie. He could only warn Sophia with his gaze.

Sophia sneered. When the last mover brought out their things, she locked the door behind them, looking at Daniel and Maisie mockingly.

Daniel smirked.

Sophia wouldn't enjoy her victory for long. He had already asked Fat Lawler to take action, and Graham would soon face the consequences of his wrongdoing.

A man should bear the consequences of his actions.

However, Daniel didn't know how to comfort Maisie. He noticed she was lightly dressed, so he removed his jacket and put it on her.

After some hesitation and not knowing what to say, he finally uttered, "Are you hungry?"

Maisie remained silent and shook her head.

Seeing her weakness, Daniel decided to help her back to her house. Later, Maisie developed a high fever, and Daniel rushed to give her some fever-reducing medicine, planning to take her to the hospital. "I don't want to go." Maisie's voice was weak. "I just want to rest for a bit."

"But your fever is quite high."

"I've taken medicine, haven't I?" She smiled weakly. "It's fine. I've never gone to the hospital when I had a fever before. I'd rest for a few days, and I'd be better."

Daniel didn't insist any further.

After a while, her soft voice sounded again. "Mr. Quimby, could you stay here with me?"

Daniel was taken aback but still held her hand, smiling reassuringly.

Soon, Maisie fell asleep, but her sleep was restless.

Daniel remained by her side, wiping the sweat from her forehead and moistening her lips with a cotton swab.

In the end, he couldn't contain himself any longer. He gently sat on the edge of the bed and embraced her.

Her body burned like fire, but she curled up in his arms, shivering uncontrollably and muttering, "So cold..."

Daniel held her even tighter.

He remembered how she had never seemed to get sick before. Later, he found out that she never told him when she was sick. No matter what happened, she always carried the burden herself, which made him think of her as a woman he didn't need to worry about.

Perhaps this was the only way she could stay by his side a bit longer.

Daniel's eyes welled up with tears, and he gently caressed her face, lightly kissing her forehead.

"Maisie," he whispered in her ear. "I won't lose you again. After getting well, I'll take you back to our home.

"It's good that you forgot everything in the past. We'll start over. Give me another chance to love you properly, alright?"

Chapter 1638

Chapter 1638

Two days later, Maisie's high fever finally subsided.

She experienced a long dream where Daniel's face reappeared. Surprisingly, the dream wasn't eerie this time. In this dream, Daniel gazed at her, showering her with tenderness.

She found herself in that small courtyard filled with blooming orchids under the bright spring sun. The vivid blue sky was a sight she hadn't seen since arriving in Centrolis. In the courtyard, an adorable chubby little boy waved to her, shouting, "Mom."

She was about to run to him when the dream abruptly ended. She slowly opened her eyes, feeling utterly drained, like she had been pulled out of the water. However, the awful feeling had vanished. She turned her head and noticed the familiar warmth of someone's presence. Her cheeks blushed slightly.

She got out of bed and found Daniel in the kitchen, attempting to cook something for her. It was evident that cooking wasn't his strong suit-he had even burnt a pot of soup, creating a mess. Frustrated, Daniel threw the ladle aside and angrily spoke into his phone. "What did you say?! That's not right at all! I followed the steps you mentioned, and it turned out like this! I think you're useless as the head chef of the hotel!

"This is what we'll do... I'll send you an address, hurry up and deliver the food, including the soup... If you're even a minute late, you're out of a job tomorrow!"

Maisie stood there and couldn't help but giggle.

Daniel suddenly turned around, somewhat embarrassed. He did not know where to put his hands and laughed nervously. "Y-You're awake?"

His expression transformed from stern to easygoing the moment he saw her.

"I-I'll be done soon... Don't mind the mess in the kitchen. I'll tidy it up very quickly!"

Maisie spoke softly. "I'll do it."

"No, no, you should go back and rest. I'll clean up fast..."

Maisie's heart stirred. It seemed that only with Daniel could she feel doted on. It was as though he didn't do much, but everything he did for her was heartfelt.

In the end, Daniel called a housekeeper to clean up the kitchen. He had something more important to do have dinner with Maisie.

The food arrived on time, personally delivered by the head chef of the hotel himself. He was sweating profusely, fearing that even a one-minute delay would cost him his job. Daniel made Maisie lie down, carefully feeding her spoonful by spoonful.

Maisie felt a bit embarrassed and tried to feed herself a few times, but Daniel firmly declined her attempts.

"You have just recovered and must take it easy."

"Can eating really tire me out?"

Daniel wouldn't miss any chance to care for her. "Well, it's best not to move if you don't have to. Look at those less active small animals. They usually live long lives." "You mean, like turtles?"

Daniel was stunned, and his joke fell flat once again. Then, he became somewhat flustered.

Of all the jokes he could make, what if Maisie misunderstood him?

Chapter 1639

Chapter 1639

Daniel gasped and rushed to explain, but the harder he tried, the more challenging it became to find the right words. After struggling for a while, his face turned red. However, Maisie covered her mouth and couldn't help but laugh.

"Um, I..."

"No need to say anything," Maisie assured, her gaze clear and gentle. "I know you didn't mean anything bad."

Daniel heaved a sigh of relief.

"But you should avoid making dad jokes in the future. They're not very funny, but you're quite amusing!"

Daniel found her amusing too, and they gazed at each other. At that moment, sunlight streamed in through the window, warming their faces.

Even if Maisie was a bit slow, she understood Daniel's intention. In fact, she had a favorable impression of him. It wasn't just a mere favorability-there was a strange sense of familiarity as if they had known each other in a past life.

Fate between people was indeed mysterious.

Arya sat in the art studio, gazing at a painting that was only half done. The deadline was approaching rapidly, and time was running out.

Toph hurried over, his brow furrowing as he examined the painting.

"Arya, the storyline here doesn't seem right. And this part... The male lead from before wasn't drawn this way!

"The film company called me. They've already started their promotion, and they're just waiting for our manuscripts. But with our progress, it's really not working...

"Should I ask my mom? Imperial Media holds influence in the entertainment industry. My mom has a wide network. Maybe she can talk to the film company and get us a few more days..."

"Forget it," Arya said gloomily after a moment. "Even if we were given a whole year, I might not be in the mood..."

Toph asked with concern, "What's wrong?"

Arya put down her paintbrush and sighed. "My family has been in chaos these past two days..."

Toph quickly grasped the situation. The Bayers were in turmoil, probably because of Graham.

Arya recounted the events of the past few days to Toph.

Graham had brought Sophia and James to their house and publicly announced the termination of his engagement to Maisie. He had declared that he would marry Sophia instead, nearly making Josiah faint from anger.

"That Sophia... I don't know how she's so confident, but she's acting arrogantly in our house, treating herself like the lady of the house. Also, her son broke several pots of orchids that my dad has been nurturing for years on his first day there!"

Toph's eyes widened. Josiah's orchids were of a very precious variety, with the most expensive one worth over 100,000 dollars in an auction. Josiah was known for his carefree personality and usually took good care of these precious flowers. Yet, they were now destroyed by a child who had appeared out of nowhere.

"It's not so much about the money." Arya continued. "But the key is that my dad has nurtured them for many years and has developed a deep attachment to these flowers.

"My dad was furious and scolded that child, but Sophia started causing a scene in our house, saying that our family disrespects her as a divorced woman with a child and that we have skewed values. She also accused us of singling her and her child out."

Toph couldn't help but curse under his breath, "What the fuck? What does Jon Snow say about it?"

At the mention of her brother, Arya's tears began to flow.

"My brother took Sophia and her son's side. He even argued with my dad, saying he shouldn't have such strong views on lineage. He intends to spend the rest of his life with Sophia and treat that child as his son!"

"What?"

"My dad nearly had a heart attack because of him. He's been bedridden for two days..."

Arya sobbed in Toph's arms, and he gently patted her back. He didn't know how to comfort her at the moment. He was angry as he listened, let alone Josiah himself.

"How's Uncle Josiah now? Do you want to take him to Aunt Zennie and Uncle Seth's hospital for a comprehensive checkup?"

Chapter 1640

Chapter 1640

"Maybe we should talk to them soon." Arya sighed. "My mom's not been well, and my dad got really angry this time. I'm genuinely concerned about their health and what lies ahead." Unsure how to comfort her, Toph simply held her close and gently patted her back.

He suddenly furrowed his brow. "By the way, wasn't your brother back for his marriage to Maisie? How did Sophia suddenly enter the picture?"

"He never intended to marry Maisie," Arya replied, looking at him. "His return this time wasn't about marriage. It's because the overseas company wasn't doing well..."

"Huh?"

"Our overseas market has never been our strong suit. Over the years, my dad entrusted my brother with it, thinking he could handle it well with his education abroad. Secondly, he hoped my brother's success would silence our relatives.

"But Graham has struggled there. The market is saturated, and there are numerous obstacles. Making a name for oneself in a predominantly homogenous society is challenging."

Realization struck Toph. "So, he's back to seek support from headquarters?"

Arya nodded. "If he could smoothly marry Maisie and make my parents happy, they might have considered asking the headquarters for support. But none of us expected him to bring back Sophia!"

"Don't worry," Toph assured her. "Given our families' relationship, the Hamerton Group won't ignore the Bayers if they face issues. Right now, it's essential to ease your father's worries and prevent his condition from worsening."

Arya leaned into his embrace, finding warmth and security in his arms.

Meanwhile, another drama unfolded at the Bayers.

James had made a mess in the courtyard and demanded food after playing. He ordered the service staff around, but they ignored him, resulting in James cursing in Chaisene.

Sophia not only didn't intervene but also praised her son. She played the role of the lady of the house, ordering the service staff to cook.

During dinner, Sophia deliberately used Kelly's tableware, a set acquired by Josiah at an expensive Eropah auction for their 10th anniversary. With a "careless" move, she dropped the soup spoon, shattering the precious porcelain.

The service staff refrained from speaking but rolled their eyes and muttered privately, "This is what happens when the lady of the house is away. This good-for-nothing mother and son run the place!"

Simon, the butler, glanced at them and said grimly, "Alright, quiet down."

Then, he approached Sophia and James.

Sophia spoke first. "What's the matter? Do you want to manage me too?"

"I wouldn't dare." Simon smiled. "I just wanted to offer you some advice. It's better to take care of your child and teach basic courtesy and respect. If you don't educate your child now, society will do it for you in the future, and it won't look good."

Sophia slammed her cutlery on the table, stood up abruptly, and glared at Simon.

"Who are you to speak to me like this? Just because you're the Bayers' senior butler, you dare? You're nothing more than a long-serving lapdog in the Bayers. You've just been around for a bit longer!" "Sophia!" Graham approached, looking displeased.