Ch. 1651..1660

Chapter 1651

Chapter 1651

Sophia arrived at the cafe as planned, and she immediately spotted the middle-aged woman with a hat by the window. She approached with a gentle smile. "Hello. Are you... Ms. Campbell?" Maeve looked up with a tired look. Sophia signaled for a cup of hot milk, replacing the strong coffee in front of Maeve. "Ms. Campbell, you shouldn't be drinking such strong coffee at your age. You must take care of your health."

"Thank you," Maeve replied, her voice lacking energy. "Do you have something to discuss with me?"

Maeve looked up. She had heard from others that Sophia was now Graham's love interest-divorced with a child, yet she still had a firm grip on Graham's heart.

She assumed that Sophia must possess unique qualities, and toppling Maisie would be a piece of cake with her help.

"I..." Maeve licked her lips. "I don't know how to begin."

After a pause, Sophia smiled. "Ms. Campbell, you're Graham's foundational teacher, and Graham treasures this student-teacher relationship. I feel the same way. We both respect you greatly, so just tell me whatever you need."

"I've been forced to resign from the international kindergarten." Maeve palmed her forehead with a furrowed brow.

Sophia was taken aback, but she had heard about it. Maeve had lost to Maisie in contesting for the best teacher award. Maeve was prideful and must not be able to accept it.

'This is good, too,' Sophia thought. 'I can take advantage of the situation.'

"Ms. Campbell, don't worry." She patted the back of Maeve's hand with a smile. "See me as your daughter. Tell me any grievances you have. If I can assist, I'll do everything in my power to help and uphold justice for you."

One evening, Daniel brought Maisie to the Liz-Inn Hotel. Compared to hotels under the Hamerton Group, Liz-Inn seemed less extravagant, but it had its unique charm. Situated along the mountains, the hotel exuded a natural and fresh beauty due to its peaceful location away from the city center.

The hotel's backyard was adorned with butterfly orchids.

When Maisie saw that courtyard, it felt like something struck her heart, and she had been transported back to that peculiar dream. In her dream, she had also entered a place filled with butterfly orchids. "Don't you like this place?" Daniel smiled.

"No," Maisie replied softly. "I like it very much, and for some reason... it feels very familiar."

Daniel's gaze faltered for a moment as he silently observed her. "Shall we go upstairs?"

Maisie nodded, following him. They took the scenic elevator directly to the rooftop restaurant, which was situated at the highest point of the hotel. Floor-to-ceiling windows surrounded them, offering a panoramic view of the city. The lights of the city and the stars in the sky complemented each other, creating an unbelievably beautiful scene.

Maisie soon forgot about that strange dream and immersed herself in the breathtaking view. "This place is so beautiful. I feel like I could reach out and touch the stars!"

Daniel had been watching her all along, his eyes filled with affection. He had arranged for her favorite dishes. By the window, they had candlelight, red wine, and delicious food, while outside the window lay an enchanting vista.

Warmth welled up inside Maisie. She was grateful for the man who had carefully planned everything and who was always there when she needed him. She raised her wine glass, determined to toast him. Daniel's eyes suddenly felt wet. She did not know how to drink in the past, but she had held her glass in the same way when she drank with him, afraid he might get upset because she couldn't handle alcohol. In the past, she had forced herself to drink with him, and now...

Chapter 1652

Chapter 1652

Maisie took a sip but choked on it. The alcohol seemed to burst across her cheeks, leaving her normally rosy face with a seductive crimson hue.

Daniel chuckled and walked over, gently patting her back while wiping away the wine stain from the corner of her mouth.

"Mr. Quimby..." Maisie maintained a cautious distance from him.

Daniel didn't say much. Instead, he reached for her hand and led her to the floor-to-ceiling window.

Maisie looked at him in puzzlement, only to see him clapping his hands.

Suddenly, a myriad of fireworks burst to life in the navy night sky, their colors and shapes changing like a dream and showering the world below like falling stars.

Maisie was left in awe, and her heart began to race uncontrollably.

"Do you like it?" Daniel's charismatic voice asked. "Close your eyes."

"Huh?"

He said with a smile, "I'm going to pick the stars for you."

After the last burst of fireworks disappeared into the night sky with a bright trail, everything returned to tranquility.

Maisie complied with a soft smile and closed her eyes as she felt his warm hand over hers. There was a cool hint like something had been placed in her palm. To her amazement, she discovered a star when she opened her eyes!

"This is..."

It was a necklace with a diamond pendant crafted into the shape of a star, its every facet flawless and reflecting a rainbow of colors.

"Let me put it on you," Daniel said gently.

"No, this is too much. I"

"Just accept it." Daniel's gaze was gentle. "Apart from this, I have some things I'd like to talk to you about."

Maisie lowered her head, her ears burning, and her cheeks flushed.

Daniel swept away her stray strands of hair. "You already knew this, but... I like you. I want to see you smile and take care of you for the rest of our lives." "Mr. Quimby..."

"You don't have to rush to give me an answer. Take your time to think about it. No matter how long it takes, I'm willing to wait."

Maisie's heart was suddenly filled with mixed emotions. She felt a slight headache, and her hazy mind seemed to present fragments of incoherent images, bringing both pain and joy. It was as though she had been waiting for him to say these words.

"Maisie..." Daniel took the opportunity to draw her into his arms. When he touched her, he felt her tense and tremble. He held her, almost wanting to whisper, "Let's start over."

However, he refrained as he could not rush things.

Nonetheless, tonight marked a significant step forward. When he embraced her, she didn't resist, indicating her acceptance of him.

Daniel grinned. He was about to continue their dinner together when his phone rang. His instinct was to hang up, but the caller displayed "Linda" on the screen. He could only take a deep breath and answer it. "Daniel!" Linda's voice sounded panicked. "Where are you now?"

"What's wrong?"

"Something terrible happened... Arya is missing! I mean, Graham's sister!" Linda's words were disjointed.

Daniel frowned. "What does that have to do with me?"

Chapter 1653

Chapter 1653

"Doesn't it?" Linda said urgently, "Your brother-in-law has already checked Arya's call records, and she contacted Fat Lawler before her disappearance. Daniel, your relationship with Fat Lawler is no secret to me."

Daniel furrowed his brow. This matter was too peculiar, and he couldn't make sense of it at the moment.

"I'm close to Fat Lawler, but I have no issues with Arya... Linda, why are you suspecting me?"

"Daniel!" Linda's voice grew frantic. "I know you have a problem with Graham for what happened with Maisie. But, as you said, you have no grievances with Arya. You can't transfer your hatred for her brother onto her, can you?"

"Linda, are you out of your mind?" Daniel's expression darkened, and his voice became stern. "On what grounds are you suspecting me like this?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone. Perhaps Linda was overwhelmed by Daniel's forceful response.

After a pause, Linda softly said, "Can you... help the Bayers then?"

Daniel snorted and hung up. As he turned, though, he was met with Maisie's clear gaze.

"What happened to the Bayers?"

At the door of a ward in the sanatorium.

Sophia's high heels made a particularly harsh sound in the spacious corridor. She held a food container in her hand and smiled sweetly at the bodyguards by the door.

"I'm here to deliver Mrs. Bayer's meal. Please let me in," she said.

The bodyguards exchanged glances but remained silent.

"It was Graham who sent me." Sophia took out her phone for pretense. "Should I call him to confirm? Heavens, Mrs. Bayer's health is delicate now, and her meals mustn't have any mishaps. If you delay me in serving her, who's going to bear that responsibility?"

The bodyguards were troubled by her words and reluctantly let her in.

"That's more like it." Sophia smiled. "I'll be the lady of this household in the future, and you should decide whose orders to follow. It's time for you to think things through!

"Alright, stay back a bit. I not only need to assist Mrs. Bayer with her meal but also help her with her hygiene. It's inconvenient for a group of big men like you to stand by the door!"

Sophia shooed them away and walked into the ward. She immediately saw Kelly lying on the bed in the spacious and luxurious room.

Kelly appeared very frail. She had congenital defects from a young age, and although she had recovered somewhat, there was always a significant gap between her health and that of a robust person.

Now, in her old age and after the recent emotional turmoil with her son, her health had been greatly affected.

"Mrs. Bayer, I'm here." Sophia grinned as she approached, placing the food container on the bedside table.

Kelly struggled to open her eyes. As soon as she saw Sophia, her eyes were filled with disgust. "What are you here for?"

"I've come to serve you!"

"I don't need it!"

"Oh, Mrs. Bayer." Sophia made herself comfortable by sitting on the edge of the bed, her gaze icy as she stared at her. "Regardless of whether you need it or not, I must fulfill my responsibilities as a daughter- in-law."

Chapter 1654

Chapter 1654

Kelly began to cough violently and tried to reach for the alarm bell, but Sophia stopped her firmly before she could press it.

"Mrs. Bayer, I advise you to listen to me," Sophia said with a smile. "The food I've prepared isn't that bad, and I'm certainly not foolish enough to poison it. Don't worry. These are quality ingredients that will provide you with good nutrition. I'm here today to genuinely take care of you."

Kelly clutched her chest as she cautiously sat up, her gaze alert. These past few days, Josiah was often absent. Whenever she asked what was happening, he merely mentioned it was related to the company and advised her not to worry. Despite that, she had an uneasy feeling.

Kelly took a deep breath, attempting to calm herself and outwardly complying with Sophia.

"Mrs. Bayer, that's the right attitude," Sophia said, helping her with a cushion. "We'll be in-laws sooner or later. From now on, you need to get used to my presence!"

"Hah! My son must be blind," Kelly muttered. "To be deceived by someone like you."

"Don't look down on me," Sophia retorted. "Though I'm divorced and have a child, I genuinely care about Graham. I plan to spend my life with him! Unlike certain people, they may seem innocent on the surface, but in reality, they have countless ways to seduce men."

"What are you saying?"

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "I'm talking about your previous unofficial daughter-in-law!"

"Don't talk nonsense!" Kelly barked. "Our family was in the wrong in Maisie's matter. Don't slander her further!"

"Mrs. Bayer, you might know the face but not the heart. You probably don't know that in the recent Outstanding Teacher competition at the kindergarten, it was Daniel who helped Maisie. Otherwise, with her having less than two years of teaching experience, how could she have received that award?"

Kelly's expression darkened, and she bit her lip.

"Daniel helped her in more than just that. Even before Maisie and Graham's engagement was called off, she had already gotten close to Daniel... The house she's living in right now was given to her by Daniel. "Mrs. Bayer, you're experienced. Don't you know what's going on in a man's mind? Daniel could give her a house, so who knows what they've done inside that house?

Sophia looked at the pale Kelly in satisfaction. "This was your daughter-in-law, the girl you thought highly of. Seems your judgment of people isn't so great. If this gets out, the Bayers' reputation might be damaged because of Maisie."

"Get out!" Kelly pounded the bed in frustration.

Sophia rose gracefully, her eyes cold. "Mrs. Bayer, there's one more thing you should know."

"I don't want to hear it, just leave!"

"Don't be upset," Sophia said with a hint of triumph. "Mrs. Bayer, wouldn't you like to know where your husband has been these past few days? And why hasn't your daughter come to see you?" Kelly froze, staring blankly.

"Your daughter... is in trouble." Sophia spoke slowly, making each word count. "She's missing, and no one knows where she is."

"What?!" Kelly felt like her ears were exploding.

Sophia grabbed her shoulders suddenly.

Kelly was shocked by the news, trembling all over, unable to speak.

Sophia stressed each word, cutting deep. "Mrs. Bayer, it's not my fault... Blame your favoritism. You've given your daughter everything, but have you thought it might bring danger to her?" "What have you done to Arya? You..."

Kelly froze, her gaze distant. She gasped heavily and then fell from the bed to the floor with a thud.

Chapter 1655

Chapter 1655

Josiah sat outside the hospital's emergency room in a chair, looking tired. His eyes were red as he stared intensely at the emergency room door. Once full of energy, he now seemed worn and aged.

He clenched his fists tightly, but his body trembled uncontrollably. The corridor was eerily quiet, with no one in sight.

He was unable to hold back any longer, and tears began to stream down his face.

"Josiah!"

At that moment, a familiar voice came from nearby. Josiah struggled to his feet and saw Zephyr and Cordelia. His legs nearly gave way, and he almost fell.

Zephyr quickly steadied him while Cordelia looked toward the emergency room, showing her concern and reassurance. "Don't worry. The medical team inside consists of Zennie and Seth's students. They are highly skilled. Kelly is usually well-cared for, and I'm sure nothing serious will happen to her."

"What happened exactly?" Zephyr frowned. "How did her condition suddenly become so severe? And Arya..."

Josiah grabbed Zephyr's hand, his eyes pleading. "Zephyr, you must help me find Arya... Now that she's missing, and Kelly's life hangs in the balance, I truly don't know how to go on living if something happens to both of them."

"Shush! They'll be fine," Cordelia said firmly. "Arya is our daughter-in-law, and anyone who harms her is challenging the Hamertons. Hasn't that person considered the consequences?"

Just then, Cordelia recalled something she was about to mention, but Graham and Sophia arrived in a hurry.

Cordelia held back her urge to speak as she glared at Graham.

"Uncle Zephyr, Aunt Cordelia." Graham's voice was soft, and he approached Josiah, gently taking his arm. "Dad..." Suddenly, a resounding slap landed on Graham's face!

Josiah glared at Graham. Before Graham could react, he harshly slapped him on the other cheek.

"Dad, you..." Graham was dumbfounded, both sides of his face flushed and burning from the pain.

Josiah couldn't contain his fury, shouting with all his might, "Get out!"

"Dad-"

"Get out of the Bayers!" Josiah gasped for air. "I don't have a son like you! Leave with this shameless woman!"

Zephyr and Cordelia tried to calm Josiah down and told him not to get too agitated.

Graham stood to the side, doing his best to contain his emotions.

Meanwhile, Sophia moved forward to shield Graham.

"Mr. Bayer, Graham is your son. Why are you treating him like this? They say even a tiger wouldn't eat its own cub. Don't you think you're disregarding your father-and-son relationship by treating him like this?" "This is the Bayers' private matter. You have no place to interfere!" Cordelia's voice was stern.

Sophia stepped back subconsciously, staring at Cordelia in a daze.

Cordelia exuded authority, far from the ailing Kelly.

Sophia had met many wealthy women abroad, but it was her first time encountering someone like Cordelia, who exuded an aura of dignity and power right down to her core.

"M-Mrs. Hamerton..." Sophia's confidence wavered slightly. "I didn't mean to disrespect Mr. Bayer. Please don't misunderstand. But, in any case, I am Graham's wife, and I must stand up for him."

Chapter 1656

Chapter 1656

"Wife?" Cordelia sneered. "Are you and Graham officially married? You intervened while Graham was still engaged to someone else, and even now, you're unofficial. Using the status 'wife' might just invite

ridicule!"

"Mrs. Hamerton-"

"I suddenly remembered." Cordelia's gaze gleamed. "Were you the one by Kelly's side when she fainted?"

"Oh, yes." Sophie smiled. "I was visiting on Graham's behalf. I didn't expect Mrs. Bayer to be so weak."

"What did you tell her before she fainted?" Cordelia questioned.

Sophia was taken aback and lowered her gaze slightly.

"Afraid to tell me, huh?" Cordelia approached her. "Kelly has always maintained her health well, so she shouldn't have fainted so easily. She wouldn't be in the emergency room if she hadn't been deeply distressed.

"You were the only one with her when she fainted, and it's only natural for people to suspect you when your actions seem questionable."

"Aunt Cordelia, please don't..." Graham pulled Sophia behind him and shot her a look to ask her to leave.

Sophia nodded and quickly got out of sight, following the corridor.

It wasn't until Sophia was completely gone that Graham said softly, "Aunt Cordelia, Sophia isn't that kind of person...'

"Graham!" Cordelia finally understood why Josiah had slapped him twice. "Don't you see the truth, even now? Your mother is still inside!"

"Actually, none of this has anything to do with Sophia," Graham licked his lip and explained carefully, "Aunt Cordelia, to be honest, Sophia blames herself. She was just worried about Arya's safety and let it slip in front of my mom. That's why-"

"What did you say?!" Zephyr widened his eyes, huffing a laugh." Graham, you weren't in the room when your mother fainted, am I right?!"

"Sophia told me."

"You..." Zephyr raised his hand but slowly dropped it considering that this was not his son and it was not his place to educate him.

"Graham!" Cordelia was vexed. "You've always been bright. Why do you trust this woman so much that you don't mind upsetting your parents and even risking your sister's life?!"

"No! This has nothing to do with Sophia!" Graham said anxiously, "Dad, Uncle Zephyr, Aunt Cordelia, I've investigated it. Arya's disappearance is related to Fat Lawler."

"What?" Josiah abruptly turned around and grabbed Graham's collar, staring fixedly at his son.

Zephyr and Cordelia exchanged puzzled glances.

"Graham, who is this Fat Lawler?" Cordelia asked. "Does he have any conflicts with your family?"

Graham hesitated before continuing. "Fat Lawler... is someone very close to Daniel."

Josiah couldn't believe his ears-he remained frozen in place.

"Dad, this matter is undoubtedly related to Daniel!" Graham said, looking at his father. "Sophia was involved in a business deal with Fat Lawler before, and they got along quite well. That's why she was able to get information from him. Arya is really with Fat Lawler...

"And Sophia even pleaded with Fat Lawler not to harm Arya. She believes that Fat Lawler was only acting under Daniel's orders! Fat Lawler is seeking a chance to send Arya back safely while keeping it hidder from Daniel!

"Dad, all this has Daniel to be blamed! We should ask Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda to intervene!"

"Wait a moment!" Zephyr's expression darkened. "From what you've just said, all of it is from Sophia... Do you trust her words so much?"

"Exactly!" Cordelia chimed in with a scoff. "If Daniel is really behind this, he's effectively antagonizing the Hamerton and Bayer families and putting Nicholas and Linda in a difficult position. Is he that foolish, or does he no longer want to stay in Centrolis?"

"Graham, use your brain!" Zephyr rolled his eyes. "You haven't personally experienced any of this. How can you discern the truth?"

Chapter 1657

Chapter 1657

Graham sat in a hospital chair, his hands in his hair, looking dejected.

"No..." He looked up. "Uncle Zephyr, Aunt Cordelia, you haven't talked to Sophia. You don't know her! She wouldn't lie to me!" Zephyr reprimanded, "Why are you so stubborn?"

Josiah grabbed Zephyr with a sense of despair in his eyes.

"Never mind, Z..." he said weakly. "I don't want to argue with him while Kelly is being treated... I-I'll pretend I never had this son."

"Dad!"

"Get lost," Josiah calmly said. But beneath his calm exterior, there was disappointment.

Graham hesitated for a moment but turned to leave. Just before he walked away, he turned back and said softly, "Dad, don't worry. I'll definitely bring Arya back safely. Mom will be fine, and our family... will be the same as it was before."

Josiah didn't even look at him, shaking his head lightly.

Shortly after, the lights in the emergency ward went out.

Josiah rushed over, shouting Kelly's name.

The doctor came out, took off the sweaty mask, and managed a reassuring smile. "Mr. Bayer, Mrs. Bayer is no longer in critical condition right now."

"What?" Cordelia was surprised. "Right now? So does that mean... she might be in the future?"

"Please stay calm," the doctor explained. "Mrs. Bayer's case is rather complicated. She will be transferred to the ICU immediately, and you won't be able to see her for now. This week is crucial, but I believe she will get through this."

The three of them breathed a sigh of relief, and their heavy hearts lightened slightly.

"But, there's something unusual about her condition this time," the doctor remarked. "As long as she doesn't experience any more stress, her physical condition should be stable. "However, from what we observed during the resuscitation, her heart irregularity and high blood pressure were due to psychological stress."

"That Sophia is highly suspicious!" Cordelia furrowed her brow. "Josiah, you can't let Graham be with her! I bet she's behind Kelly's incident this time, and Arya's disappearance is probably related to her, too!" Josiah looked tired. He sat down and waved his hand dismissively. His thoughts were all centered around Kelly now. Since Graham had sworn to bring Arya back, he would let him handle it.

Josiah stayed in front of the ICU, even though he couldn't be with Kelly inside. Perhaps Kelly could sense his presence, and it might give her strength. Unknowingly, tears welled up in his eyes before they fell. "Why did we have children?" he muttered. "I wish I could go back to that night when I first met you, Kelly... I remember the beautiful starry sky that evening..."

As planned, Daniel arrived at Fat Lawler's residence.

Fat Lawler lived in the city's suburbs, and his courtyard had gray-black tile eaves and lanterns hanging at various spots, showcasing its grandeur.

Upon his arrival, Daniel was respectfully welcomed by Fat Lawler's subordinates and offered some fine tea.

Fat Lawler hadn't shown himself yet, but his voice came from outside the door. "Hahaha, Daniel! I know why you've come!"

Daniel put down the teacup and stood up, nodding with a faint smile.

Fat Lawler was still dressed neatly, looking dignified and sharp. The few strands of white hair near his temples added a touch of mature charm to his appearance.

"Don't worry." He beckoned for Daniel to sit and smiled at him. "The bait is already in place, and it won't be long before you can settle your score. Heh! What do you want to achieve?"

Chapter 1658

Chapter 1658

Daniel clenched his jaw, his face turning a bit cold. "Make him lose all his assets."

"Including the entire Bayers?" Fat Lawler inquired.

"

After a brief pause, Daniel shook his head. "Honestly, with my old ways, I might have gone that far. But now...' "Now, you can't bring yourself to do it?" Fat Lawler chuckled. "The Daniel I've known isn't usually this forgiving!" Daniel also managed a smile, but he couldn't help but think of someone with clear, innocent eyes.

This trip had been at Maisie's request. When she learned about Arya's disappearance, she became deeply concerned. Even though her marriage with Graham had ended, she had remained friends with Arya and genuinely cared about her well-being.

On the other hand, Daniel had his own reasons for embarking on this journey. Firstly, he did it for Maisie. Secondly, he wanted to understand why he was suddenly accused of kidnapping Arya when he had barely even met her.

"Fat Lawler, it's not about mercy," Daniel stated casually. "I just believe there are plenty of beautiful things in the world, and there's no need to get caught up in trivial matters. Let that kid face the consequences It should be sufficient. Besides, I have no grudges against the other members of the Bayers. There's no need to go to extremes with them."

"Hmm..." Fat Lawler took a sip of his tea. "Losing 750,000,000 dollars is a big blow, and Graham mortgaged all his assets to the bank. Once this comes to light, he'll be in a tough spot."

"Fat Lawler, I came here for another reason." Daniel stood up and bowed respectfully.

However, Fat Lawler waved his hand and smiled. He didn't say a word but motioned for Daniel to follow him. They strolled down a lengthy corridor and entered an elegantly decorated room on the side. The guard standing by the door stepped aside upon seeing the two men.

"Fat Lawler?" Daniel frowned.

"I know what you want to ask." Fat Lawler gestured toward the room. "See for yourself."

Daniel approached, still a bit skeptical. He peered through the glass and spotted Arya sleeping peacefully inside. He was taken aback and turned to Fat Lawler.

"Arya Bayer, the heiress to the Bayers," Fat Lawler explained matter-of-factly. "She's been here for the past two days."

"What... What's happening?" Daniel was perplexed.

Arya didn't seem to have suffered harm during her stay. Her complexion was healthy, and there were art supplies and a canvas nearby. She must have been tired from painting and dozed off.

"I encountered this girl two days ago," Fat Lawler explained with a serious expression. "It was a stormy night, and she collapsed near my casino. I brought her here and realized she had injuries, including a bruised lip like she had been assaulted."

"What?!"

"When she woke up, she told me that she had been attacked. She was planning to visit her mother at the sanatorium and didn't have any bodyguards with her. The attack occurred right there at the sanatorium Someone covered her head and beat her, and she lost consciousness."

Daniel's expression darkened. When he exchanged glances with Fat Lawler, they both reached the same conclusion in their hearts.

Chapter 1659

Chapter 1659

"Could it be..."

"Sophia!" the two of them exclaimed simultaneously.

After uttering that name, they shared a knowing smile.

"It's really her!" Daniel took out a cigarette. With a quick nod from Fat Lawler, one of his subordinates handed him a lighter.

The smell of tobacco filled the room as Daniel contemplated and then flicked off the ash.

"I guess... by now, both of us are blamed for kidnapping the Bayer heiress, right?"

"What else!" Fat Lawler snorted. "She acted all friendly with me on the surface, but then she pulled off this stunt, spreading rumors everywhere that I abducted Arya!"

"We're pretty tight, so naturally, others would suspect me," Daniel said with a grin. "This way, more people are implicated. My brother-in-law is Nicholas, so it affects the relationship between the Bayer and Thompson families."

Fat Lawler scoffed. "She really thinks she can manipulate us like this?"

"What do you think?"

"Absurd!" When Fat Lawler said that, his tone remained steady, and his face showed no signs of an emotional ripple. However, Daniel noticed him clenching his fists and the veins popping out on the back of his hands.

Daniel whispered after a brief silence, "Fat Lawler, I've manipulated the price of Cumulus City's mineral mines, making those two mines less valuable than they used to be."

"I know." Fat Lawler patted his shoulder. "Originally, I did it to help you release your frustration. As long as you've found your release, my efforts aren't wasted. However..." Fat Lawler gestured.

At that moment, Arya turned and blinked, gradually sitting up in bed inside the room.

Daniel said softly, "I'd like to have a private conversation with her."

Fat Lawler hesitated for a moment and then nodded.

Daniel carefully pushed open the door.

Arya was cautious, her wide eyes locked on the direction of the door. Her body instinctively leaned back. When she saw the person entering was Daniel, she appeared somewhat surprised and confused. After a long pause, she softly called out, "D..."

She wasn't sure how to address him. Should she just call him by his name? That might seem disrespectful. He was Pammy's uncle. In theory, she could also call him "Uncle". But now... it seemed he was with Maisie.

Arya bit her lip awkwardly. Finally, she settled on "Mr. Quimby."

Daniel smiled and casually took a seat in a nearby chair.

"No need to be so formal," he said mildly. "Even though I'm Linda's younger brother, there's a significant age gap between us. Besides, my mindset is relatively youthful, so you can treat me as a peer." "I shouldn't..." Arya winced.

Daniel looked at her. "Ms. Bayer, have you been alright these past two days?"

Arya didn't respond.

Seeing she let down her guard, Daniel revealed the truth to her.

Arya listened quietly, occasionally looking up to study him. After a long hesitation, she softly spoke. "Actually... I know Fat Lawler didn't kidnap me. Not only did he not kidnap me, but he also saved me." "Then, who do you think is responsible for this?"

"Sophia."

Daniel was taken aback. He hadn't expected her to mention that name without the slightest pause.

Chapter 1660

Chapter 1660

"How did you know it was her?" Daniel asked.

Arya took a deep breath. "My parents gave me all the company's important information. But, just a day later, I was attacked. Do you think that's a coincidence?" Daniel frowned, a shadow crossing his face. "Where are the documents now?"

"Most likely in Sophia's hands. I carried them with me because they're crucial. When I passed out and woke up, I found my backpack empty. But..."

"But what?"

"The company seal wasn't in the bag." Arya smiled cunningly. "The company seal can use all the headquarters' resources. When my mother gave it to me, I asked Toph to keep it safe for me. The seal is with the Hamertons right now, and it's very secure!"

"So, even if Sophia got those documents, they're useless?" Daniel remarked.

Arya nodded confidently.

"You're quite smart!" Daniel chuckled. "Seems like your family has some redeeming qualities."

"Mr. Quimby, um..." Arya lowered her head, looking a bit awkward. "I understand my brother was in the wrong with Maisie. But I don't think you'd kidnap me to get back at the Bayers. Your methods should be more sophisticated."

Daniel squinted. "You are indeed very clever."

At that moment, Arya's expression dimmed. "Are you really seeking revenge against my brother?"

Daniel remained silent for a moment, then said softly, "Let your family know you're safe, so they won't worry too much."

"I... I've already called Toph," Arya replied. "I asked him to quietly tell my father not to worry, especially now that my mother's health is poor-she can't handle any shocks. But given my current situation, I can't tell my brother. He and Sophia have to believe that I'm in Fat Lawler's hands, and it's you who plotted with him to kidnap me for revenge."

"Why are you doing this?" Daniel asked.

"Because..." Arya's expression grew firm. "I want to put on a show with Sophia! When her act can't go on, I'll settle the score with her!"

Daniel smirked. They said like father like son, but in the case of the Bayers, it was the daughter.

Josiah and Kelly's daughter was decent. Graham, who had been counted on, was the one who didn't inherit any great qualities from the couple.

Daniel nodded. "This is a good plan. I hope your brother can learn a lesson from this woman."

"Why are you here, Mr. Quimby? You still haven't answered my question. Are you really planning to take revenge on my brother? What's your plan?"

"I still won't answer that," Daniel said as he stood up and walked toward the door. "As for why I'm here, it's because Maisie is very concerned about you. She asked me to come and check on you." "Maisie..."

"Yes." Daniel's gaze grew serious. "She's loyal. Even if she couldn't become family with you, she still worries about your well-being."

Arya showed a hint of guilt as she said softly, "It's a shame my brother missed out on her... Are you with her now?

"Mr. Quimby, please treat her well."

Daniel paused momentarily, and he replied heavily, "Of course."

Then he disappeared into the dusk.

First, he called Maisie to inform her that Arya was safe and sound.

Afterward, he dialed another number. "Have you found the surveillance footage from that night?"

"Yes, Mr. Quimby." The party on the other end said, "The surveillance video of Ms. Bayer being attacked is very clear. On that day, a woman came to my colleague and asked him to tamper with the surveillance during that period to erase it."

"Good." Daniel snickered. "Then let's wait for this grand performance, and see how that woman falls from grace."