Ch. 1681..1690

Chapter 1681

Chapter 1681

Daniel's expression was imposing.

Nina noticed it and spoke cautiously. "Mr. Quimby, please don't be angry. It's my fault for not supervising properly, which allowed someone like her into my office. Rest assured that she won't appear in the hospital anymore."

Hazel burst into tears upon hearing those words, practically begging, "Dr. Perkins, please don't dismiss me. If I lose this job, I can't go back home.

"I had no choice! My mom said my little brother needed a new computer for college, and they kept asking me for money. But my internship pay is so low. Even if I don't eat or drink, I can't afford to buy him a computer all at once!"

Nina frowned and looked at Daniel.

Hazel crawled closer to Daniel. "Mr. Quimby, please give me one more chance! It was a momentary lapse of judgment. I promise I won't dare to do anything against Ms. Squire anymore. Mr. Quimby, please have mercy on me. I know I was wrong."

Daniel's stern face was difficult to read. He looked down at Hazel and suddenly thought about Maisie's family.

They, too, had a patriarchal attitude, treating their daughter as an ATM and pushing her down a hopeless path.

However, Hazel was luckier than Maisie. She was, at least, free, unlike Maisie, whose biggest calamity in life was encountering him.

Daniel took a deep breath before exhaling slowly, and a glimmer of something unidentifiable flickered in his eyes. He said coldly, "You can stay."

As if granted a pardon, Hazel remained dumbfounded in place.

"But!" Daniel emphasized, "If you breathe a word about today's events to anyone, you know the consequences."

"I won't! I won't!" Hazel repeatedly shook her head. "Mr. Quimby, rest assured! Nothing happened today, and I won't have any contact with Mr. Bayer anymore."

"Is Graham Bayer still in the hospital?" he asked.

"What?"

Hazel didn't immediately comprehend, so Nina gave her a nudge and signaled her with her eyes.

As long as Daniel didn't hold her accountable for her actions, she would have to work for him. Furthermore, she could only stay at the hospital feeling assured by working for him.

"No... he's gone," Hazel answered truthfully. "His wounds from his fight have already healed. The doctors advised him to stay a little longer, but he insisted on going home, and they didn't dare to stop him. "However, he comes to the hospital every other day because he needs his dressings changed."

"So, he'll still come to see you?"

"Mr. Quimby, please rest assured. I won't engage in any more deals with him."

"I'm not talking about that..." Daniel smirked as he said lightly, "The next time he approaches you, just let me know the time and place."

He wanted to meet Graham personally and make him understand that trying to scheme behind his back would only lead to a dead end.

Arya called Maisie and invited her out for a meal at the same private restaurant they had visited before. It was still the same beautiful and peaceful place where the owner and customers chatted happily, and the food, made from ordinary ingredients, still had an astonishing flavor.

Chapter 1682

Chapter 1682

Arya sat across from Maisie, her demeanor somewhat reserved, and Maisie's mood carried its own complexity. Still, Maisie offered a smile and initiated the conversation. "Did you ask me out today for a specific reason?"

Arya, who appeared hesitant on the phone-a contrast to her usually candid self-replied awkwardly, "Well, it's not anything major. It's just that my parents and I have been feeling guilty about my brother's behavior. I'm wondering, do you still hold any grudges against us?"

Maisie's heart warmed, and she gently held Arya's hand. "You don't need to feel this way. How could I hold any grudges against you? Your brother and I weren't a good match, and not being together might have been fated."

"Now that Sophia has faced the consequences and my brother..." Arya sighed. "Graham isn't doing well, either. It's like divine retribution.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be talking about this." Arya smiled. "I'm here today to give you this!"

She then presented a newly published set of comics to Maisie. Accepting it, Maisie flipped through the pages, recognizing the delicate and beautiful art style, along with a touching and heartwarming story. Clearly, it was the work of Arya and Toph.

"We've been dealing with a lot at home lately, and my parents have stopped managing the company. Graham is in his current state... so this burden has fallen on me." Arya chuckled. "After finishing this comic, I probably won't be drawing for a while. That's why this work holds special significance for me, and I wanted to give it to you."

"Thank you," Maisie sincerely said. "You're really talented in this. Once the situation with the company settles down, you can pick it up again."

Arya shrugged, saying, "We'll see how it goes. Graham and I were overconfident in our lives. He thought he'd be successful forever, and I believed I would draw forever. Who would've known that we're completely off track now? I've come to understand that destiny isn't under our control-everything is predetermined."

As Maisie gazed at Arya, her heart tightened. She remembered their first meeting when Arya's smile was pure and radiant, and her world had been as unsullied as distilled water.

Now, Arya had matured, experiencing family troubles that added a touch of worldliness and determination to her. Yet, the way she had grown up-when she had been sheltered-felt a bit cruel. After a while, Maisie softly asked, "How is Graham now? Is he doing better?"

Arya's expression turned complicated, and she hesitated for a long time before looking up at Maisie. "Well, I'm not sure how to put this, but this is one of the reasons I wanted to see you today." "What do you mean?"

"When I last visited Graham, he started saying incoherent things."

Maisie paused. "What did he say? Could it be related to me?"

"Yes." Arya nodded and said softly, "He said something about you having a certain relationship with Daniel. It escalated, and he began throwing things. Two doctors had to restrain him. I even suspected he might have a delusional disorder."

Maisie was a bit bewildered. She had only known Daniel for a few months. How could she have aroused such suspicions in Graham?

Chapter 1683

Chapter 1683

"I..." Maisie didn't quite know how to respond.

Arya quickly waved her hand and said, "Please, don't misunderstand. I'm not prying into your privacy. I just find this situation a bit odd."

"Yeah, it does seem strange," Maisie said, lowering her head in thought. She added, "I didn't know Daniel before. I first met him while working at the kindergarten. So, I'm not sure why Graham's suspicions exist. If needed, I can explain things to him in person."

"Do you really want to see him again?"

Maisie chuckled. "We ended our engagement-we're not enemies. Plus, as you mentioned, he has already faced consequences, hasn't he?"

Arya nodded, admiring Maisie's magnanimity. She couldn't help but think she might not have the same composure if Toph treated her the same way.

After a light meal, Maisie went straight to the hospital. She knew Graham would be at the hospital today for a dressing change and the ward he'd be in. While she no longer had lingering feelings for him, she felt the need to clarify things. Perhaps explaining the situation would put an end to his suspicions.

As Maisie walked down the corridor toward Graham's ward, she heard some commotion inside. It sounded like... Daniel's voice!

Maisie was taken aback and hurriedly pushed the door open, only to find Daniel coming out of the room. He seemed somewhat surprised when he saw Maisie but quickly adjusted his mood and smiled at her. "Why are you here?"

"You..." Maisie's eyes widened, and she wanted to ask the same question.

She instinctively glanced inside the room.

Graham was leaning against the wall, looking pale as if he had melded with the wall. There was a hint of hatred in his eyes, but his fear of Daniel overshadowed it.

Maisie was momentarily stunned. Daniel then hugged her shoulder and smiled at her. "I heard that Mr. Bayer is here for a dressing change, so I reminded the doctors and nurses to take good care of him."

Maisie blinked her big eyes. She wasn't naive and couldn't fully believe his words, but his deep and resolute gaze gradually dispelled her doubts.

Daniel turned around with a smirk. "Mr. Bayer, your injuries aren't too severe. The doctors and nurses here have been very attentive, so you'll recover quickly."

Graham bit his lip.

Daniel continued, "Also, you must take the words of comfort I just gave you to heart. You're a talented and capable person. I don't want to see your talents go to waste or your abilities buried." After that, Daniel walked out of the ward while holding Maisie. He knew that Graham was staring at him like a vengeful enemy, but he didn't mind.

He looked at the woman in his arms, and his gaze became much warmer.

One day, he would personally tell Maisie about their past, but he couldn't let her hear about it from anyone else.

Maisie asked softly as they got into the car, unable to suppress her inner doubts, "Daniel, why were you here?"

Daniel remained composed. "Didn't I tell you? I came to check on Graham."

"But in the past..."

"He's injured, and I just came to see how he's doing and express some concerns. Don't overthink it. Now, what about you? Why are you here?" Maisie's face fell as she was questioned.

Chapter 1684

Chapter 1684

Daniel's smile couldn't entirely mask his imposing presence, which still managed to unsettle Maisie. He gently held her hand, understanding her unspoken reason for being there.

"Don't worry. I was just curious," he assured her, meeting her gaze. "Maisie, are you... still afraid of me?"

"Still?" Maisie questioned, puzzled. "Was I afraid of you before?"

Daniel fell silent, his thoughts taking him back in time.

The old Maisie had indeed been fearful of him. She had been worried he might become tired of her, stop supporting her family, or cast her out on a whim. As such, she had been meticulous, going to great lengths to please him. Even in bed, she had yielded to his every desire, striving to accommodate his every whim.

Back then, he had been enamored with her, seeing her as the most submissive and obedient woman he had ever met. Looking back, he now realized his affection had been more like a master's fondness for a submissive pet.

Daniel gazed at her once more, the clarity in her eyes tugging at his heartstrings. He held her tightly and said hoarsely, "Maisie, should we get married?"

His unexpected proposal dissolved Maisie's doubts and fears. She smiled and tenderly caressed his broad back.

"After we're married, you can pursue your dreams, and I'll wholeheartedly support you," Daniel assured her.

"Really?" Maisie leaned into his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. She playfully asked, "But don't men usually want their wives to stay home and care for the family?"

"You don't have to do that for me," Daniel said. "You only need to follow your passions. If you ever grow tired or weary, remember that I'll be your sanctuary."

"You're quite unique, sir," she remarked with a playful smile.

"Sir? Didn't you say I'm not old?" Daniel teased.

Maisie snuggled closer to him, and her soft lips accidentally brushed his neck, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Maisie..."

Desire flared in Daniel's eyes, his voice grew huskier, and his hands began to explore her body.

Maisie resisted his advances slightly, but her resistance only seemed to excite him. Daniel smiled and leaned in for a deep kiss. "Mmph-"

Maisie's heart raced, her body on fire. She clutched his neck while he held her slender waist with one hand, their lips locked in a passionate embrace.

At that moment, all that consumed Daniel's thoughts was his longing for her.

His possessive and aggressive demeanor triggered a distant memory in Maisie. Her mind briefly blanked, and she vaguely recalled a similar situation from her past, where a man had forced himself upon her in a car, like a conquering general...

"Ah!" she screamed and began to struggle fiercely, this time with a determination and force she had lacked before.

Taken aback, Daniel released her, attempting to hold her to soothe her. However, Maisie's struggle was intense, marked by tears and cries. He could only wait for her to calm down on her own.

"Maisie..." His eyes showed genuine concern, like an impenetrable fog that wouldn't lift. "Maisie, what's wrong?"

Chapter 1685

Chapter 1685

After what felt like a long time, Maisie finally calmed down. She glanced at the man before her and took a deep breath, her heart suddenly aching as if something had been ripped away. "Maisie!" Daniel was still worried and nervously held her hand, continuously apologizing, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I acted too hastily. I shouldn't have behaved that way!

"Don't worry! I promise I won't do anything you're uncomfortable with in the future!"

Maisie gazed at him for a moment, then softly shook her head.

"No, it's my fault," she murmured. "I should be the one apologizing. I don't know what came over me just now. At that moment, my mind seemed to—"

Before she could finish, her phone rang.

Daniel helped her straighten her attire, adjusted her seat, and used his coat to cover her legs.

Maisie answered the call, and Nicole's hesitant voice came through. "Maisie... Can you come home soon? Mom... She..."

"Alright, I'll speak with her directly!"

The phone was taken by someone else.

"Maisie, it's me!"

Maisie hesitated for a moment, recognizing this voice. Even after her memory loss following the accident, this voice still occasionally echoed in her ears. Initially filled with concern for her, it later became a request for money.

At that moment, Maisie felt uncertain and meekly called out, "Mom."

Upon hearing "Mom", Cindy Leech's expression remained unpleasant.

"Are you enjoying yourself in Centrolis? It's been so long since you sent money home! Don't think that just because you're with Graham, you're the Bayers' lady! Regardless of how high you climb or whom you marry, you're still my daughter!"

A heaviness gripped Maisie's chest, and a hint of sadness welled up in her eyes. She had no choice but to accept her birth family, but she couldn't fathom why her mother treated her that way. Was her mother always like this before she lost her memory?

"I'm talking to you! How can you not even respond?"

Maisie snapped back to reality and replied softly, "Mom, I'm outside..."

"I don't care where you are. You haven't sent money home in ages. When you return, send it to your brother's account! And when you have the chance, come back in a few days."

"Is something wrong?"

"The old family house is set for demolition. We've been given a new house and some compensation. It's all for your brother's future. When you return, you and Nicole should sign the agreement!" Cindy casually explained.

"What agreement?"

"The inheritance renunciation agreement!" Cindy's patience was wearing thin. "You've been in Centrolis for so long, haven't you heard of it? When you sign it, all the family's property and money will go to your brother. It's like... legal protection, you know!"

Maisie's mind went blank, and she felt as if an invisible hand was squeezing her heart.

Meanwhile, Cindy continued her rant on the other end. "Your father passed away early, and I raised you three kids alone. Wasn't it tough?

"Your brother is the only heir to the Squires, and everything I've done is for the Squires' sake! Giving you and your sister this stuff is pointless. Your sister might marry into another family one day, and that property will have a different name. As for you, you're going to marry Mr. Bayer, right? The Bayers won't care about that small amount of money, will they?

"Oh, by the way, Maisie, how are things with Mr. Bayer these days? You need to find a way to make him completely devoted to you. Get as much as you can from him. Do you hear me?"

Chapter 1686

Chapter 1686

The car was eerily silent, almost as if a vacuum had swallowed it. Each word that emanated from the receiver landed in Daniel's ears with utmost clarity.

His smile bore a hint of contempt, affirming the age-old adage-"Old habits die hard."

In the past, it was Cindy who had steered Maisie into this relationship for monetary gain. Even now, with Maisie entwined with him, Cindy's words echoed a familiar tune. "While you're still youthful and attractive, and Daniel's interest endures, exploit it to your advantage!"

A glint of malevolence flickered in Daniel's eyes as he gently touched Maisie's shoulder, deftly prying the phone from her grasp.

Caught off guard, Maisie struggled to comprehend the unfolding events as she heard Daniel's resonant voice addressing the phone, "She has already ended things with Graham Bayer."

The voice on the other end fell silent for a moment, then erupted into a shrill tone. "What... What did you say? Hello! Who are you? Did Maisie break up with Mr. Bayer because of you?"

"Lower your voice." Daniel's tone carried a commanding authority. "I will escort her back in a few days. You will then discover who I am."

"What?!"

Without further ado, Daniel disconnected the call. He turned to face Maisie, who wore a puzzled expression.

A pang of empathy gripped his heart as he tenderly held her, his words assuring her, "It's alright. I'll return with you this time." "But-"

"However, you mustn't sign the document."

Maisie gazed up at him in silence.

Daniel smiled gently and smoothed her unruly hair. "Your rightful share in the family's wealth should be acknowledged. Your mother's arrangements have unjustly neglected your and your sister's interests."

A bitter chuckle escaped Maisie's lips. "My mother has always been like this. Sometimes, I even wonder if Nicole and I are truly her biological children. Why is she so doting on my brother and completely indifferent to us, except when she needs money?"

The response "favoring sons over daughters" hovered on the tip of Daniel's tongue, but he opted for a different approach to console her.

"Your brother's health is fragile, and parents tend to show favoritism toward a child with health issues. Try not to dwell on it too much. When we return, I will help you address this matter."

"You..." Maisie widened her eyes. "How do you know about my brother's health?"

Daniel's heart raced as he realized she had never divulged her family details during their relationship. He knew only of her brother, sister, and her mother's lack of affection.

Her brother's poor health had been the catalyst for their past relationship.

A faint twitch played at the corners of Daniel's lips, and he offered a strained smile. "I took a guess. I believe there are very few parents who blatantly favor one gender over the other. Parents usually provide special attention to the child who is frail and frequently unwell, which led me to conclude that your brother must have health issues."

Maisie remained skeptical, her furrowed brow a testament to her uncertainty. Daniel's explanation seemed less than convincing, bordering on a stretch.

"Maisie, don't dwell on it," Daniel reassured. "I will wrap up my work here and accompany you back home over the weekend, alright?"

Chapter 1687

Chapter 1687

Maisie paused, then smiled and nodded. Having him beside her made her feel more comfortable.

"My work will be done soon. If you can't wait until the weekend, we can leave a couple of days earlier."

"No need," Maisie replied softly. "In fact, I also want to talk to Ms. Corbin."

"What's going on?"

"I..." Maisie hesitated for a moment and then decided to confide in him. "I want to quit my job at the kindergarten and focus on getting my journalist certification." Daniel listened and expressed his support.

In truth, he had wanted Maisie to leave the kindergarten for some time. Linda had arranged that job for her, and it was the reason the Bayers were more approving of her. He didn't want her to have any more ties to the Bayers, not even the slightest connection.

"Do you really support me?" Maisie asked, somewhat surprised. It seemed that no matter what she said, he would always agree, even support her unconditionally.

"Absolutely," Daniel assured her with a smile. "I believe that when you have dreams, you should work hard to achieve them. Quitting this job is nothing to regret. To experience a more fulfilling life, you have to pursue your dreams."

"But aren't you afraid I won't pass and won't find a job in the future?"

"What's there to be afraid of?" He looked into her eyes. "I'll take care of you."

Maisie's heart clenched.

Daniel caressed her head, touched their foreheads together, and softly said, "I know that girls don't like it when others say 'I'll take care of you' nowadays. And it's true that women should maintain their independence.

"But here with me, you can be independent or not. I'm willing to let you soar, and when you're tired, you can come and lie in my arms.

"Maisie, no matter what you choose, I just hope you'll be happy."

"Daniel..."

"When we get back to Cumulus City, I'll help you connect with a few journalist friends," Daniel said softly. "They're well-known journalists in Cumulus City, and they should be able to assist you with your exams."

"Okay." Maisie's eyes became somewhat moist. She was unable to express her gratitude properly after thinking for a while and simply said, "Thank you."

"Silly goose." Daniel grinned at her and hugged her tightly. This time, he not only didn't want to lose her again, but he also wanted to change his previous attitude toward her.

Previously, he had treated her like a pet to be pampered. Now, he wanted to give her respect and space and grow together with her. He finally understood that this was the way to love someone.

One week later, Daniel accompanied Maisie back to Cumulus City.

As soon as Maisie set foot on this land, she felt a strange sense of familiarity.

Cumulus City was located deep inland but had a well-connected transportation network and was as bustling as Centrolis.

Standing on the street, Maisie looked at the surroundings, which were both familiar and foreign. However, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't connect the fragments in her mind.

"I know this is where I grew up," she said softly. "But after the accident, I've been staying in Centrolis. My mother and sister visited me in Centrolis, too. So, in my memory, Cumulus City is equivalent to a foreign city.

"But..." She turned to look at Daniel. "I read in a book that people always have a very special feeling for their hometown."

Daniel smiled. "What about feelings for people?"

Maisie hesitated for a moment, unable to answer.

Chapter 1688

Chapter 1688

Daniel grappled with conflicting emotions. On the one hand, he hoped that she would remember him, but on the other, he wished she could completely forget everything that had transpired before, never to recollect those memories again.

Guided by Nicole's directions, Maisie navigated her way to her family's address. She couldn't help but smile at the irony of needing a map to find her own home. Over the past two years, the concept of "home" had slowly faded from her mind.

"We're almost at my house," Maisie informed Daniel. "You don't have to accompany me any further. I can go on my own."

"Alright. I'll head back to the company to take care of some matters."

"Sure, go ahead." Maisie was aware that Daniel worked for the prestigious Quimby Group, a renowned name in this city. Daniel must have a lot of responsibilities there.

With a wave and a smile, she turned to face the aging apartment building.

The neighborhood was in a low-income area, surrounded by shantytowns. The remaining buildings were only three or four stories tall, showing signs of disrepair and appearing on the verge of collapse. However, Maisie recalled Nicole mentioning that her family's living conditions hadn't been this dire in the past. What had caused this decline?

She was filled with questions and uncertainty as she climbed the stairs. Upon her return, she found Cindy busy preparing chicken soup.

"Mom-"

Before she could finish her sentence, Cindy interrupted her, "Don't just stand there, can't you see? Hurry up! Wash your hands and come help!"

Maisie was taken aback. She hadn't expected her mother to immediately ask for her assistance with chores upon her return home.

Had her mother forgotten that she hadn't been home for two years?

Maisie took a deep breath, washed her hands, and entered the kitchen. The place was in disarray, and the floor wasn't particularly clean. She had to sift through the clutter of pots and pans to find the necessary items and aided Cindy in washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables and meat.

"Hey, why are you so slow?" Cindy impatiently scolded her. "Have you been living the high life for so long that you've forgotten how to do chores?"

Maisie retorted, "Mom, I am helping, though..."

"Alright, alright. What are you even doing?" Cindy grabbed the knife from her hand. "I'll do it myself!"

Maisie was pushed aside, and the sound of the knife striking the cutting board resonated like a stab to her heart. It was eerie and unsettling.

The moment she stepped into the house, she wanted to escape.

She discreetly took out her phone, intending to text Daniel to inquire when he would pick her up, only for Cindy to notice this small action.

"What are you doing? Can't you survive without your phone?" Cindy scolded her, intensifying her chopping. The meat and vegetables bore the brunt of each forceful strike.

"Who are you texting? Your sweetheart?"

"Mom..."

"You stubborn girl!" Cindy poked her on the forehead, "Why did you break up with Mr. Bayer? Are you out of your mind?"

"Mom, we really weren't compatible!"

Maisie was pushed off balance, and she genuinely wondered if her mother was using the same force she exerted while chopping the meat a moment ago.

"Incompatible? What does that even mean? He's wealthy, isn't he?!" Cindy raised her voice, brandishing the knife while glaring at Maisie. "He's a great catch-handsome, successful, and loaded. Men like him aren't easy to come by!"

"Mom!" Maisie couldn't bear it any longer. "Don't you care about my happiness? What if I married into that family, but my life was miserable? What then?"

"How miserable could it be? Nonsense!" Cindy continued to berate her. "Your brother is the one who's had a tough life! By the way, where's your salary for the past few months? Why did you send back so little?"

Chapter 1689

Chapter 1689

Maisie looked down and softly muttered, "I have to support myself in Centrolis, and living there is expensive. I need to save some money."

This revelation took Cindy aback. She remembered her youngest daughter as the most obedient, never one to argue back.

Daniel was a tough one to handle, and Maisie had spent three years with him. Cindy knew Maisie well-her daughter was docile and meek, never daring to fight back. But now, she was refusing to send money home!

Cindy glared at her and asked, "Tell me the truth, did you spend all your money on your little lover?"

Maisie was baffled. "What little lover?"

"The guy!" Cindy flared up. "Oh, I know! You went behind Mr. Bayer's back, cheated on him, and got caught by the Bayers. That's why the engagement was canceled, right?"

"Mom..."

Maisie felt wronged. She couldn't believe this was her own mother. Was this how a mother treated her daughter after a breakup? Was this the norm?

Maisie turned away in silence.

Cindy was getting more irritated by her silence and was ready to explode, but they heard Nicole's voice from outside.

"Mom, I bought the things you asked for!"

Nicole hurried into the kitchen and shielded Maisie. She was there to defuse the situation. "Mom, Maisie just got back. How can you make her work in the kitchen? If there's anything to do, I'll handle it. Let Maisie rest!"

"What are you eating if no one works? If I didn't work, you kids wouldn't have grown up like this," Cindy said crossly.

Maisie found her mother deeply annoying, and Nicole felt helpless as well.

"Mom, you shouldn't treat Maisie like this," Nicole whispered. "Breakups don't happen because of one person. Mr. Bayer had his faults, too."

"What are you meddling in?" Cindy snapped. "You should handle your own matters! Wesley is a capable person. He could've earned some money for our family. Yet you divorced him! Hmph! I wonder who you'll find now!"

The atmosphere turned icy in an instant.

Maisie couldn't help but let out a snort. She was secretly grateful for her memory loss, sparing her from remembering a childhood filled with such miserable memories.

"Alright, you two can't help much anyway. Get out now!" Cindy glanced at them. "Owen will be back soon, and he'll be hungry. I need to finish cooking the chicken soup for him!"

Maisie shot a puzzled look at Nicole. "Where did Owen go?"

Nicole whispered, "He went to gamble."

There was nowhere else Owen could go except for drinking or gambling.

Maisie was annoyed. "Mom, Owen never does anything productive. Why do you indulge him like this? And you want me to work hard to support him?"

"What's wrong with that?" Cindy argued. "Your brother is in poor health. Playing a little can help him relax. Ah, why are you two still standing here? Our house is going to be demolished soon. We'll get a new house and compensation.

"Nicole, take your sister and sign that agreement quickly so we don't have any more issues!"

Maisie couldn't believe her ears. She looked at her mother, and a volcano of anger was boiling within her.

"So..." Maisie's voice quivered with rage. "Your daughters' role in this family is just to subsidize your son, isn't it?"

"What's wrong?" Cindy retorted. "This house was left to me by your father. I have the right to deal with it. I can give it to anyone I want!"

"Did our house used to be like this?" Maisie raised her voice suddenly. "When I was in Centrolis and you visited me, didn't you say we were living well?! How come we've moved to this old, run-down place now? Did Owen squander that house away, and you're eyeing this old house now?!"

Chapter 1690

Chapter 1690

Maisie spoke out of anger, but she noticed a hint of guilt on Cindy's face, which quickly transformed into suspicion and surprise.

Cindy fixed her gaze on Maisie and asked, "Maisie, have you remembered something?"

Maisie was puzzled and had no idea what Cindy was referring to.

Cindy grabbed her and pressed, "Did you remember that person from before?"

"What person?" Maisie was still puzzled. "Who are you talking about?"

Cindy was about to respond, but Maisie's phone rang, and she hurriedly went to the living room to answer it.

Daniel was on the other end, his voice deep and comforting. He hadn't gone to attend to business matters but had been waiting outside her house. He was aware of the situation Maisie was facing, having deal with Cindy a few years ago. He also knew that Maisie's family hated and feared him.

After assisting Nicole with her divorce, he had warned her not to reveal his relationship with Maisie to anyone. Cindy still had no knowledge of Maisie's involvement with Daniel.

Listening to Daniel's voice, Maisie felt relieved and smiled. "You came to pick me up so early?"

"Yes, I want to take you to meet some people."

"Who?"

Daniel softly replied, "You'll find out when we get there."

Maisie sweetly agreed, informed Cindy, and headed downstairs. She couldn't bear to stay in that house for another second.

Daniel's car was waiting at the intersection.

During the ride, he didn't say much, but a smile adorned his face, making anyone who saw it believe he had the world in his grasp.

With one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding Maisie's hand, they drove past familiar street scenes that had witnessed their presence throughout the city.

Daniel had never expected that he would one day hold her hand and drive on this street again.

"What's making you so happy?" Maisie found him amusing. "Why the big smile?"

He lightly replied, "Regained what was lost."

"What?"

"Nothing." As they waited at a red light, he gave her hand a gentle kiss.

A strange feeling settled in Maisie's heart. Ever since she arrived in Cumulus City, it felt like the city was concealed beneath a mysterious veil. She had a strong desire to unveil it and discover the city's true face, yet she was also fearful of what she might uncover.

She didn't understand where this feeling was coming from. Since her return, Cindy had been saying peculiar things to her, and now, Daniel was doing the same.

"Daniel."

"What is it?"

Maisie pursed her lips and leaned against him. "You won't lose me, and I won't lose you, right?"