Ch. 1761..1770

Chapter 1761

Chapter 1761

Daniel stood blankly on the balcony after the call ended.

A breeze blew, sending a chill deep into his body, causing him to shiver.

Memories flooded in, recalling a time when Maisie would comfort him by adding extra layers of clothing during such moments of love. But now, she no longer held that love for him.

Not only did she not love him anymore, but there was also an overwhelming sense of resentment.

Exhausted, he shut his eyes.

In reality, Linda was right. Instead of allowing Maisie to harbor hatred fueled by painful memories, it would be better for her to live again with those memories erased.

A knock on the balcony door interrupted his thoughts. "Mr. Quimby, Ms. Squire is awake."

Daniel turned around quickly but hesitated as he entered the room.

The doctor promptly handed him hot water and medicine. "Mr. Quimby, Ms. Squire needs to take her medication on time to calm herself. Are you..."

After a prolonged moment of contemplation, Daniel finally made up his mind. "Let me do it."

Maisie sat on the bed in the room. He approached with a glass of water, noticing her swollen eyes from crying and her pale face.

Without saying a word, he handed her the water and medicine.

She scoffed. "You must've forced me to take medicine in the past, too, am I right?"

He was stunned, feeling a jolt in his heart.

Back when they were together, he had prevented her from getting pregnant, insisting she take contraceptive pills. Unbeknownst to her, she was allergic to the medication, resulting in swelling that would only subside after two to three days.

She didn't know then that if a man truly loved someone, he would naturally treat her body as the most precious thing.

Licking his dry lips, Daniel explained, "You misunderstood. This is medication to calm you down, to prevent you from breaking down. Look here if you don't believe me..."

He showed her the description on the box.

Maisie turned her head away, so he patiently read it out to her, maintaining a humble demeanor.

Daniel forced a smile upon reading it. "Look, Maisie. I didn't lie to you. It'll really calm you down. Rest well after you take it. You'll recover quickly."

She looked up at him, suddenly feeling as if he were a stranger.

A man who was always cold and arrogant was willing to lower his head to her. It was a rare occurrence.

Complicated feelings brewed inside her. She had convinced him to leave, yet she took the medicine anyway.

They lived under the same roof for these few days but did not see each other.

She slept in the bedroom while Daniel rested on the couch outside, monitoring anything that might happen in the room. He would summon the doctor at the slightest sign of trouble. He was more nervous than anyone, yet he was more patient than anyone.

He knew that he had to spend the rest of his life making up for his mistake.

Maisie recovered well, and the doctor brought her medical report to Daniel.

"Looking at the data, she has recovered in all aspects. However... She had a miscarriage in the past, and it runs deep. The chance of her getting pregnant is low. She might never conceive again." "Okay," he said, "Since that's the case, please do all you can to nurse her back to health."

Chapter 1762

Chapter 1762

"We'll do that!" the doctor said.

Daniel nodded and left the hotel, heading straight to Lily's company.

His goal was clear-he was there for Camila.

Meanwhile, she was initially stunned upon seeing him but then smiled courteously. She asked him to wait in the lounge, promising to join him once she finished editing the drafts.

Daniel's eyes were cold as he was in deep thought, and she walked out after a while.

"Is there something I can help you with, Daniel?" she asked.

He squinted, looking at her quietly.

Lily was right. Camila was mentally tough. She sat naturally across from him, seemingly unfazed by the things she had done that crossed his line, asking him what was up as if nothing had happened. He scoffed and said slowly, "I've underestimated you."

She frowned and said with a smile, "What are you talking about? I don't get it."

"Will you understand if we talk somewhere else or if someone else is asking you this?"

"What do you mean by that?"

Coldness flashed through his eyes. He slammed the table hard and bellowed furiously, "How dare you ask me about what you've done?!"

Camila's face turned pale, her panic evident. She stared at him in shock.

"Why did you do that..." Daniel's eyes were fierce he wanted to kill her. "Why did you trigger Maisie? Why did you make her recall everything?!"

"Are you talking about her book, Daniel?" Camila sorted her thoughts and calmed down. "I discussed the editing of the plot with her, and I got her approval.

"Perhaps the added plots were indeed similar to what the two of you had gone through, but it was just a coincidence. I only did that because it's what the market needs. We need to give a dramatic effect to the story-"

"Camila!" Daniel suddenly stood up, staring at her like a ferocious beast. "You also killed Yvette, didn't you?"

"What are you talking about?!" She stood up, widening her eyes while explaining in panic, "I-I don't know who Yvette is. What does her death have anything to do with me?"

"You're still denying it?" He scoffed. "Do you think I dare not do anything to you, or do you think I dare not do anything to your parents and siblings?"

"Daniel "

"I'm telling you this. The family's destiny is in my hands!" He enunciated each word. "If you want to live as a family, don't cross my line!

"Camila, do you think I'd come to you if I were not confident? What you say will determine your family's fate!"

"No..." She looked at him and shook her head. "It wasn't me, Daniel! The plots are really just a coincidence. I didn't make her remember the past intentionally. About Yvette, I..."

She had to admit it, facing his cold stare. "I know her, but it doesn't mean that I killed her! There's nothing going on between us. Her husband is taking care of our family cars, so why would I hurt the couple? I-I doesn't make sense, right?

Her voice shook. "Daniel, murder is serious. I'll surrender if you can show proof that I killed her. I'll certainly turn myself in to the authorities and get the law to prosecute me! But i-if you have no proof, it means that you're s-slandering me!"

Daniel was impressed. He could not help but take a good look at this cousin of his that he had never properly looked at before.

Indeed, she was manipulative. She was right about it even if she was only trying her luck.

He did not have solid proof yet. He had only said that to get her to spill the truth.

Chapter 1763

Chapter 1763

Camila seized the opportunity to speak. "Daniel, you can't just say whatever you want. No matter what, this has nothing to do with me. It's just a coincidence. Believe me or not, it's up to you. That's all I'm going

to say!"

She left immediately after speaking and hurriedly exited the lounge.

Daniel remained seated for a while before finally departing.

As he passed by the office, he observed Camila engrossed in work-related discussions with her colleagues. They were deeply engaged, occasionally sharing jokes.

Without the recent incident, she appeared as a diligent employee with no apparent grievances.

Camila noticed his gaze-she turned her face, offered a smile, and then resumed the discussion.

His gaze sank. Lily had been correct-she possessed remarkable mental resilience. Despite witnessing her panic moments ago, she was now casually conversing with others.

Daniel composed himself and left the office. While he could certainly exploit his leverage over Camila's parents, who had questionable financial transactions and secured mid-level positions for their children through nepotism, he hesitated. His concern lingered on the possibility that these individuals might not be Camila's true vulnerabilities.

After all, she was merely an adoptive daughter. There was no blood relation.

Daniel took a deep breath, feeling irritated. Unconsciously, he found himself driving toward the suburban villa.

Upon arrival, he was taken aback. The area had developed significantly, featuring homestays, cafes, and unique craft stores.

Did Maisie know that he had invested in these establishments one by one after her departure? He remembered her desire for more people to visit for the breathtaking scenery.

Continuing to walk, he reached the house they once shared. The door stood ajar, and the cleaning staff respectfully greeted him upon seeing him.

The leader of the group stood up promptly. "Mr. Quimby, why are you here? Is there something bothering you?"

"No," he replied. "Have them leave. I'd like to spend some time here."

The leader immediately grasped the situation, recognizing in Daniel's demeanor a reflection of his past. It was a time when solitude was sought, free from any disruptions. The leader ushered everyone out with a wave, ensuring they left the space.

Seated in the house, Daniel felt Maisie's lingering presence in every nook and cranny. The couch retained its softness, the carpet's color remained vibrant, and the decorations were meticulously maintained. Yet, the kitchen lacked the warmth she once infused into it.

Maisie would prepare a table full of food in the past, anticipating his return. Even if he couldn't make it home for dinner, she would pack it in a food container and send the meal to his office. She strictly forbade unhealthy eating and excessive drinking.

Over time, he had grown accustomed to her influence, both in the realm of his actions and the nourishment of his stomach. He believed he was the one enriching her life, but the reality was the reverse-she had spoiled him.

Sighing, he ascended the stairs to find a small bed in one of the rooms, adorned with spinnable toys that tinkled like a baby's laughter in the breeze.

This room had been off-limits for years since Maisie's departure, but today marked his first entry.

He lingered in the room, gazing out the window with a distant look. Suddenly, his eyes fell upon a small tombstone in the woods beyond the courtyard. His heart raced, prompting him to dash downstairs and head to the tombstone.

Chapter 1764

Chapter 1764

Daniel gently caressed the word on the tombstone, his eyes brimming with tears. Recollections of something Owen had said echoed in his mind. "Maisie buried the child... Do you want to know where your daughter is buried?"

Tears streamed down his face.

The tombstone, a simple rectangular piece of stone, bore only one word carved on it-Curtisa.

"Curtisa..." Daniel sobbed, certain it was his daughter. Maisie had given her such a beautiful name. Footsteps approached from behind.

Daniel turned to see Maisie standing there, holding a bouquet of daisies. Their eyes met, both surprised.

It was the first time she had witnessed him cry.

'So, the seemingly cold, heartless man is capable of sobbing like a baby,' she thought.

"You're here..." Daniel hastily wiped away his tears, his voice hoarse. "I-I was just taking a stroll. If you don't want me here, I'II......."

"Stay for a bit," she said. "Be with her. This must be... your first time?"

Placing the daisies next to the tombstone, she took out a handkerchief and wiped it. Her fingers trembled as she grazed over the name "Curtisa".

Daniel was taken aback by the kindness shown. Slowly, he sat on the ground.

And there they sat, side by side.

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and birds soared above, creating a soothing peace.

If only he had found Maisie earlier, the family of three would be together now.

"Actually, I always come to the house, but I've never noticed the tombstone," he admitted. "It's facing right across the nursery. It was indeed my first time... seeing it today. "Maisie, did you name her yourself?"

"Mm-hmm." She nodded. "I thought of two names. It'd be Curtis if it was a boy and Curtisa if it was a girl."

Daniel was stunned as he recalled her bringing a piece of paper into his study and asking him which one was better.

He hadn't understood then, casually pointing at Curtisa and Curtis.

"Their names begin with 'cu', showing that they are born in Cumulus City," she added.

"Oh..."

Maisie glanced at him, her calm demeanor indicating a newfound peace.

"I'd always imagine how the child would grow up." She smiled, looking into the distance. "They say girls will be more like their dad."

"No, she would've been more like you." Daniel smiled. "She'd be prettier to look more like you..."

"Really?" She looked down. "What's the use of being pretty? She'd be someone else's toy in the end... The most important thing a girl should learn is to be independent." "Yes, yes!" He quickly agreed, "She should be independent. If we have a daughter again, I'll definitely teach her that..."

"We?" Maisie's expression changed. She raised her eyebrows.

Daniel pursed his lips.

After hesitating for a long time, he finally asked, "Let's start again, Maisie. I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, okay?"

Chapter 1765

Chapter 1765

Maisie's lips quivered, and she cast her gaze downward.

Daniel sensed the tension and wanted to reach for her hands, but she coldly avoided his touch.

She finally spoke after a prolonged silence, with the wind whispering around them. "We can never be together again, Daniel."

Although Daniel had anticipated those words, they pierced him, causing an ache in his heart. Despite the mental preparation, the reality of her declaration stung.

Forcing a smile, he nodded and attempted one last plea. "I-I know I'm not worthy of your forgiveness for my past actions, but I'm willing to make amends. That's my sincere desire. You can either accept or reject it, but I'll do my best-"

"No need," she cut him off, turning her back. "Your efforts now are merely to ease your conscience. You didn't cherish me when I loved you most, nor did you value our child. There's no need for such gestures now."

"Maisie "

"Do you understand the pain I feel every step I take here?!" Her tone intensified, her shoulders shaking with suppressed emotions.

Although Daniel couldn't see her face, he sensed her sobbing and felt helpless in comforting her.

He was desperate to console her and yearned to embrace her, but, as she had pointed out, the opportunity had slipped away.

As she turned to leave, he remained frozen, his hair tousled by the breeze, the bouquet of daisies swaying slightly.

Time passed unnoticed until he received a call from his subordinate upon entering his car.

"Sir."

"How is it?"

"We've been tailing Camila for the past few days, but no new developments. The police station didn't yield any useful information either. Sir, should we continue surveillance?" Daniel fell into contemplative silence.

His subordinate continued. "I personally think it's unnecessary. There's no clue on her side. Perhaps what happened to Yvette really had nothing to do with her. Also, although she's an adoptive daughter, she's your uncle's child. If we alert the enemy-"

Daniel coughed hard, and his subordinate stopped halfway.

Daniel understood what his subordinate was trying to convey. Having them follow Camila might seem like he was going against his uncle. If it alerted him, he could gain leverage over Daniel at the board of directors' meeting.

However, Daniel had a backup of his uncle's suspicious account. He had not disclosed it to anyone, not even the person he trusted the most.

He was cautious, having cultivated the habit of meticulousness during his years as the head of the company. He wouldn't reveal anything until everything was ready.

However, Camila had exposed the past to Maisie before he could execute his plan, and that angered him.

"Sir?" His subordinate panicked upon hearing nothing from him.

Daniel took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Continue to follow her."

"Okay..."

"There must be something up with her!"

Camila arrived at a rundown community after disguising herself.

Chapter 1766

Chapter 1766

It was the old part of town where the land had lost its value, and the houses had been rundown for years. No developers were interested in this area, and it was slowly becoming abandoned. Fortunately, the houses were affordable, and transportation was convenient, making it the first choice for people living paycheck to paycheck.

Camila, dressed in all black with a cap covering most of her face, discreetly arrived at an apartment after navigating the dirty streets. She checked the unit number and rushed up.

Owen opened the door, and a creepy grin appeared on his skinny face at the sight of her.

"Why are you staying here?" she asked, entering with a grim expression. "It's so hard to find this place!"

"Well, it's cheap here," he replied, closing the door and walking over in a relaxed manner.

Camila noticed that he had lost weight again. The 1.8-meter-tall man now looked as skinny as a stick, with a loose T-shirt hanging on him as if he were swaying in it. Suspicion flashed through her eyes, but she said nothing.

"Why don't you live at home? Doesn't your mom spoil you? She was cruel to push your sister to my cousin just to treat your illness back then. Maisie might as well have signed a contract with him!" "Ha! How would I dare to go home now!" Owen lit a cigarette. "Don't you know the saying 'keeping a good distance is a proper way to protect yourself when you're in need'?

"All my mom cares about is that girl now. I don't want to torture myself under her watch, so I rented this place...

"Unfortunately, my sister is selfish. When she was with Daniel back then, apart from paying for my medical bills, she would never ask for money from him... It's even more impossible now!" "That's why you're depending on me now," Camila remarked with disdain.

Daniel had spoiled Maisie when they were together, giving her money that she hoarded. He would pay for Owen's medical bills and ensure all the expenses were covered. After recovering, Owen would ask for money from Maisie, who would always decline, citing Daniel's difficulty in making money. This would anger Owen, leading to confrontations.

Back then.

"Are you out of your mind? You're his woman. It makes sense that you spend his money!" he scolded her.

"I didn't sell myself!" she retorted.

"I don't see anything different than you selling yourself with what you're doing now. Do you really think he'll marry you? Do you really think you'll become his wife? Dream on!"

"My sister is a fool," Owen sighed, puffing the cigarette. He looked at Camila fawningly. "You're so generous. That's why I'm willing to give you all I have!"

No matter his terribly skinny face or messy room, he disgusted her.

She coldly asked, "I came here today for something serious... Do you have something to do with Yvette and her husband's death?"

Owen's hand holding the cigarette trembled.

"I knew it!" She stood up and slapped him. "Are you trying to drag me in?!"

"What are you doing?"

"I should be the one asking that!" She was enraged. "Why did you do that? How dare you commit murder?! Moreover, you killed two people by killing Yvette! Daniel is suspecting that I did that now. How am I going to clear my name?!"

"Why are you panicking?" Owen looked ignorant. "Does he have proof? Let me tell you. My buddies are the best. They'll definitely—"

His body began to sway as he spoke, spacing out. He looked like he was craving something.

Camila widened her eyes in shock, watching him take a syringe from the drawer in an experienced manner and retrieve some sort of liquid before injecting it into his vein.

He became normal again after a while, a distorted smile appearing on his sunken cheeks.

Chapter 1767

Chapter 1767

"Are you...." Camila was shocked. "Taking drugs?"

Owen appeared indifferent, lounging on the couch in a relaxed manner. However, he looked significantly better. He retrieved a beer bottle from beneath the messy table and cracked it open, releasing white foam.

"Yes." He took a sip and smiled at her. "Hey... Would you like to try it? It's amazing!"

Despite the chaos, she maintained a bottom line, understanding what she should and shouldn't engage with.

Terror and rage consumed her as she stared at him and took steps backward.

"How dare you... take drugs?!"

"My life is ruined anyway. Is there anything that I won't dare do?!" He suddenly stood up, his bloodshot eyes making him look terrifying.

"I was sick for a long time. I thought I was dying, so I started using to make myself feel better... Ha! Never had I thought my sister would meet a fool like Daniel. Not only did I manage to live, but I could continue taking drugs!

"Sigh... I live as if life is a dream. I just enjoy my life one day at a time. That's enough for someone like me!"

"So..." Camila came to a realization, "You've been needing money, asking for money from me, harming your pregnant sister... because you're using?!"

"That's right!" He laughed out loud, his laughter echoing in the run-down house.

Camila's face changed. She had bribed Owen to push Maisie from the building, framing Daniel.

Back then, she had wondered why someone would harm their own sister. Now she knew the reason.

Owen's eyes were malicious, "Ha, Camila! If not for me, Maisie would have given birth to that child. Do you think everything will go as you wish now?

"I was the only one who could locate her back then! Shouldn't you pay me more for me to do that for you?"

"You..." Camila's lips quivered. Owen's intense stare gave her goosebumps. "Also, you killed Yvette and her husband..."

"That's right!" Owen admitted proudly. "I asked for money from them since you didn't want to! That brat was stingy! And his wife Yvette was a bitch. She said she would get the police to arrest me if I continued to harass her husband... Heh! I got my buddies to kill them out of rage!

"My buddies happened to be high on drugs that day." Owen was proud. "They were ruthless and steady with their attack when they were high-that was how they died so quickly! That was a blessing for them!"

Camila felt chills as she stared at him in disbelief.

She admitted that she was not a good person. She had hurt people, but she did that for a reason... She hurt Maisie to take revenge on her family, as well as Daniel. However, she did that indirectly. It was nothing as direct as what Owen did.

'A drug addict is savage when they lose their mind...' she thought.

She realized she should prioritize keeping her life safe as she thought to this point. Something might happen to her if she were to stay longer. Suddenly, she ran outside.

At that moment, a thud came at the door. A couple of men in black who looked like bodyguards entered and took the place under control. Before Camila could react, Daniel appeared behind them. He walked toward her slowly.

Chapter 1768

Chapter 1768

Daniel's face wore a grim expression, his demeanor exuding an overbearing intensity. He resembled a demon emerging from hell, fixing a cold, sharp gaze upon Camila and Owen. In his eyes, there lurked a

lethal blade.

"D-Daniel," she stammered. "D-Don't misunderstand, I—”

"So, it's you," he enunciated sharply. "I knew it. Everything is your doing!"

Camila turned pale.

Over the past two days, he had conducted a discreet investigation, delving into the individuals responsible for Maisie's past suffering. The results were unsatisfactory, with numerous inexplicable details. Daniel had been meticulously analyzing and reexamining the facts.

This lingering mystery had been plaguing him for years. He yearned to identify his daughter's true killer from that fateful day. Starting with a lead suggesting a hooligan's death from drug addiction, he connected the dots to Owen.

The subsequent investigations revealed the shocking truth: Owen and Camila were the architects of Maisie's torment.

"Take them away!" Daniel's voice remained cold. "I'll interrogate them thoroughly before exacting justice!"

A few days later, Rachael stood before Lily's office with a complex expression of surprise and concern.

"What's wrong?" Lily asked, approaching with a doubtful gaze.

Rachael handed her the data as she entered.

Lily was visibly shocked. "Is this..."

"Yes!" Rachael nodded emphatically. "Ms. Squire's first book sale has exceeded our expectations significantly! Despite minimal PR, it gained silent popularity. All platforms are eagerly anticipating this book... "The first 50,000 copies have been sold. Numerous booksellers are inquiring, and the printing house just called to ask if we're producing more..."

Lily was caught off guard and struggled to collect her thoughts.

Initially, she had been cautious about the book's success and had opted to print only 50,000 copies. Little did she anticipate that it would become a bestseller.

"Let's capitalize on this success. Sign the necessary documents swiftly," Lily directed, her orders precise. "Instruct the printing house to expedite production and ensure the distribution department handles the logistics seamlessly.

"Hire a professional to manage Maisie's personal social media account and release articles to sustain the hype.

"Additionally, liaise with the legal department. The book is exclusively ours. We must thwart piracy!"

"Understood." Rachael jotted down the instructions. "But... there's an issue."

"What is it?"

"The version being printed is the one Camila revised."

"What?!" Lily's eyes widened. Wasn't it clear that they were to use the original version?

"I just found out," Rachael explained. "Ms. Squire personally contacted the printing house a day before printing to alter the draft. They were unaware and assumed it was our arrangement."

"Why would she do that?!" Lily panicked. "Didn't she leave those aspects with Daniel in the past? Is she about to reveal her past to the world?"

Chapter 1769

Chapter 1769

"She wants to tell the world..." Even Rachael found it ridiculous. "Wouldn't the Quimbys be humiliated?"

Lily sighed. She had stayed with the Quimbys before. Although they were only a nominal couple, she knew the dynamics of the family quite well.

Back then, criticisms from the board of directors were abundant when Daniel kept Maisie by his side. Now that Maisie was revealing their past to the world, those individuals would seize the opportunity to make things difficult for him.

Perhaps she didn't realize how terrible things could turn out.

However, with the potential butterfly effect, a storm might be stirred when it reached Daniel.

"I'll talk to her," Lily said.

"What about the PR promo..."

"It'll proceed as usual," Lily insisted, realizing she couldn't back off now. "She has signed the contract. How can we go back on our promise with the distributor? But keep an eye on her at events. Advise her on what to say and what not to say beforehand, got it?"

"Okay!"

Soon, Maisie became a popular new writer.

Her life became a whirlwind of continuous book signings, seminars, and fan meetings. She was busy, lacking the time to immerse herself in sad memories. Royalties and remuneration grew significantly. With sufficient financial stability, she moved out of the hotel and purchased a two-story loft in the city center.

Although it was small, it faced a great direction with amazing light. She decorated it with elegance, capturing the aesthetic of an author.

The moment Maisie signed the house deed, she fell in a daze, recalling how much she had wanted to build a home with Daniel. She had forgotten that a woman should be independent.

Maisie read a book in front of the window while the coffee was boiling, its fragrance lingering in the house. Time passed by in peace. Everything was amazing.

She checked her phone. Daniel had texted her again.

He texted her every day now, just a simple greeting. Perhaps he didn't know what to say to her, but he insisted on texting her.

Maisie had never responded, worried that doing so would lead her back to him and down the sad path again.

Despite not responding, she couldn't bring herself to delete his messages. She read them repeatedly as if engraving each word in her head.

Taking a deep breath, she shook her head to wake herself up and then turned off her phone-out of sight, out of mind.

Soon, there was a knock on her door. She opened it hesitantly to find Lily standing there with a happy smile.

"Lily?"

"Jeez! Why did you do this to me? Why did you turn off your phone? I couldn't call you. I only found your new house address after asking a couple of people!" Maisie quickly let her into the house.

Lily couldn't help but smile as she looked around. "It's clean and elegant. It's very you!"

Maisie was stunned before replying with a smile, "How can you tell a person's character by looking at their house?"

Chapter 1770

Chapter 1770

"Absolutely!" Lily affirmed with a nod. "Take my place, for example. It's a bit disorderly because I tend to be scatterbrained. Things are strewn about, creating a semblance of chaos, yet I can pinpoint the location of each item with precision.

"Then there's Daniel. He leans toward being a neat freak, always eager to showcase his refined taste. He insists on an Eropah-style interior even for his office-talk about going the extra mile." Lily halted suddenly.

Maisie smiled but remained silent.

Lily swiftly presented a contract, breaking the awkward silence. "I'm here today to present you with this."

Maisie flipped it open and discovered it was a contract renewal. Without hesitation, she signed on the last page.

"Maisie..." Lily appeared touched. "This contract is quite extensive. At least ensure you've perused it before signing. And those profit shares-have you genuinely calculated them?"

Maisie looked up at her, smiling sincerely. "Between us, we don't need these things."

"Perhaps other publishing companies are offering you more favorable terms," Lily insisted.

"But you've shown faith in me." Maisie's voice was gentle yet resolute. "Without you, there wouldn't be the 'me' today. You've invested so much effort in me, and I naturally want to reciprocate that."

"You..."

Maisie finished signing, then playfully slapped the contract into Lily's hands, grinning brightly.

"This isn't just a renewal. It's my pact with you! I'm yours in life and in death-Lily, you can't abandon me!"

Lily burst into laughter, her eyes inadvertently reddening.

In reality, they both shared a similar trait-deep gratitude when someone extended kindness, a desire to repay it indefinitely.

Having navigated the business world for numerous years, Lily viewed this as both her weakness and strength. She had faced losses but also encountered benefactors due to this characteristic. "Maisie, have you ever considered... that someone treats you better than I do?"

Maisie's smile froze, her expression shifting.

"As a woman, I can understand if you don't forgive him," Lily consoled, patting her hand. "But he has also paid a price..."

"Lily, are you here today to advocate for him?"

"Not exactly." Lily shook her head. "The harm you endured, just hearing about it gives me chills. I haven't experienced it myself, so I can't fully empathize, but I won't feign sanctity and ask you to forgive him. I just want to analyze your and Daniel's current situation."

Maisie furrowed her brows, silently studying Lily.

"There's always been internal strife within the Quimby Group. Daniel has managed to suppress it temporarily but can't afford any mistakes. His opponents could exploit the slightest slip-up. Some altered parts in your book have been used against him."

"What?"

"Anyone familiar with your past could easily identify those altered parts as your history with him. His rivals within the family will use this to create turmoil, exaggerating his private life...

"Maisie, words can be dangerous. If this continues, with so much negative news about him, the board might force him to resign.

"Next, they might turn their focus on you." Lily continued. "I don't know the specifics of their plans, but being dragged into this conflict is inevitable for you. You don't want to be used as a pawn, right? "Daniel will protect you." She held Maisie's hand. "But you need to find a way to protect yourself too!"