Ch. 1801..1810

Chapter 1801

Chapter 1801

Maisie was taken aback for a moment and nodded slightly.

During the chaotic situation in Lily's office that day, she hadn't gotten a good look. It wasn't until today that she could carefully assess Jodie. The Newhouse heiress was dressed beautifully with a haughty air that kept others at bay.

She couldn't help but think of Harvey. He and Jodie came from the same affluent family. Harvey was easygoing and approachable, but that didn't diminish his inherent elegance.

Maisie lightly furrowed her brow and smiled as she greeted her.

Jodie looked around and raised an eyebrow. "Is Mr. Quimby here too? Did you all come together?"

"Yeah," Maisie answered softly. "He's here too."

"You guys have a great relationship!" Jodie smirked, her words carrying hidden implications. "I heard you were sick before. It seems mental illnesses can be cured. You were seriously ill before, but now you're still with him, right?

"Ms. Squire, seeing you like this gives me confidence in my brother!"

Maisie jolted as she snapped her eyes up at Jodie. Jodie had a smile on her lips, but her gaze harbored deep hostility toward her.

Maisie was momentarily stunned. She didn't understand why. Even though this was only her second encounter with Jodie, why did she seem to regard her like an enemy?

Could this woman also be among those who used to surround Daniel?

A sense of jealousy surged within Maisie. However, she concealed the displeasure and was about to exchange a few pleasantries before leaving when a low voice suddenly came from behind. "There you are."

Maisie turned around. Daniel's hand rested on her shoulder, pulling her into his embrace.

"I've been looking for you." Daniel smiled. "I thought you got lost in this huge hotel. Didn't expect you to be here, chatting... What have you been talking about?"

As Daniel spoke, he looked at Jodie, a cold glint flashing through his seemingly smiling eyes.

"Mr. Quimby, what a coincidence to meet you here!" Jodie greeted enthusiastically and intentionally added, "We didn't talk about anything special. Just my brother's illness. Ms. Squire felt sorry since such a talented artist like him can't draw illustrations for her... Oh, right, we also talked about her past illness."

Jodie raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Quimby, from Ms. Squire's tone, she seems quite attached to you! Of course, if a man could stick around when I'm sick, I'd also be willing to reconcile!"

Daniel frowned slightly. These words sounded jarring to him. He glanced worriedly at Maisie, who had a composed expression. However, her demeanor made him nervous.

The unpleasant memories from the past were real. A reconciliation was like reattaching a broken mirror-possible, but the fractures remained.

Daniel gritted his teeth and sneered. "Ms. Newhouse, isn't it impolite to converse this way?"

"Oh, my apologies." Jodie smiled. "I didn't know that... it's not permissible to talk about this?"

"If you must converse in such an impolite manner, then I think it's better I discuss the recent collaboration directly with Mr. Newhouse." Daniel's tone was stern. "After all, the Newhouse Group hasn't completely been passed to you. Don't you think so?"

Jodie scowled. As long as the Newhouse Group wasn't in her hands, Harvey still had a chance. And causing Harvey to "get sick" wasn't a long-term solution.

"Mr. Quimby, I'm truly very sorry," Jodie said softly, "I..."

Chapter 1802

Chapter 1802

"I don't want to discuss it further." Daniel's expression turned cold. "Have some respect, Ms. Newhouse."

After that, he carefully glanced at Maisie and asked softly, "Shall we go back?"

Maisie remained silent.

Daniel became more anxious. He cautiously tried to lead her back toward the private room, but she stopped in her tracks when they brushed past Jodie.

"Maisie..." Daniel's heart lurched.

"Daniel, wait a moment." Maisie's voice was gentle. "I have a few words to say to Ms. Newhouse.

"I have been sick before." She looked into Jodie's eyes, her face bearing a determined look. "But I've recovered now. Ms. Newhouse, it was a mental illness, and mental illnesses require the right medicine. I'm fortunate because my medicine has always been by my side."

Daniel was stunned, looking at her intently.

"There were misunderstandings between Daniel and me." Maisie quietly held Daniel's hand. "But those misunderstandings are cleared now. I'm sure my love for him and his feelings for me haven't changed. That's why we're together again.

"Mental illnesses are different from other diseases. As long as you find the right medicine, it can heal without leaving scars. I can confidently tell you that there are no rifts between Daniel and me anymore. "Your brother is still unwell, so I understand your concern as an elder sister. However... have you considered if he hasn't found the right medicine?"

Maisie finished with a gentle smile at Daniel, took his hand, and turned to leave.

Jodie stood still, clenching her fists tightly at her side and glaring in the direction Maisie departed.

It was then her phone vibrated. Someone sent her a message. Looking at the number, she felt a suffocating sense of despair.

Initially, she intended to upset Maisie, but she hadn't expected Maisie to handle it so effortlessly! She poured all her anger into a text message, quickly typing.

Jodie: [Don't bother me again! Do you think of anything other than money? I'm not your daughter!]

After sending the message, she threw her phone to the floor, the shattered screen reflecting her enraged face.

A few days later, Toph brought Chris along and found the Newhouse residence, following Lily's provided address.

In fact, he had encountered Harvey a few times during their student days at some comic exhibitions. They knew each other, had exchanged contact information, and often discussed drawing techniques. Due to their surprisingly similar views, Toph had once thought of Harvey as another version of himself.

However, later, Harvey suddenly disappeared. Toph lost contact with him, and then... the news of Harvey's illness surfaced.

Toph felt bad for him and wanted to take this opportunity to visit him.

The Newhouses knew that there were visitors who came a long way from Centrolis today, so they made preparations early.

The head butler personally drove the car to the private road outside the villa to welcome the two Hamerton heirs.

The butler led them to Harvey's private studio, with bodyguards and a doctor standing guard around.

Chris frowned, glanced around, and whispered to Toph, "This place is so strange. It gives off a creepy vibe, just like the old den of the drug trafficking gang I raided at the border back then..." There was some distance between the corridor and the studio, and the corridor walls were filled with Harvey's paintings. Some were unusually vibrant in color, while some were genuinely eerie. In Toph's eyes, however, these were rare pieces of art.

"Don't speak nonsense." He nudged Chris. "You wouldn't understand an artist's world!"

"But an artist should still be a human first, right?" Chris widened his eyes. "Art... shouldn't be connected to hell, right?"

Chapter 1803

Chapter 1803

"Well..." Toph pretended to be serious. "It's something beyond the comprehension of ordinary mortals like you!"

Chris raised his hand to strike, but Toph ducked, laughing as he avoided the hit. "There's only a thin line between artists and lunatics."

"True, I'll give you that!" Chris glanced at him. "But you're also an artist, and you're not crazy!"

"Because we're family, you're biased when it comes to me!" Toph spread his hands. "Here's another example, Lena! To outsiders, she's not normal-reclusive, aloof, a female assassin, but in your eyes, she's the most adorable person in the world! Right?"

Chris snorted in agreement.

Toph chuckled, putting an arm around Chris' neck. "So, Chris, we shouldn't judge people through a filter. Actually, Harvey's artistic talent is unparalleled..."

"Very affectionate toward him, aren't you?"

The two of them walked and laughed together.

The butler entered the studio to announce their arrival and soon escorted them inside.

The butler respectfully said, "Mr. Harvey might show aggressive behavior... but the bodyguards and the doctor are right outside. If anything happens, they'll rush in immediately."

"Immediately?" Chris narrowed his eyes. "Mr. Harvey is grown-up, yet he doesn't have any privacy? Outsiders can just barge into his room anytime?"

The butler awkwardly smiled but didn't respond.

Toph and Chris exchanged a glance and quietly entered.

Harvey's sketches adorned the expansive studio. Seated on the floor, he leaned against the wall, tenderly grooming a small kitten in his arms.

Despite the typically heartwarming sight, Harvey's eyes lacked their usual brightness.

Toph approached with care, but Chris intervened, shooting him a cautionary look. Toph shook his head and softly reassured, "It's okay."

"You forgot what the butler said about his aggressive behavior?"

"You..." Toph chuckled helplessly. "Okay, okay. If you're worried, just stand here. I'll talk to him myself!"

Chris crossed his arms, pursing his lips. He wasn't afraid but rather prepared for any sudden situation. As a special forces soldier, the vigilance instilled in him made him choose not to get too close he stood in the farthest corner of the room from Harvey.

Toph placed his sketchbook before Harvey.

Harvey hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly when he saw a smiling face he hadn't seen for some time. "Toph?"

"So, you still remember me!" Toph crouched down, playing with the kitten beside him. "I'm going to be in Cumulus City for a while this time. I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration!"

Harvey was surprised. Apparently, that illustration contract had indeed fallen into Toph's hands.

Harvey realized that Jodie was so powerful. If she said no, he couldn't draw... In the world's eyes, he was considered a lunatic. No matter how he explained, he couldn't shake off that stigma! Harvey clenched his fist and slammed it hard against the floor!

"Hey, Harvey?" Toph widened his eyes. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine..." Harvey felt a headache. "Congratulations on securing the contract. You don't need to flaunt your victory in front of me."

"I'm not showing off. I genuinely seek guidance," Toph said earnestly. "Ms. Reyes said we should collaborate-me drawing and you giving advice. I know I can't capture the essence of your artistry, so I came specifically to discuss this with you.

"The publication of this illustrated book is imminent. I want to finalize the initial drafts to submit for Ms. Reyes' approval. Harvey, we..."

Before he finished speaking, Harvey had already flipped through his sketchbook and then snickered.

Toph was puzzled, looking at him questioningly.

Chapter 1804

Chapter 1804

Harvey slowly looked up with a disdainful smirk. "Toph, have you read the entire novel?"

"Of course! How can I draw if I haven't? I do have some professional ethics!"

"Then let me ask you." Harvey tapped forcefully on one of the sketches. "What's this? What on earth have you drawn, Toph? You're someone who has published comic books and has 1,000,000 fans, and this is what you show your fans?"

"You..." Toph's face flushed red with anger surging. "What do you mean by that?"

"Aren't you here to discuss with me?" Harvey snorted. "Well, this is my opinion! Even in her delirium, the female lead in this section still loves that man. But when the man is in front of her, she doesn't recognize him... This is one of the prominent scenes in this book. Can't you put some effort into it?"

"What did I draw wrong?"

"Why did you draw this woman as insane?" Harvey yelled. "She may be mad, but she loves him!"

Toph was stunned, staring blankly at him. What he said... sounded somewhat reasonable.

Harvey picked up a brush, dipped it only in water and black paint, and began revising the sketch directly. With just a few strokes, the entire style of the drawing changed drastically. Toph was astonished, silently watching and savoring it.

Indeed, Harvey was more skilled and had a better understanding of the book. While Toph only looked at the literal meaning, Harvey could read the author's inner thoughts. "See that?" Harvey tossed the brush aside, standing up.

Despite just drawing for a while, he was sweating profusely, physically drained. He panted heavily, struggling to support himself, then turned to face Toph.

"You can't just construct images from words... You need to listen to the author's inner voice!"

Toph smiled, taking the lesson humbly. He had to admit that when it came to "madness", Harvey was far more talented than he was.

"It seems like I'll have to visit you often for guidance in the future!"

"Hah, quite modest of you, Mr. Hamerton!"

"One of our family principles is to be open-minded and receptive. My parents taught me to be humble and cautious from an early age. That's how we progress!" "Oh..." Harvey raised an eyebrow, smiling.

Both artists were highly emotional people, and their creative differences didn't affect their friendship.

As they chatted and reminisced about the days when they participated in art exhibitions together, Toph felt genuinely delighted, even contemplating taking Harvey out for a good meal. However, Harvey suddenly trembled violently, breaking out in a cold sweat. He curled up on the floor in uncontrollable convulsion!

Toph was startled.

Fortunately, Chris reacted promptly, pulling him away and summoning the doctor and bodyguards waiting outside.

As with every previous instance, chaos ensued in the studio-the place was in disarray, filled with Harvey's hoarse screams.

The doctor administered a sedative, treating him like an unruly animal, as he jabbed a needle forcefully into his vein.

Toph and Chris were stunned.

Eventually, Chris was the first to react, quickly questioning the doctor, "What did you inject him with?"

"A sedative."

Chris paused, looking puzzled. "What kind of sedative?"

The doctor glanced at him, appearing flustered, but couldn't utter a single word.

Chapter 1805

Chapter 1805

Chris stared coldly at the group of so-called doctors.

Maybe his intense gaze intimidated them-the doctors exchanged glances and quickly withdrew the needle, injecting only half the syringe before hastily leaving in a fluster.

In the room, a few servants remained, tending to Harvey.

Weakly, Harvey slumped onto the bed, his face pale.

Chris pulled Toph away, leading him out. This place didn't evoke any artistic vibes for him. Instead, it felt eerie.

Exiting the gates of the Newhouse residence, Chris breathed a sigh of relief.

Toph looked at him oddly and asked what was going on.

Chris frowned and slowly uttered, "The sedative..."

"What?"

"Don't you think there's something wrong with that stuff?"

Toph pondered for a moment, sensing that something might indeed be amiss. "Chris, tell me!"

"Back then, I had someone get a special drug for Aunt Linda," Chris said in a low voice. "It's what special forces and international spies use. It can make people lose their memory."

Realization struck Toph. "The kind that was given to Maisie?"

"Yes." Chris nodded. "But she has already regained her memory."

"Do you think maybe Harvey was given this kind of drug too?"

"No." Chris looked at him. "In fact, there are many such secret drugs used by various countries. When they catch spies, they usually don't treat them kindly. Those people have many ways to deal with spies, like turning them into lunatics or inducing hallucinations."

He paused and bit his lip, his eyes looking elsewhere. "I suspect that wasn't a sedative at all, but..."

"No way!" Toph widened his eyes, unable to believe it. "Could a sister really harm her own brother? Besides, what reason would Harvey's sister have to do such a thing?"

"Are you dumb?" Chris put his hands on his hips. "People can do anything for their family fortune."

Toph argued, "Not my brother! He wouldn't do that to me!"

Chris covered his face, both amused and exasperated. "He's not the same! You don't even need to compete with him. As long as you want, he'll hand the entire Hamerton Group to you!"

Chris patted Toph's shoulder. "Not all family relationships in this world are like yours with your brother. Some siblings harm each other for the sake of profit. Remember Lena's sister? They were twins, and how did it end?"

Toph fell silent, walking forward with a heavy heart. His world was indeed too innocent. Even after experiencing so much, he still refused to think about the dark side of the world.

Now... it wasn't about what he wanted to think. It was a problem he had to face!

He turned to Chris. "Maybe... let's observe in secret. If Harvey is truly in danger, I must save him!"

Chris raised an eyebrow, smiling lightly. "Your relationship with him is that good?"

"What are you thinking?!" Toph knocked his head. "It's mutual respect between artists!" "Alright, alright!"

One would be a few steps away from the rehab center along this small path in a gloomy corner.

Cindy stood there anxiously, waiting.

After a while, a car slowly pulled over to the side of the road, and a finely dressed woman stepped out of the car, wearing a wide-brimmed hat that covered most of her face. Even so, she subconsciously pressed down the hat's brim further the moment she got out of the car.

Cindy ran over in anticipation but hesitated to get too close. Her lips trembled as she softly called out, "Jojo..."

Chapter 1806

Chapter 1806

As soon as Cindy spoke up, she received a glare.

"What are you calling me?!"

Cindy stepped back, looking at her with a sense of grievance. "Jojo, you—

"Shut up!" Jodie snapped, her tone hostile. "How dare you use my nickname? Only my parents can call me that!"

"B-But I'm your mother!" Cindy sobbed.

"You are not!" Jodie couldn't take it anymore, her gaze filled with disgust.

The two stood there silently, each second feeling like an eternity.

After a while, Jodie took a deep breath and threw a bank card in front of Cindy.

Cindy was momentarily stunned. Despite the shame brought by her birth daughter's actions, she stooped to pick up the card from the ground.

Jodie glanced at her with a contemptuous snort. "The money inside should satisfy you. Tell me, was the money I gave you before not enough? But your worthless son gambled it away. What can I do? Fortunately, your daughter is quite resourceful, getting close to Daniel...

"Hah! You've been leeching off her over the years. Haven't you benefited a lot from Daniel?"

"No, no..." Cindy responded meekly.

"I've given you the money. From now on, never appear in front of me again!"

"What?" Cindy was torn. "But... you're my daughter. I miss you. I just want to see you—"

"Stop it!" Jodie cried, "Who do you think you are? My dad is the chairman of the Newhouse Group, and my mom is a famous writer! I am not your daughter!" "Jojo!"

Jodie stepped forward to grip Cindy's neck, pinning her against the wall.

Cindy's face turned pale, unable to breathe properly, as she stared at her in horror.

"I'm telling you." Jodie gritted her teeth. "If you dare utter another word of nonsense, I'll finish off your entire family!"

Tears welled up in Cindy's eyes. Jodie was once a part of her, but now this flesh and blood of hers wanted to see her perish...

"Alright, alright," she choked, "I won't call you by your nickname. From now on, we'll be strangers... I'll do whatever you say. As long as you're okay, I'm willing to do anything." Jodie let go. Seeing Cindy's heartbreak, she softened for a moment. After all, she was her own biological mother. The bond of blood was indestructible.

She bit her lip, glanced at Cindy, and asked in a low voice, "Your son... is in this rehab center?"

Cindy was taken aback, quickly wiped her tears, and nodded.

"Is it visiting hours now?"

"You..." Cindy was surprised, then delighted. "You want to see him?"

"I want to see what he looks like." Jodie softened momentarily. "Then, find a way to get someone to take care of him."

Cindy was overwhelmed as if receiving an immense favor. She hurriedly led her through the alley to the front gate of the rehab center.

At the same time, Chris had just walked out of the rehab center, chatting and laughing with the director.

"Bro!" The director warmly patted Chris' shoulder. "You must come to Cumulus City often! It's a pity I couldn't host you this time!"

Chris smiled. "Nothing like that!"

The director was a highly decorated anti-drug officer, and he and Chris had fought side by side, earning great merits during the battle to destroy drug dens along the border. Chris was about to bid farewell when he caught sight of two women at the gate from the corner of his eye...

Chapter 1807

Chapter 1807

"What's wrong, Chris?"

"Oh, nothing." Chris snapped back to reality.

The director followed his gaze and chuckled, explaining, "You're looking at them? They're likely family members of some of the residents here at the rehab center. Visits are strictly controlled. They're waiting here for clearance. Only after they get permission can they go in for a visit."

"Okay." Chris nodded.

Jodie and Cindy casually shifted their gaze in their direction. Although neither recognized Chris, his special forces background endowed him with a talent for facial recognition.

Confidently, Chris identified the stylish young woman as Harvey's elder sister, Jodie Newhouse-the same person from the family photo at the Newhouse residence.

As for the middle-aged woman, Chris recalled Maisie holding her hand and referring to her as "Mom" during the hotel reception hosted by Daniel. Back then, Maisie had left to get Persephone cotton candy while Chris went to the restroom. He didn't dwell on it much at the time, just a fleeting glance during his meal. Yet, his memory served him well-this middle-aged woman was Maisie's mother! The puzzle lingered: Why was Maisie's mother there with Jodie?

Jodie noticed Chris. His looks were exceptional, but his eyes held a vigilant and icy demeanor akin to a wolf in the jungle. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively turned away from him. She found it risky, so she decided to leave first.

"Hey, where are you going?" Cindy grabbed her. "We'll be allowed in soon!"

"I'm not going."

"You-" Unable to tolerate Jodie's inconsistency, Cindy shouted, "That's your brother in there, enduring hardships. What's so hard about visiting him?!"

"Shut up!" Jodie glared, each word biting. "I've said it before: I have no relationship with you! Get lost!"

Cindy stumbled back from Jodie's push, and Jodie ran off without looking back.

Just as Cindy almost fell, Chris supported her from behind. "Ma'am, watch your step!"

Cindy didn't recognize him.

However, at a closer distance this time, Chris was 100% sure she was Maisie's mother, the same woman he saw at the hotel. "Ma'am, that was-"

Cindy lamented, pounding her chest, "Why is my life so bitter... My son is in rehab, and my daughter ignores me... My life is so miserable!"

Chris said nothing more. He handed Cindy over to the guards of the rehab center for her visit.

"Bro, I know you have a good heart," the director said in a lowered voice, "But keep your distance from such elderly women in the future. Don't rush to help. Otherwise, you might get into trouble if they decide to frame you!"

"Hey, I'm not scared of that."

"That lady just now." The director grimaced. "I remember her. She's a pro at throwing tantrums! Her son is in rehab here, and she offended Daniel from the Quimby Group... In short, avoid her if you see her in the future, got it?"

"And the girl just now, is she her daughter?"

"I'm not sure. I have never seen her before."

Chapter 1808

Chapter 1808

Chris nodded and waved goodbye.

Maisie was in the kitchen preparing a new dessert. She was at the final step, about to finish the whole thing.

The aroma wafting from the oven filled the entire small apartment, adding a touch of warmth to the place.

Daniel wasn't idle either. He was helping her tidy up the desk, organize her writing materials, and pour some kibbles into the small bowl in the corner of the living room.

Tigger perked up at the sound of dog food, waddling over with its chubby body, its trot making it wobble. It approached Daniel, nuzzling affectionately.

Daniel responded with a gentle pat on the head.

The little German Shepherd was just over a month old, a joint decision by him and Maisie during a visit to the pet store.

Back then.

They initially aimed for a cat, but fate intervened-Tigger's mother was on the verge of giving birth to puppies as they entered the store.

The shop owner, a kind-hearted elderly lady and an experienced veterinarian, asked Daniel and Maisie to wait for a moment. Before long, she successfully helped Tigger's mother give birth to five puppies. Curious, Maisie stepped forward to take a look.

At that moment, one of the puppies, still with closed eyes, stretched out a little paw toward her.

The old lady smiled. "Miss, having a pet is also about fate. Looks like you and this little fellow have quite a connection!"

That was how Daniel and Maisie brought that puppy home. It was born sturdier than its littermates, so they named it Tigger.

Tigger didn't disappoint. From the start, it had an enormous appetite, even as a puppy.

Daniel adored it, not just for its cuteness but also because having it gave him more reasons to spend the entire day there.

"Hey, Tigger, how tall will you grow?" After it finished eating, Daniel held its little paws, making it stand up. He chuckled. "You're a purebred German Shepherd, so you'll surely grow tall and strong. You've got to guard the house..."

He lowered his voice, speaking close to Tigger's little ear. "If any other guy dares to come in, just pounce and bite! Got it?"

Tigger looked at him with its beady black eyes, seeming to understand. It whimpered twice and wagged its tail before jumping into his arms.

Daniel chuckled even more.

Since the first time Maisie allowed him in, he had practically been visiting her small apartment daily, already considering it his own. He couldn't help but feel grateful he could finally step inside there not just inside but also raising a dog, especially such an understanding one like Tigger...

However, there was one thing Daniel lacked. Unlike Tigger, he couldn't stay overnight there. His mood dimmed a little after thinking of that, and he set Tigger aside.

Tigger obediently crouched beside him, whimpering at him.

Daniel tossed a ball for it to play with, and it happily scampered off.

Daniel felt a bit down, sitting dazedly on the couch and watching Maisie busy in the kitchen. He sighed helplessly.

Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of something on the sofa's armrest. He picked it up absentmindedly-was it a scarf?

Daniel paused before he tried it around his neck. It fitted perfectly!

Warmth surged through him instantly. It was definitely Maisie's handiwork. She was always skilled at these things. She used to knit sweaters and vests for him in the past, but he didn't appreciate her efforts back then.

Now... he couldn't afford to miss it again!

Daniel stood in front of the mirror, wearing the scarf, unable to suppress a smile.

Just then, Maisie came over from the kitchen with the freshly baked dessert.

Seeing Daniel in front of the mirror, she looked surprised.

After a moment, she asked softly, "What... What are you doing?"

Chapter 1809

Chapter 1809

Daniel turned around to walk to her, his gaze incredibly tender.

His voice was deep as he took her hand with a smile. "Maisie, it was all my fault before... I'm grateful that fate has given me another chance to cherish you."

Maisie's eyes widened in confusion. What was he talking about out of the blue?

She was about to reach for the thing around Daniel's neck when he grabbed her hand.

"Thank you, Maisie." He was moved. "This time, I'll cherish what you've given me. I won't lose it again."

Maisie was even more perplexed. She then saw him turn toward the mirror, stand straight, and smile happily.

"Well... this royal blue is bright and looks good. Although I've never tried this color, since it's from you, I'll definitely-" "Daniel!" Maisie interrupted him with an awkward smile. "I think you've misunderstood."

"Misunderstood? This isn't for me?"

Maisie was exasperated as she took the "scarf" off his neck. Tigger trotted over, and Maisie put the "scarf" around it...

Daniel's mind went blank.

"This is for him." Maisie chuckled. "It's not a scarf-it's for it to wear. It's still too small, and the floor is cold. I was afraid its belly would get cold lying on the floor, so..." Daniel froze in place as if he had been struck by lightning.

Maisie felt guilty, hastily saying, "If you like it, I'll knit one for you too!"

"Huh?" Daniel felt even more annoyed. Was he supposed to match with a dog now?

Maisie realized she had misspoken but didn't know how to backpedal. It didn't help that Daniel's expression was particularly amusing, too... Unable to contain herself, she giggled. Daniel, both exasperated and amused, hugged her. Just as he wanted to tease her a bit, she lost her balance, and they both fell on the couch.

The atmosphere became heated instantly.

Daniel felt a fire within him-he had to burn together with Maisie, who was under him... His hand rested on her waist, slowly moving downward. Maisie tensed up, her hands pressed against his sturdy chest, but his kisses were so intense that she couldn't breathe.

"Daniel..."

"I want you," he whispered in her ear. "Let's get married."

"No, don't be like this..."

Although they had reconciled, the scars hadn't completely disappeared. She still harbored a faint fear about that incident, afraid of falling back into the abyss. "You promised to give me time!"

"How much longer?" Daniel's voice was pleading. "Maisie, I'm not unwilling to wait, but..."

But he was anxious.

He was much older than her and might age ahead of her. What would he do if he couldn't be with her before he grew old?

Just then, Daniel felt something pulling at him. He was startled, turned around, and saw Tigger biting the leg of his pants!

Chapter 1810

Chapter 1810

"What's going on?" Daniel was speechless. "Tigger, look properly. It's me!"

Tigger didn't care who it was. Someone was bothering its mom, and it had to step up!

"Hey, Tigger, be good... Don't bite me!" Daniel had to get up from the couch, coaxing and scolding Tigger aside.

Maisie also got up, laughing so hard tears almost came out.

After calming Tigger, she offered Daniel a piece of the dessert.

"Well... consider this my apology?" Maisie smiled sweetly, slightly acting cute.

Daniel could only take a few deep breaths, forcing the fire inside him to extinguish quickly. He took a bite of the dessert. The aroma tantalized his taste buds, as enticing as the person in front of him. "Is it good?"

"Mm-hmm." He smiled. "Delicious."

"Then my recipe this time is a success!"

"Everything you make is delicious." He gently embraced her. "Maisie, what if... I don't leave today, okay?"

"Hmm?"

"I'll sleep outside with Tigger, bond with him! So, he won't bite me again."

Maisie laughed, feeling somewhat guilty. Leaning against his chest, she caressed his face. Despite being much older, she didn't see him as old.

"Don't sleep on the couch... There's a folding bed in my study. I'll cushion it thicker for you."

Daniel was stunned, but his delight lasted only three seconds before the doorbell rang.

Several people arrived-first were Chris and Lena, followed closely by Zuko and Lina with Persephone, then Toph, who immediately showed his drawings to Maisie.

Daniel was dumbfounded, recalling Nicholas' frequent curse words, and felt like muttering the same.

It was already past 8:00 p.m., and this group of night owls picked this time to arrive. Who knew how long they'd stay?!

He had finally earned the privilege to stay overnight, but he was unexpectedly not sabotaged by Tigger but by this group of little rascals!

"Hey, Uncle Daniel's here too!" Toph casually greeted. "Aunt Maisie, check out my drawings... Oh, there are snacks! Zuko, Sephy, come on. Let's eat!"

Everyone gathered around, and the dessert was quickly devoured.

Maisie was afraid there wouldn't be enough, so she went to the kitchen to bake more. As the dessert baked, the house filled with a pleasant aroma, and everyone sat in the living room, sipping warm chocolate and chatting away.

They talked about their fun experiences in Cumulus City these past few days, about Lina's bulging belly-only three months left until the due date, but she couldn't sit still, loving to travel around.

"I bet it's a boy!" Toph was a chatterbox, engaging in all topics.

Daniel sat alone in a gloomy mood. Just then, Toph pulled out a deck of cards, inviting him to play. He forced a smile, looking around-Lena was on Maisie's left, and Lina was on her right. In Maisie's arms was Persephone. There wasn't a spot for him at all.

Tigger hopped around among them, occasionally rubbing against Maisie's legs. Yeah, still doing better than him...

Daniel grimaced, reminding himself of his elder status and not to compete with the younger generation. Also, he was a human-no need to contend with a dog...

"Forget it." He smiled wryly. "I won't play cards. I'll go downstairs to buy snacks and drinks for you guys to enjoy!"

Toph jumped up, cheered, and beat his chest like a gorilla, amusing Persephone with giggles.

Daniel went out. Just as he reached downstairs, a voice called out from behind, "Uncle Daniel, wait!"

"What's up?" He turned around, seeing Chris.

"There's something I think I should tell you." Chris approached him, speaking softly. "Have you noticed anything odd about Jodie?"