Ch. 1811..1820

Chapter 1811

Chapter 1811

"Odd?" Daniel narrowed his eyes. "What exactly do you mean?"

"Just... just a feeling I have," Chris said quietly. "Have you had any recent dealings with the Newhouse Group? If so, I suggest you take it slow."

Daniel looked at Chris. A special forces soldier's intuition was usually accurate. If Chris was mentioning a problem, it must be significant.

"Yes," he replied in a deep voice. "I have two collaborations with the Newhouse Group but haven't signed any agreements. I'm currently investigating them in secret."

Chris was taken aback. "Uncle Daniel, you suspect..."

"I suspect irregular financial transactions within the Newhouse Group, not specifically Jodie. Why do you feel something's off about her?"

Chris organized his thoughts and summarized his previous encounter with Jodie, as well as her being with Maisie's mother.

"She's a wealthy heiress. Why would she be with Maisie's mom and even appear at the rehab center at the same time? Isn't that strange?" Chris spoke frankly. "That day, I happened to visit my comrade, and later, I asked him about them. My comrade said... the name they registered to visit was Owen Squire!"

"Jodie visiting Owen?" Daniel found it incredulous.

"Yeah, that's what I can't figure out. What's the connection between them?"

Daniel fell silent, his expression even more somber than before.

He patted Chris's shoulder, thanked him for the information, and asked him to go upstairs first. Then he stood downstairs, smoking.

His mind was scattered, filled with scenes since he met Maisie.

She had nothing, willing to sell herself to him for her family's sake. She was willing to sacrifice everything for her family, but how did her family treat her in return?

Cindy saw her as a cash cow, showing her no care from childhood. As for Owen, his vices included everything, and he had caused her to miscarry for money, pushing her into the abyss.

Only Nicole treated her slightly better, but that kindness was tinged with weakness. If Nicole couldn't even protect herself, how could she protect her?

Maisie had grown up in such an environment yet remained resilient and optimistic. Even when pushed into the mud, she managed to crawl out unyielding time after time.

Was she truly related to them? Hadn't she herself said, "Sometimes, I really wonder if I'm truly my mother's birth daughter!"

Daniel's heart clenched, his finger slightly burned by the cigarette. He suddenly snapped out of his thoughts and hurriedly extinguished the cigarette.

After everyone left, Daniel went upstairs alone.

Maisie was tidying up in the kitchen. Seeing him, she first looked worried and then huffed a laugh.

"Where did you go?" she called out to him. "Look at how many times I called you!"

Only then did Daniel take out his phone. It was on silent. During the time he had been standing downstairs smoking, Maisie had called him more than ten times. "Daniel!" Maisie pinched his cheek. "Did you go to the other side of the world to buy snacks?"

Also, where were the snacks? He came back empty-handed!

Daniel looked apologetic, chuckling, as he embraced her.

Maisie had already set up a bed for him in the study.

Tigger seemed puzzled by his overnight stay, whining persistently at first. After a while, it got used to it, refusing to sleep in its own bed and insisting on sleeping on its dad's lap. With a few books in her hands, Maisie turned to close the door for him.

"This late, and you're still planning to read?" Daniel asked.

"I want to write my new book soon, so I need a little more reading for inspiration." She smiled. "Also, Toph just brought these sketches. I need to take a look."

Chapter 1812

Chapter 1812

Daniel couldn't sleep anyway, so he left Tigger and joined her in the living room to go through things together. "How do you find the sketches?"

"Hmm..." Maisie finished going through all of them and pointed to one. "Only this one seems most fitting!"

It was the pivotal scene in the book, where the female lead, though in a delirious state, still loved that man.

"Though the female lead is mentally unclear, her heart holds love. This sketch captures her gaze with tenderness. I like it! This is how it should be."

Daniel paused. Though not an art enthusiast, he could tell this sketch was distinctly different from the others. If his guess was right, the rest seemed to be drawn by Toph, except this one, which appeared to be Harvey's work.

He wasn't sure how to express the complex emotions stirring within him. However, his eyes welled up slightly by seeing Maisie facing their unpleasant past so openly and hearing her say she still held love in her heart.

"Daniel, what's wrong?" Maisie turned to look at him.

Afraid of showing his vulnerable side, he forced a smile. "Nothing. All the sketches are good."

"Yeah, Toph's a bigshot in this field. If he's drawing, I'm at ease!"

Daniel hesitated before asking, "Oh, by the way, Maisie, Have you... been back home recently?"

Maisie halted. The word "home" always brought a pang to her heart.

"What home do I have left?" She chuckled bitterly. "Ever since Owen went to rehab, my mom sees me as an enemy. She never considers how much I've suffered and only cares about her son... I don't want to go back to that place anymore. And now I have the ability to create a home for myself, to live a good life!"

"Have you visited Owen then?"

Maisie paused slightly, then shook her head gently. "Your daughter died because of him. Would you be so kind as to visit him in rehab?"

Daniel held her hand, thumb gently rubbing it.

"Why are you suddenly asking me these things?"

"Oh..." He stammered, making up a reason, "I-It's just, a few days ago, I received a call from the rehab center saying Owen needed some medication."

Maisie asked, as he had expected, "Has his old illness relapsed?"

"Seems like it." Daniel observed her. "What... illness did he have before?"

Back when Maisie was with him, it was primarily to help Owen's illness. Daniel would send Cindy a monthly sum for treatment at that time and ask his subordinate to arrange the best hospitals and doctors for them. He had never asked about Owen's illness and wasn't interested.

Now, he felt this might be a breakthrough.

"It's diabetes," Maisie said softly. "My mom and Nicole also have it. They need insulin shots. It's just that Owen's diabetes is more severe. It's Type 2..."

"With his condition, how dare he do drugs?" Daniel widened his eyes. "Isn't that just seeking death?"

Maisie smiled bitterly. Perhaps the mindset of a gambler or an addict was to live for the moment, not considering life or death.

"Since everyone in your family has this illness, do you have it too?"

"I'm considered lucky." She looked up at him. "I'm the only healthy one in our family."

Chapter 1813

Chapter 1813

"I see." Daniel's expression shifted when a thought suddenly struck him.

He spent the night with Maisie, sorting through the plot and the sketches. By the time he returned to the study, Tigger was already fast asleep on his blanket. He chuckled softly, nudging Tigger aside, but tossed and turned in bed.

Maisie's words, "I'm the only healthy one in our family", echoed in his mind.

A sudden thought flashed through his mind-could Jodie not be the real heiress of the Newhouses? Could it be someone else?

Daniel arranged to meet with Chris and Lena at the five-star hotel under the Quimby Group on that particular day.

"Uncle Daniel, you're being too nice! You've already treated us. Why again today?"

Daniel was taken aback. Who else, if not Toph, had such carefree laughter?

Chris and Lena exchanged smiles, apologizing, "Zuko is with his family, so he sticks with us!"

"What?! You're making it sound like I'm a single guy..." Toph was upset. "I'm married too, you know?"

Daniel smiled. "Since you're here, I'll make sure to host properly. Toph, they've added some new dishes to the buffet here. You should take a look." "Alright!"

Once Toph was out of earshot, Chris asked in a hushed tone, "Uncle Daniel, did you invite us here for something specific?"

"Yeah." Daniel smiled as talking to sharp-minded folks was effortless. "Chris, you probably told Lena about that incident, right?"

Chris immediately caught on. Daniel was referring to the event at the rehab center. He nodded and looked at Lena.

"Lena is no stranger, and she's sharp. It's good she knows," Daniel said softly. "So, I wanted to share my thoughts today and get your opinion."

"Go ahead!"

"I suspect that Jodie isn't from the Newhouses."

Daniel's voice was low, but he didn't finish the second half-he also suspected that the real heiress of the Newhouses was elsewhere, writing in that small apartment!

Chris and Lena exchanged glances.

After a moment of silence, Lena replied, "I strongly agree with your judgment."

Daniel looked up in slight surprise.

Lena calmly analyzed, "When Chris mentioned it to me, I already felt something was off. Someone of Jodie's status shouldn't have any connection with Maisie's mother and brother. Their meeting only indicates one possibility that there's some kind of relationship between them."

"That day at the rehab center, I personally saw Jodie pushing Maisie's mother." Chris continued. "One is lucky to have escaped without being blackmailed around an old lady who's shoved, yet Maisie's mother didn't pursue it, just kept saying how miserable her life was... Perhaps she's unable to voice her suffering because her own daughter pushed her?"

Daniel's eyes lit up. "So, we're on the same page!"

"We don't know where the real Newhouse heiress is," Lena said. "But this current Ms. Newhouse is definitely worth investigating."

Daniel nodded and then smiled at Lena. "I'm afraid I might need your help with this matter."

"What? Me?"

Chapter 1814

Chapter 1814

Daniel hadn't even had a chance to explain when Toph returned excitedly with two large plates of food. "Wow, these are all my favorites! Uncle Daniel, this hotel is amazing! By the way, can I stay here for a few nights? I want to try the late-night snacks!"

"Stay as long as you like." Daniel chuckled. "I only thought of having you all over at home for safety and comfort, so I didn't consider the hotel. If you like it, I'll arrange it."

"Thank you, thank you!"

Except for Toph, who was fully engrossed in eating, the other three exchanged glances, halting the previous conversation with an unspoken understanding.

"Hmm?" Chris noticed Toph's sketchbook and casually picked it up. "You're really dedicated now, carrying it everywhere!"

"It's the professional ethics of an illustrator." Toph puffed his cheeks. "Inspiration strikes at any moment. I have to jot it down. When I see something beautiful, be it a person or scenery, I have to record it as a reference."

"Not bad." Daniel smiled lightly, flipping through it and surprisingly finding a portrait of Maisie inside.

"This one is the female lead!" Toph explained, "I used Aunt Maisie's image as a reference for the female lead, with some modifications... The male lead hasn't appeared in these sketches yet, and I'm having trouble figuring out how to draw him."

Toph's eyes lit up suddenly. "Oh, Uncle Daniel! How about I draw you as the male lead?"

With that, he immediately set down his cutlery, grabbed a brush from his bag, and began sketching.

An artist's dedication seemed to radiate its own aura. Toph, who was sketching in the buffet, attracted quite a few admiring looks from the girls. However, he was focused.

A rough sketch was completed in no time, capturing Daniel's features vividly.

"Oh, not bad!" It was the first time Chris had seen Toph draw live. He teased, "If you set up a stall on the street for portraits, you'd earn ten bucks a sketch, right?"

"Come on!"

"How about I introduce you to my police friends? You could help draw wanted criminals for them?"

"Hehe, don't underestimate me!" Toph squinted. "I actually helped Lina out with a portrait before!"

"What?"

"Back then, nobody knew that Lina was the missing Pammy from the Thompsons, but I figured it out! Because when I drew her, she was just like Aunt Linda. Their features are quite similar!" "Is that so?" Daniel froze. "Then... have you drawn Harvey?"

"I have, but it was a long time ago," Toph said. "We met at an art exhibition, and we drew each other's portraits as a keepsake."

Daniel asked again, "What about Jodie?"

"Nope." Toph scratched his head. "Uncle Daniel, do you want me to draw her? Why ask all of a sudden?"

"Nothing much." Daniel shrugged calmly. "I'm planning to facilitate cooperation with the Newhouse Group, and I want to express my appreciation. Ordinary gifts lack novelty, so I thought... if I could have a family portrait drawn, that would be more creative."

"Uncle Daniel, are you suggesting I draw it?" Toph patted his chest. "Rest assured. I've got this!"

"Thank you." Daniel nodded, smiling slightly. "They have some good drinks over there. You should give them a try."

Toph happily dashed off, leaving the three of them at the table.

Daniel's gaze shifted to Lena.

Lena understood instantly and smiled, saying, "Toph has his task already, so it's my turn now. How may I be of help, Uncle Daniel?"

Chapter 1815

Chapter 1815

Chris held Lena's hand and chuckled. "If you need my help, count me in!"

"The part where I need you has yet to come." Daniel smiled and looked at Lena. "The security of the Newhouses is renowned. From what I know, 1/3 of their family income goes into security."

"Oh?" Lena chuckled wryly. "Maybe it's a rich people's woe, having too much money and worrying about being targeted. So, they hire more bodyguards."

"Exactly. They're not just afraid of being targeted for money but also for their safety, especially Mrs. Newhouse."

Daniel's gaze was cryptic. "Mrs. Newhouse always has female bodyguards around her, and the Newhouses are currently seeking a reliable person to train these female guards. I hope... that person is you." Lena paused, then nodded. "I understand."

She turned to Chris, smiling gently. "This needs Mr. Hamerton's help! If someone from the Hamertons recommends, the Newhouses won't refuse."

"Naturally." Daniel smiled. "Once you're in the Newhouses, keep an eye on Jodie's every move for me."

"

As Lena mentioned, things progressed quite smoothly. The Newhouses didn't want to offend the influential Hamertons of Centrolis over such matters. Moreover, with recommendations from Zuko, Toph, and Chris, the Newhouses readily agreed.

However, Jodie was somewhat reluctant. It was just that she had no choice with her father insisting.

After Lena entered the Newhouses, she secretly observed Jodie's every move. She was naturally astute, and this minor task required minimal effort.

Yet, no concrete evidence was proving that Jodie wasn't biologically a Newhouse.

Maisie and Lily were at a cafe, enjoying the sunshine and afternoon tea while discussing sketches.

Seeing Maisie's interest in a few sketches, Lily chuckled and asked, "These are all drawn by Harvey, right? Do you feel his drawings are more to your liking?"

"Yes," Maisie replied frankly. "Toph's artistry is impeccable, but it always feels like something's missing."

"It's that missing touch," Lily agreed. "In artistic works, it's not about technique but emotions. When everyone's technique is almost the same, it's about who wins at the emotional level!" Maisie sighed. "Unfortunately, his mental state isn't great-"

"Ah, who's talking about my son behind his back?"

Suddenly, a voice intervened.

Maisie's heart skipped a beat. She quickly stood up to see a woman dressed elegantly with a faint smirk.

Maisie furrowed her brow, feeling a sense of familiarity.

As the woman approached them, Lily promptly introduced her formally to Maisie.

"Mrs. Newhouse, hello! This is Maisie Squire, a newly signed author and the latest best-selling writer! Maisie, this is Mrs. Newhouse, also..."

"Delilah Roper," Delilah said confidently. "Compared to Mrs. Newhouse, I prefer my own name!"

Realization struck Maisie. It was no wonder she looked familiar. She was Delilah Roper, a highly acclaimed author in the literary world. Her pictures were often in bookstores. Delilah's works were a lifeline in the declining book market, always sold out upon release.

With over 20 years of writing and numerous awards, she wasn't just a writer but also an outstanding screenwriter. She adapted many literary films.

Maisie nodded respectfully. As a newly listed best-selling author, she felt small in the presence of such a heavyweight in the industry.

Chapter 1816

Chapter 1816

"So, you're the great author who managed to convince my son to draw illustrations?" Delilah raised her tone, particularly emphasizing "the great author" and causing Maisie to blush a bit. "You're too kind, Ms. Roper," Maisie replied softly. "The collaboration with Mr. Harvery was purely coincidental."

"Harvey never draws for anyone," Delilah said. "His dream is to hold a world tour exhibition. Drawing illustrations is a small matter he doesn't bother with. But the fact that he's willing to draw for you indeed surprised me!"

Maisie lowered her head and discreetly observed Delilah.

Delilah exuded elegance, meticulously dressed from head to toe. Every strand of her hair radiated luxury. Despite her smiling face, her gaze remained cold and discerning.

Maisie didn't understand why she was being scrutinized like this on their first meeting.

Feeling uncomfortable under Delilah's intense gaze, she poured some coffee for her and respectfully pushed it toward her. "Please, have some."

Delilah sneered. "Is this how you always serve people?"

Maisie was stunned.

"No wonder Daniel can't do without you!"

Maisie's expression changed, and Lily patted her hand, signaling her.

"Ms. Roper, that's not fair to say," Lily remarked. "Feelings aren't something you can make out just by 'serving'. When Maisie poured coffee for you, it was entirely out of respect for you. If you don't appreciate it I don't know how else to 'serve' you!"

Delilah scoffed and chuckled after a moment. "It's rumored that you specially favor Ms. Squire, Ms. Reyes. Today, I see it's true?"

"I can only say I'm a good boss, protective of all my employees!"

"Perhaps different employees have different treatments." Delilah looked at her. "Some people grovel, naturally pleasing the boss. I've seen many like that!"

With every sentence, it felt like she was wielding a thorn, especially when she looked at Maisie.

"Groveling isn't a long-term plan. Women should be strong on their own. Isn't that right, Ms. Squire?"

Lily wanted to say something, but Maisie gently stopped her. She took a deep breath, smiled, and met Delilah's gaze.

Delilah was a bit surprised. She had been assertive her whole life, and not many dared to meet her eyes, especially with such gentle power in this pair.

"Ms. Roper, you misunderstand. I haven't groveled in front of anyone, including Daniel. I've done many things for him because I love him. Women should be strong, but alongside strength, they shouldn't lose their inherent gentleness. Wouldn't you agree, Ms. Roper?"

Delilah was taken aback, struggling to maintain her demeanor. "Quite the talker. Ms. Reyes, you signed a good writer, huh?"

"I'd love to sign a great author like you, but my place is small, and I'm afraid it won't meet your standards!"

Delilah chuckled and slowly brought the coffee cup to her lips. When she lifted her eyes, Maisie met her gaze, feeling an inexplicable shiver.

After Delilah left, Lily rolled her eyes at her departing figure, sneering. "I asked a friend to invite her to expand your social circle. Didn't expect the 'great author' to have such a temper! I won't sign someone like her!

"Maisie, just consider what she said as nonsense. Ignore her!"

Maisie chuckled but couldn't shake off Delilah's piercing gaze.

Chapter 1817

Chapter 1817

Later, Maisie recounted her encounter with Delilah to Daniel.

Daniel frowned. "She... was that arrogant?"

That meeting had been arranged at his request through Lily. Beyond assisting Maisie in expanding her network, there was a more critical motive-he aimed to verify his suspicion that Maisie could truly be the Newhouses' biological daughter!

The conclusion of the meeting took an unexpectedly unpleasant turn.

"I wasn't impressed with her. She spoke quite harshly," Maisie honestly admitted. "Although... Maybe she didn't form a favorable opinion of me either! Well, someone in her position as a renowned author wouldn't necessarily be very approachable, right?"

Daniel found it puzzling. Shouldn't there be a natural connection between blood relatives?

"It's alright," he reassured with a light smile. "Familiarity breeds comfort. Meeting a few more times will help build a rapport."

"Huh? I have to meet her again? I don't want to!" Maisie protested.

"Talented people often have peculiar personalities." Daniel held her hand, suddenly pondering. "What do you think... of her compared to your mom?"

"What?" Maisie was taken aback. "Of course, my mom is much kinder! Even though she doesn't care much about me, she raised me for so long. We've been family for over 20 years! That author lady, I've only met her once, and it ended so unpleasantly. How can she be compared to my mom?"

"I just wanted to know which kind of mother is better."

"Neither is good." Maisie smiled helplessly. "My mom favors boys over girls, and Ms. Roper has a sarcastic temperament. Neither of them is better than the other. I think it must have been quite challenging for the Newhouse siblings. Ms. Roper seems like the type who asserts her decisions—she must be dominant at home."

"Right." Daniel nodded, lowering his voice. "Children are better off with a gentle mother. Our future child will be lucky to have a mother like you."

He wrapped his arms around her from behind, his hand resting on her abdomen.

Maisie shivered slightly, feeling warmth from his touch throughout her body. She felt his hurried breath, and the air around them turned warm and suggestive.

"Let's... have another baby, okay?"

Maisie's heart raced. She gently pushed his hand away, but it was futile.

"I've been wrong in the past." Daniel kissed her reddened ear. "I know Curtisa holds a place in your heart that no one can replace. But we can't dwell in the past forever, can we? If she's connected to us, she must want her parents to have another healthy child..."

"But, Daniel, the doctors said..."

"The doctors only mentioned a low chance of pregnancy, not a complete lack of hope."

Maisie turned around. She was the only one in Daniel's clear eyes.

She wasn't lingering in the past and had been genuinely moved by Daniel's companionship from Centrolis to Cumulus City. However, she wasn't sure if now was the best time. Having been hurt once, she was reluctant to easily entrust herself and her heart again.

"Maisie, I'll always be good to you." Daniel gently kissed her hair, then her cheek, lightly to her soft lips. His breath grew more rapid. "Trust me and give yourself to me, okay?" Maisie blushed, lowering her head and not daring to look at him. Just as Daniel took it as silent consent and was about to unbutton her-

There came the sound of a beeping password lock suddenly!

Daniel was startled, his hand frozen in mid-air.

Then, Tigger barked and wagged his tail, running toward someone...

It was none other than Lena!

Chapter 1818

Chapter 1818

Maisie was startled and flushed with embarrassment, quickly putting some space between herself and Daniel.

Lena caught sight of the scene and felt a tad awkward. She smiled wryly, paused momentarily, and then placed the dog food on the floor.

"I-I'm here to bring Tigger food..." Lena chuckled. "I didn't expect both of you to be home."

Daniel looked utterly puzzled, unable to make sense of the situation.

Taking a deep breath, Maisie softly explained, "I gave the password to Lena... I'm often not at home when things get busy, and I was worried Tigger won't have anyone to take care of him, so... I asked her to look after him."

"Yes, yes!" Lena chuckled. "Uncle Daniel, I thought Aunt Maisie would still be at the publishing company proofreading manuscripts at this time, so..."

Daniel's glower was so dark it could produce a gallon of ink. With great effort, he had finally gotten Tigger to another room, so close to the successful completion of something important, and almost there with Maisie...

And then, Lena popped up out of nowhere?

"Uh, Lena, please make yourself comfortable!" Maisie hurriedly diffused the awkwardness. "I'll go cut some fruits for you!"

She turned and entered the kitchen.

Lena and Daniel glanced at each other, then sat at opposite ends of the couch, not saying a word for a while.

Spoiling someone's plan like this was a first for Lena. The more she recalled that scene just now, the more she wished she could dig a hole and hide in it!

"Lena," Daniel suddenly called out.

Lena was startled and sat up straight. "Yes, Uncle Daniel?"

"Don't you have anything to tell me?"

Lena immediately moved closer, lowering her voice. "During my time at the Newhouses, I discovered something."

"What?"

"Something's off with Jodie." Lena's articulation was organized. "I observed her, and although her outings are quite regular, she leaves the company and goes to a rehab center every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m." "You've been following her?"

"Of course not." Lena chuckled softly. "I'm tasked with training the female bodyguards of the Newhouses. I can't follow her constantly. This information came from Chris' former comrade, the rehab center director. Jodie goes to the rehab center, registers under Maisie's name, and visits Owen."

Daniel frowned and couldn't help but smirk after thinking for a while. It seemed the situation was getting more and more interesting.

"However, I've only been at the Newhouses for two weeks," Lena said. "I don't know if I just happened to see Jodie these two times or if she does have such a routine."

"It's most likely true." Daniel became even more convinced of his thoughts. Although he didn't know if Maisie was Delilah's daughter, he was certain that Jodie must be Cindy's daughter!

Lena continued. "I sneaked into Jodie's room and found a syringe under her bed, probably something she hadn't had time to tidy up. I discreetly took it out and had it tested. The residue in the syringe tested positive for insulin!"

"That's exactly right!" Daniel gritted his teeth. "Owen, Nicole, and even Cindy-they all have diabetes. Jodie has it, too... They're good at this deceitful game!"

"Uncle Daniel, what should I do next?"

Daniel chuckled. "Simple. To prove that Jodie isn't the heiress of the Newhouses, all we need is a DNA test!"

Chapter 1819

Chapter 1819

Lena understood immediately. "Hmm, getting Jodie's hair or something like that is very easy. And among the people I'm training, two are Mrs. Newhouse's personal bodyguards. It wouldn't be difficult to get something from them."

Daniel smiled in approval, then picked up Tigger and rubbed its tiny ears.

Tigger whimpered at the same time Maisie walked out of the kitchen with fruits. Seeing Daniel 'torture' Tigger, she slapped his hand lightly.

"Don't rub it so hard. He's still a baby!"

Daniel silently put down Tigger, looking completely helpless.

"What were you two talking about just now?" Maisie smiled, sitting next to Lena.

Lena wasn't good at lying and was hesitating whether to tell the whole truth when Daniel preempted, "We were talking about this year's Arts Gala."

"Hmm?"

"It's an annual event in Cumulus City." He chuckled lightly.

The Arts Gala had always been sponsored and organized by the Quimby Group, and other prominent families from Cumulus City also participated. All of them would be attending by then. Many bigshots from the literary and artistic circles would be present at this gala, not to mention some from the entertainment industry. It was a glamorous and lively event, rightly called a gala. "This time, we can even invite the three Hamerton heirs, which is unprecedented!" Daniel smiled. "So, the scale will be exceptionally grand."

Maisie nodded, recalling the invitation she had seen on Lily's desk a few days ago. "So... Lily's also an invited guest?"

"Yes," Daniel said. "The Reyes family is one of the co-organizers, so she will have to attend."

"Oh..."

Daniel held her hand and said softly, "Come with me."

"Me?" Maisie shook her head in a flurry. "All those high-profile figures will be there. Won't I just embarrass myself?" Daniel smiled. "Then let me take you to the top of this pyramid. You can see who's at the pinnacle. How about that?"

Sometime later, the Arts Gala took place as scheduled. As Daniel had said, it was an unprecedentedly grand event. The banquet was filled with guests, the entire hall splendid and dazzling.

The three Hamerton heirs became the center of attention.

Zuko and his family attracted a lot of attention. Many people who wanted to curry favor with the Hamertons gathered around them, making the little princess, Persephone, sulk. She thought this gala would be fun, with food, drinks, and games, but it turned out to be similar to the banquets she attended in Centrolis, even more boring if anything!

Chris and Lena were relatively low-key. They utilized their advantages as a special forces soldier and sniper-found a perfect hidden spot, got enough food and drinks, and relaxed comfortably there.

Toph, being the social butterfly he was, got along with the bigshots within a short time. He managed to score deals for his studio and flashed his ring on his ring finger whenever girls tried to hit on him. "Sorry, I'm married!"

As the host, Daniel was the target of everyone's attention. He held Maisie's hand throughout, navigating her through the crowd and entertaining guests while also thoughtfully adjusting her shawl and gently holding her waist.

No woman could get close to him. Both physically and emotionally, he was filled with thoughts of one woman.

After chatting with a few guests once again, Maisie moved her ankle slightly, looking a bit tired.

"Not feeling well?" Daniel asked in a low voice.

"No." She smiled. "It's just standing too long in high heels-sore back and legs..."

Chapter 1820

Chapter 1820

"I'll go get you a pair of flats to change into," Daniel offered.

"No, thanks!" She quickly grabbed him. With today's dress, high heels were the perfect match! "Don't worry. I can endure it."

"Okay then." Daniel teased, "I'll take you home after this. If you can't walk, I can carry you to bed..."

Maisie blushed and pinched him hard, making him burst into laughter.

It was then Daniel's assistant approached quietly and said something to him.

Daniel nodded and turned to Maisie. "Let's go. I'll introduce you to someone."

"What?"

He didn't answer, just took her hand and led her to a middle-aged man.

Maisie was a bit puzzled. The man was talking to someone with his back turned to them. He stood upright, maintaining an elegant posture. His voice was loud and charismatic while conversing with others. As he turned around, Maisie got a clear view of his face. Despite being middle-aged, he was still graceful, with a few strands of white hair at his temples, not making him seem old but adding to his charm. "Mr. Quimby!" He warmly shook Daniel's hand.

Daniel gently put his arm around Maisie's shoulder. "Mr. Newhouse, this is my fiancee, Maisie Squire. Maisie, this is Harvey's father, Mr. Wilfred Newhouse."

In the split second their eyes met, Wilfred suddenly froze, his gaze lingering on Maisie's face for a while. It wasn't until Daniel cleared his throat twice that he withdrew his gaze, awkwardly forcing a smile. Daniel smiled. "Mr. Newhouse, my fiancee is also a writer, and her book has recently been on the bestseller list."

"Oh..." Wilfred snapped back. "Yes, I've heard about it. Ms. Squire is young and talented, with a promising future."

"You're too kind, Mr. Newhouse," Maisie politely replied. "I know my qualifications aren't enough to attend this grand event. If it weren't for Daniel, I wouldn't have the chance to meet you and so many outstanding seniors."

Wilfred smiled, his gaze seeming to hold something different.

"Wilfred!" Suddenly, a voice came from nearby. "Oh, you just can't take your eyes off whenever you see a beautiful young girl, can you?"

Maisie was stunned and turned toward the voice, only to find Delilah in front of her.

Delilah was exceptionally glamorous today, wearing a golden dress with a matching shawl. She stood out even among female celebrities.

Delilah's gaze wasn't very friendly, and a hint of mockery accompanied her smile. She glanced at Daniel, then at Maisie. "Just a joke. Ms. Squire won't take offense, will you?" Maisie frowned but didn't respond.

"Ms. Squire is gorgeous," Delilah said with a smile, "Men can't take their eyes off her, especially the older ones. Isn't that right, Wilfred?"

"You..." Wilfred glared at her, shooting her a look to say that Daniel was just beside them. "What nonsense are you spouting?!" However, Delilah wasn't buying it.

"Youth is indeed beautiful! People like us are past our prime. No matter how flashy we dress, who would even look at us? "Ms. Squire, you should pay more attention to maintenance. Otherwise, when you reach my age, it'll be too late to regret!"