Ch. 1831..1840

Chapter 1831

Chapter 1831

"W-What did you say?" Cindy's expression stiffened for a moment.

Jodie stabbed at the steak on her plate. Her fork froze mid-air, the desire to bring it to her mouth evaporating. Her appetite had vanished. What she craved wasn't the taste of the steak but the satisfaction of sinking her fork into Maisie's flesh, tearing it into pieces, and spitting it onto the ground.

Cindy's conscience lingered. "Jojo, taking someone's life... That's not right, is it? Besides, your brother already hurt her once. It's miraculous that she survived. You should..."

"Are you my mom or hers?" Jodie seethed with anger.

Cindy trembled, attempting to placate. "Of course, I'm your mom. You're my dear daughter!"

"Then help me with this!"

Cindy shrugged, hesitant to say more.

From their dining spot, they observed the hotel entrance across the street.

At that moment, Maisie, Daniel, and Wilfred emerged from the hotel.

The trio stood outside, conversing, each adorned with a radiant smile.

Maisie was close to Daniel, exuding petite delicacy. Wilfred shook hands with Daniel, both men possessing extraordinary grace.

Jodie was stupefied.

She witnessed Daniel's care for Maisie and detected a different look in Wilfred's eyes toward her. Suddenly, an intense surge of hatred enveloped her.

If everything hadn't gone awry 20 years ago, these three may now have been father-in-law, daughter, and son-in-law...

Jodie's lips quivered. Uncontrollable jealousy and hatred coiled around her like vines, binding her tightly.

Cindy glanced at the hotel entrance, then cautiously looked at her, asking softly, "Jojo, what's wrong? Has that girl been bothering you lately?" "No."

"Then why..."

"I just want her dead! Can't you understand?" Jodie gritted her teeth, her eyes red, looking terrifying.

"I... just... want her dead!" Each word came out deliberately.

Cindy was taken aback, remaining silent.

She gazed into the distance. Maisie was thriving, cherished and protected by Daniel. Perhaps no one in Cumulus City dared to oppose her. Moreover, Wilfred was her biological father. Even though it wasn't known now, the truth would eventually come out.

What would Jodie do then?

Having lived as a pampered heiress for over 20 years, could she accept the vast disparity if she returned to the slum-like family?

The only solution now was for Maisie to vanish from this world, and all troubles would be resolved...

Cindy took a sharp breath, gripping her trembling hands tightly together. After a while, she said slowly, "Fine, I'll help you get rid of her!"

Jodie snapped her eyes up.

"For you, I'm willing to do anything." Cindy smiled. "You're my daughter. Whoever you want me to eliminate, I'll listen to you!"

"You..."

Jodie choked. "Mom" lingered at the tip of her tongue for a long time, but she eventually swallowed it back. At the end of the day, she still despised this mother.

Cindy's eyes were full of expectation as she quietly watched her. However, her enthusiasm gradually faded after waiting for a long time and not hearing that word. "W-What were you about to say?"

"Nothing." Jodie turned her head away. "Just be careful when you eliminate her. Don't make it too obvious."

"Oh." Cindy awkwardly chuckled. "Don't worry, I won't attract attention. Maisie is sentimental. Although I don't treat her well, she listens to me. Lately, I've been showing concern for her, inviting her back home for meals. She'll definitely come."

"You're not planning to poison her, are you?"

Chapter 1832

Chapter 1832

"Of course, it's not instant poisoning." Cindy chuckled. "There's a kind of slow-acting poison. I'll give her a bit during meals, and over time, the poison will take effect in her body... They say even forensic experts find it hard to identify this poison!"

Jodie nodded without saying more, half skeptical. She didn't care what kind of poison was used. What she wanted was for Maisie to disappear from this world!

After seeing off Wilfred, Maisie gently hooked her arm around Daniel's, giving him a sweet smile.

Daniel affectionately pinched her nose.

"Someone once said I should learn to grow up, right?"

Daniel smiled without saying a word.

"So why did you follow me again?" Maisie's eyes twinkled.

"Well..." Daniel said honestly, "I can't rest assured letting you meet an older man alone."

Maisie playfully hit him, but the second time, Daniel held her fist. "Of course, I feel like contract details should be my responsibility, too, right?"

"Then how should I thank you?"

"You know what I want."

"Daniel, you..."

"Let's do this." Daniel didn't make it difficult for her, pointing at his own cheek.

Maisie smiled, tiptoed, and lightly kissed his cheek.

One kiss on the left wasn't enough. He also wanted one on the right-then the forehead, the tip of the nose, leaving no spot untouched. Finally... Maisie blushed slightly, glanced around, and teasingly gave him a peck on the lips.

"Is that all?"

"There are too many people here..."

"Oh, okay." Daniel's eyes curved as he smiled. "Then let's find a place with no one around. Show me your gratitude properly. How about that?" Maisie felt shy, reaching to hit Daniel, but he embraced her.

At that moment, two coughs came from behind them.

Daniel turned around, his subordinate looking embarrassed and hesitant. After a moment's thought, he asked Maisie to wait in the car for him.

"What's the matter?"

His subordinate said softly, "Mr. Quimby, Mr. Chris Hamerton and Ms. Harding are waiting in the hotel lobby to meet you."

"Arrange for them to go to my lounge." Daniel walked, instructing, "Regarding my meeting with them, don't mention it in front of Maisie. Understood?"

"Yes."

The subordinate led Daniel in.

As soon as Chris and Lena saw him, they got straight to the point. "Uncle Daniel, we've brought the results from the previous tests today."

"Good." Daniel nodded. "What were the results?"

Chris produced the test report with a serious look.

Lena spoke softly. "The results are peculiar. The three samples belong to Maisie, Jodie, and Delilah, but the results show that there's no blood relation among the three!"

"What?" Daniel was surprised.

"We all speculated that Jodie is not from the Newhouses." Chris continued. "So it's normal that she's not related to Delilah. But Maisie isn't Delilah's daughter either... Could our speculations have gone wrong?"

Chapter 1833

Chapter 1833

Daniel squinted, maintaining a contemplative silence for a moment.

Chris furrowed his brow. "Uncle Daniel, Lena and I are puzzled. What should our next move be?"

"Yeah." Lena nodded. "Or perhaps we should consider a different approach. Maybe Maisie isn't connected to the Newhouses?"

"She definitely is," Daniel asserted firmly, locking eyes with them. "No need to change our approach, but this test result did catch my attention. Maisie isn't Delilah's daughter, but she might be Wilfred's." Chris and Lena were visibly surprised.

"Uncle Daniel, have you uncovered something?"

"Not precisely," Daniel replied in a subdued tone. "I recently met Wilfred along with Maisie. It was the second time Wilfred encountered Maisie after the banquet. I just sensed that his gaze toward Maisie was noticeably different."

Chris bit his lip. "Um... Was it the gaze of an older man with inappropriate intentions toward a young-?"

Before he could finish his sentence, Lena jabbed him hard!

Daniel didn't mind and chuckled. "You're a man yourself, so why are you still so clueless? A man's gaze when he desires something from a woman is distinct from Wilfred's gaze."

Chris scratched his head, feeling embarrassed. He was indeed naive in this aspect.

"Alright, let's leave it at that for today." Daniel thanked both of them. "I'll need to contemplate our next steps."

After bidding farewell to the two, Daniel entered the car.

Maisie had been waiting and leaned against him as soon as he got in, softly asking, "Who were you talking to for so long?"

He teased her, "Guess? Was it another woman?"

Maisie pouted.

Daniel smiled and rested her head against his shoulder. "It was Chris and Lena coming to see me. It's their anniversary, and they wanted to use my amusement park."

"Oh."

Daniel paused for a moment and spoke softly. "Do you know about Zuko's mother, Cordelia?"

"Of course I do." Maisie chuckled. "When I was in Centrolis, Mrs. Hamerton helped me a lot. I've kept that in mind."

Daniel slowly revealed Cordelia's background.

"My sister mentioned that Cordelia had a difficult life before. The Jenners that raised her for 20 years weren't her real family. Her true identity was a lost pearl from Southeast Aciatic's Irwins, wandering outside..."

"Yeah, I've heard about it. It does sound quite like a fairy tale!"

Daniel looked at her quietly and asked, "If it were you, would you be happy?"

"Huh?" Maisie froze before she smiled after a moment. "You mean suddenly becoming a princess? How's that possible?! This wouldn't happen to me."

"Just what if?" Daniel smiled. "Like... what if your father's Wilfred?"

Maisie was a bit puzzled but thought seriously for a moment, showing a hint of envy. "That should be a very happy thing.

"I never had a father growing up, so I can't imagine what it feels like to have one," she said softly. "But I remember during school open days, when parents were invited to the school for activities, performances, games, and photos, I used to struggle... Everyone else had their parents there, but I'd just sit in a corner."

Maisie's voice trailed off, and Daniel hugged her, whispering in her ear, "That won't happen again."

Maisie didn't catch his meaning and smiled at him. "What are you saying? There won't be those activities anymore!"

Daniel smiled and remained silent.

Chapter 1834

Chapter 1834

In the future, he would go to any lengths to reunite her with Wilfred, restoring the father-daughter bond and ensuring she experienced the protective embrace of a father. "There will be these kinds of activities in the future." He chuckled. "I'm talking about our kids. They'll be very happy. I won't miss any school events of theirs."

Maisie was taken aback. "They?"

"Yeah." Daniel's hand circled her waist. "Let's have a few."

Maisie blushed and pushed him lightly, gesturing toward the driver upfront.

Daniel didn't mind. He coughed softly, and the driver immediately raised the partition.

"You..."

"Whatever we do now won't be affected, right?"

Daniel's finger threaded through Maisie's long hair. He cupped her face, planting a gentle kiss on her lips.

"Don't..." Maisie halted his further advances. "Not here."

Daniel's breath was slightly unsteady. "Not here? So, shall we find another place?"

Maisie kept her eyes down, feeling her heart racing.

Daniel focused on her with a smile. Then, in a tone that allowed no refusal, he softly said, "We'll go to my place-right now!"

Blushing, Maisie let him hold her hand. It had been long enough. Perhaps it was almost time to end his test...

She smiled shyly, feeling both nervous and a bit expectant as if she was back to the initial days when they were together.

However, Lily's call came through at that moment.

Daniel was exasperated. As he was about to take the phone and hang up, Maisie pushed his hand away and gestured for him to keep quiet.

"Lily, what's up?"

"It's fantastic news!" Lily was thrilled. "Mr. Newhouse has already sent the final investment contract, and the terms are highly favorable! I heard you both met? You finalized all these details?"

"Yeah."

"Maisie, you're a money-making machine for the company. Hahaha!"

Daniel could almost picture Lily's money-hungry expression through the phone, rolling his eyes helplessly.

"Come to the office now. Let's have a meeting to discuss the script. We should seize this opportunity and quickly finalize the outline and everything! You'll be busy, but don't worry. I've found some professors from the drama school. They'll help you revise the script together..."

Daniel was anxious, almost blurting out, "She's busy tonight!"

Maisie desperately covered his mouth as she glanced at him.

"Maisie, what's wrong?" Lily sensed something off. "Is everything okay there? Are you alone?"

"Oh, yes." Maisie was embarrassed. "Lily, I'm on my way. I'll be there soon!"

"Okay, I'll wait for you!" Lily smiled. "By the way, there's something strange I want to tell you... Delilah came to see me today. After the last unpleasant incident, I thought she wouldn't consider our company again. But she said she wants the final part of her serialized work to be published here... Do you think there's something fishy about it?"

Daniel heard this and furrowed his brow. He had to admit that he shared the same feeling as Lily.

Chapter 1835

Chapter 1835

Maisie paused, momentarily uncertain. She wasn't always quick to react to these situations, not quite understanding why.

"Lily, I'm not well-versed in this stuff, but why not talk to Rachael? She knows a lot; maybe you both can come up with something?"

"Ugh, forget it!" Lily sighed. "Rachael hasn't been focused on work lately. She's been taking frequent leaves! But... she's been dedicated to me for so many years, working tirelessly before with no complaints. Let her rest for a while!"

"Rachael doesn't usually take time off, right?" Maisie was puzzled. "Is there something bothering her lately?"

"What could it be? It's just because..." Lily's words trailed off.

It was because she favored Maisie so much that all the good resources flowed toward her. It wasn't a problem for the established authors under the company. However, Rachael had a few small authors under her, and they couldn't match these resources in terms of experience and capability. Yet, Rachael still wanted to try her best for them.

After Lily rejected Rachael several times, she started feeling jealous.

Lily took a deep breath and chuckled wryly. "Forget it. Let her be. If she rests for a while, she should be fine."

Maisie nodded, settled on a time and place to meet Lily, and hung up. Turning her head, she saw Daniel with a glower so dark it seemed he could squeeze ink out of it. She was exasperated.

"Is there anyone else in your heart now besides Lily?"

"Don't say that..."

Daniel crossed his arms, sporting a scowling pout.

"How about after I finish this busy period?"

Daniel remained silent.

Maisie gently leaned her head against his shoulder. She smiled and spoke as gently as a babbling brook. "After I finish this busy period, I'll buy you a ring. Will that do?"

"Nothing you buy me-" Daniel's words trailed off abruptly as realization hit him like a ton of bricks!

He looked at her in disbelief. "What did you say you'd... buy?"

Maisie chuckled. "A ring!"

"Maisie..."

"Who says rings can only be bought by men? Marriage is about two people."

Daniel stared at her blankly. The suddenness of her surprise rendered him speechless. His mind went blank, and a sweet feeling overflowed from his heart as if happiness was bursting out from his chest. "So..." he murmured after a while, "Are you really willing to marry me?"

Maisie leaned gently against his chest with her arms wrapped around him. The joy in her eyes was the best answer. "Okay." Daniel kissed her forehead, a fond smile gracing his lips. He said four words solemnly, "I will wait for you." Since she was willing to marry him, there was no rush about that matter.

Chapter 1836

Chapter 1836

Daniel also wanted to preserve the most beautiful moment for their actual wedding night.

"Oh, about Rachael that Lily mentioned earlier..." Daniel paused. "Is she the one who's always trailing behind her?"

"Yeah, that's her." Maisie nodded. "She's also a veteran in the company. She and Lily basically founded SL Publishing. When Lily isn't around, she's in charge of everything in the company." "Has she ever caused trouble for you?"

"How could she?" Maisie chuckled. "She's been really nice to me and helped me a lot."

"Then... between you and her, who does Lily treat better?"

The question momentarily stumped Maisie as she hadn't thought about it before.

Daniel's eyes narrowed slightly, and he chuckled. He had seen plenty of interpersonal relationship issues. Many partners could endure hardship together but couldn't share success. Sometimes, the involvement of others led to a rift between two people who once trusted each other, ultimately leading to a collapse in cooperation.

It wasn't just between women-the same was true for men. When it came to self-interest, there were no permanent friends.

Clearly, however, Maisie didn't understand these things.

Daniel patted her head. He was happy to protect her innocent and beautiful world, offering her a safe haven. Even if storms arrived, he would be there to face them with her.

"I think Rachael might not be that simple," he said solemnly. "Find a chance to remind Lily. She's a straightforward person with a passionate heart. She stands by anyone in need, but some people aren't worth her loyalty. With her personality, she's most susceptible to being used by those around her."

"Okay."

"And about Delilah..." Daniel sighed softly, his brow slightly furrowed. "I feel like her signing with SL Publishing might have been because of you. If you work together in the future, be a bit cautious around her." "I understand!" Maisie smiled.

Having an older person around was really nice. They could always provide guidance.

Lately, Maisie had been leaving home early and returning late. Even when she got back, she often stayed up discussing the script and storyline with the drama school teachers into the late hours of the night. Finally, their hard work paid off. In no time, the script started taking shape. Funds from Wilfred's side were also in place. The actors and director were almost finalized. With a few more revisions to the script, they'd be ready to start filming officially.

One day, while Maisie was at home sorting through documents, she suddenly received a call from Cindy.

Her heart skipped a beat at that name. Her initial thought was that Cindy was calling to ask for money again. The call kept ringing for a long time, but it seemed like Cindy was convinced she would answer and continued calling persistently.

Maisie eventually picked up. Right after saying "Mom", she heard Cindy's warm inquiries.

"Are you doing okay lately? You must take care of your safety living alone outside... By the way, I heard that the property management company for the place you bought might change soon. Are the new security guards reliable?"

Maisie's heart lurched, and she felt a pinch in her nose. In all her life, she couldn't recall Cindy ever saying anything warm to her.

Cindy's voice choked a bit. "Maisie, you can rest assured. I am not calling to ask you for money... I've been thinking a lot about when you were little, learning to walk and talk... You were so smart and obedient from a young age. You excelled at everything! Much better than your siblings."

Maisie replied lightly, "Is there anything else?"

"I... miss you."

As soon as she finished speaking, silence engulfed both ends of the phone.

Maisie felt irony. Cindy's motherly affection had arrived, albeit too late.

"I feel like I've let you down these years." Cindy's voice gradually lowered. "Maisie, when you're done with your work, come home for dinner, okay? I remember you love fish. I bought fresh carp from the market this morning. I'll cook it for you tonight. Okay?"

Chapter 1837

Chapter 1837

Maisie took a deep breath and said coldly, "I don't need it."

"Maisie "

"I've got work to do. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up," she said before Cindy could respond, then disconnected the call.

However, in the quietness of the late hours that night, Maisie tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She recalled how, from childhood to now, Cindy's warmth toward her felt like an act of charity, sparing only a tiny bit of warmth for her when neither Owen nor Nicole needed it.

She remembered being bullied at school, with no one at home standing up for her. Her classmates mocked her for being a child who was not cared for. She was met with a torrent of scolding when she went home and told Cindy about it. Cindy only ever blamed her for being troublesome.

She also recalled the first time she got her period. She was frightened and ran to Cindy in tears. Instead of comfort, Cindy's immediate reaction was, "Disgusting! Wash your stained clothes yourself!" Since then, she hadn't confided in Cindy about anything.

In such an environment, Maisie became timid, always trying to please everyone. When she met Daniel, she unconditionally complied, placing herself in a lowly position.

However, being gentle and submissive didn't bring her the happiness she sought.

As Maisie thought about it, tears streamed down her cheeks, dampening the pillow.

After that day, Cindy didn't give up. Instead, she showed more concern. She called Maisie every day, not mentioning money but chatting about trivial household matters. Sometimes, she even inquired about Maisie's relationship with Daniel "Is he treating you well? Is he serious this time? He won't abandon you like last time, will he?" Each time, Maisie responded briefly and hung up.

Yet, there was a victorious smile on Cindy's face. She knew that Maisie's biggest weakness was her soft heart and strong sentiments. If Maisie truly wanted to draw a line with her, would she still answer her calls?

As long as Maisie continued to pick up the phone, it indicated that the barrier in her heart was slowly crumbling!

Maisie lived in a neighborhood with elderly ladies around Cindy's age. They gathered every day, discussing mundane daily affairs.

They talked about which vegetables paired well, how to store food to prevent spoilage, whose child had grown taller, whose daughter-in-law was pregnant, whose old man had hidden extra money, whose housewife had been swindled into buying health supplements...

At times, these gossiping elderly ladies were irritating, but this common, down-to-earth atmosphere made Maisie often feel envious as she passed by them.

In Maisie's fantasies, she envisioned having a mother like that—someone who would accompany her through life, love her children like many mothers do, and sometimes have emotional outbursts.

When she grew old, she imagined her mother being like those gossiping elderly ladies, discussing neighborhood trivialities every day. Even after she got married, her mother would help her with the kids, complaining about the difficulties of parenting while secretly supplementing her with her retirement funds...

Maisie took a deep breath, feeling her eyes well up with tears again. She wiped her eyes and was about to head upstairs when a neighbor called out to her.

"Hey, Maisie!"

Maisie turned around and saw her neighbor coming over with a beaming smile. "I've noticed you've been leaving early and coming home late these days. Hard at work?"

"Yeah, not too bad," Maisie replied with a slight smile.

The woman lived next door and was quite caring. Whenever she made soup or something delicious, she often sent some over to Maisie.

Chapter 1838

Chapter 1838

"Are you going on a long trip?" Maisie glanced at the suitcase.

"Yeah!" The woman smiled embarrassedly and handed her a note with a series of numbers. "My daughter just had a baby! She lives far away from Cumulus City, so I have to go take care of her... So, here's an awkward request. Can you watch over my house for me?

"This is my home password. If you need anything, just go straight to my place!"

"I can watch over your house, no problem, but you don't have to share your password!" Maisie chuckled. "Congratulations on becoming a grandmother!"

Maisie's neighbor beamed. "I'm certainly happy about becoming a grandmother... But by leaving, I can't look after you anymore! I feel terrible..."

"Oh, come on." Maisie's heart warmed. "You've always taken care of me, and I'm grateful. No need for these formalities, really. You're making me feel awkward."

The neighbor squeezed Maisie's hand affectionately, her gaze full of maternal love.

"Oh, by the way..." She suddenly remembered. "I saw your mom around, right?"

"What?"

"She's been coming by these days! We even went shopping together at the supermarket yesterday."

Maisie froze, recalling the fresh fruits and vegetables occasionally left at her doorstep lately. She hadn't paid much attention, assuming it was from Daniel as he had done it before. So, that was it...

"Is there some tension between you and your mom?" The neighbor noticed the hints. "Maisie, no matter what, a mom is always a mom! Having your mom around while you're working hard outside is always good, right?"

Maisie felt a pang in her heart, an indescribable ache. She awkwardly smiled at the neighbor, exchanged a few pleasantries, and was about to enter her home when the elevator door opened.

Cindy stepped out, carrying two large bags, and froze in surprise upon seeing Maisie.

Cindy forced a smile. "Maisie... You came home? I thought you were working late, so..."

"So you buy things again to leave at my door?" Maisie said calmly, "I don't need you to buy things for me. You bought so much I can't finish it all by myself. It's wasteful."

"If you can't finish, I can come over to eat with you, okay?" Cindy tried to appease, stepping closer, but Maisie instinctively moved away.

"Maisie..." Cindy bit her lip, her eyes welling up. "I... just wanted to cook for you, take care of you for a while. I know I owe you a lot from when you were young, and I'm late in making up for it, but I really want to "

"Stop talking." Maisie turned away, feeling upset. "Mom, you don't owe me anything. Our relationship isn't like this because of one or two days. I'm fine. You don't need to come, especially to care for me."

"Maisie!"

Maisie didn't want to talk more with her. She turned and shut the door firmly. Right after that, however, she leaned against the door, squatting on the floor. She felt an excruciating pain in her heart as if countless insects were nibbling away at it.

"Maisie, I made some food for you and put it in the food container. It's at the door! All your favorites. Make sure to eat on time!" Cindy was still calling from outside.

Chapter 1839

Chapter 1839

After a while, Maisie heard the footsteps gradually fading away from the door. She regained her composure, opened the door, and found the two big bags and a food container left on the floor. "What's going on?" Daniel's voice suddenly sounded.

Maisie looked up with a somewhat lost expression on her face. After hesitating for a moment, she decided to take the items inside.

"Recently, I always thought it was you sending me food." She opened the fridge that was packed full of stuff. "But today, I found out that those items left at my door were actually from my mom." Daniel looked at her profile, which was tinged with a hint of sadness, feeling a pang in his heart. He hugged her, letting her lean against his chest.

He understood how much she yearned for her mother's love, but when that love arrived, she couldn't accept it.

Well, was belated maternal love still as precious?

Whether it were family, love, or friendship, if it didn't show up when needed the most, it was like a parachute that couldn't be opened in mid-air. Once missed, there was no need for it to reappear.

However...

Daniel cleared his throat. What if that "parachute" was wrong from the beginning?

He kissed her hair and said softly in her ear, "I know she's your mom, and you're reluctant to think badly of her... but I still want to remind you that excessive kindness can be deceitful. You need to be cautious with anyone and anything, understand?"

"Yeah, I understand." Maisie's mood was still low.

"Don't worry too much about her." Daniel cupped her face. "She raised you, but that's all it was, just 'raising'. She hasn't given you anything of value. Instead, she's constantly taking from you like a vampire. Such a person doesn't deserve the title of a mother."

"Mm..."

"Starting tomorrow, I'll assign more people to protect you, or I'll have a word with the security manager of this neighborhood. She won't be allowed to enter this area again!"

"Oh, please don't." Maisie tugged at him, looking a bit troubled. After a while, she said softly, "She... After all, she's my mother."

Daniel's heart sank. He wanted to tell her the truth, but until everything was clear, he believed she should know as little as possible.

He hinted, "Maisie, some people... don't deserve to be parents and don't deserve your respect or love."

"You don't have to worry about me." Maisie looked at him with a smile. "I won't do anything for that family anymore. Even though she's my mom, she can't control my future life. I'll set boundaries with them. "Although I don't understand why my mom suddenly started being so nice to me, I still want to have a good talk with her. I've fulfilled my duties to her and my brother, and I hope she won't disturb my life anymore."

Daniel was stunned for a moment. Countless words surged up within him, but in the end, he managed to only exhale an "Okay".

"Are you hungry?" Maisie smiled, looking at the food container on the table. "Even though I'm setting boundaries, let's not waste food, right?"

She walked over, opened the container, and found hot and delicious braised pork ribs inside that smelled absolutely mouthwatering.

Even Tigger was drawn by the aroma, wagging its tail as it bounced over. It stood on its hind legs and continuously pawed the air.

"Are you hungry too?" Maisie chuckled at it. "Alright, I'll feed you right away!"

Daniel laughed, patting the dog's head. "Looks like you've gained some weight, huh? And you still want to steal some ribs?"

Chapter 1840

Chapter 1840

This worked out fine anyway. He wasn't interested in the food Cindy made, and feeding it to the dog wouldn't be a waste.

Maisie picked out a few pieces of ribs and placed them in Tigger's dish. The little pup chomped away, looking especially content.

"Has your mom been cooking for you these days?"

"No," Maisie replied softly. "The last time she wanted me to go home for dinner, I declined. Since then, she's been constantly buying things and bringing them over. Today was the first time she brought this food container, saying... that if I don't want to go home, she'll just prepare and send food for me."

Daniel scoffed. "Does she know what you like to eat?"

Maisie shrugged helplessly but smiled.

Cindy really didn't know what she liked to eat. She preferred lighter flavors and couldn't stand the heavily flavored dishes. Plus, she was allergic to seafood, so she couldn't eat fish at all.

Owen loved ribs, and Nicole had a preference for fish. Cindy had forgotten about her since she was young.

"I'll take you out to eat." Daniel grabbed her hand and rubbed his nose against her forehead. "I know your taste. A few new chefs at the hotel specialize in the dishes you like." Maisie smiled back, her eyes brimming with happiness.

When they finished dinner and Daniel dropped Maisie off, she found Tigger lying listlessly on the floor as soon as she opened the door. It wasn't rushing out as usual, wagging its tail.

There were leftover bones in the dish and something sticky beside it...

"Tigger?" Maisie was alarmed and hurried over to pick it up.

Tigger whimpered twice, its shiny black eyes pitifully looking at her.

"It seems like it vomited this." Daniel frowned. "Did it eat too many ribs?"

"No!" Maisie was anxious. "Its appetite is usually good. This has never happened before!"

Without hesitation, Daniel promptly took her and Tigger to the veterinary hospital.

The test results came out quickly, and the vet informed them that there wasn't anything serious, just a case of food poisoning.

"This is the test report." The vet circled a few figures. "We found traces of lead in the dog's vomit, which is likely the cause of its sickness."

"Lead?" Both of them were stunned.

"Yes." The vet explained, "Some substandard dog food on the market exceeds the allowable limit of lead. Our hospital has recently seen a few cases of dogs falling ill from cheap dog food. So, we suggest buying pet food from reputable sources and avoiding these subpar products."

"But we "

Maisie was about to explain, but Daniel stopped her by holding her hand. She looked at him, and he could see shock and fright from her gaze.

Thankfully, Tigger wasn't severely affected and hadn't eaten much...

As they left the veterinary hospital, it was already late at night.

After receiving some fluids, Tigger was fast asleep in Maisie's arms.

Maisie held it with a heavy heart and a frown akin to a cloud of worry that was unable to dispel for a long time.

"Maisie." Before starting the car, Daniel caressed her hair.

"It's her..." Maisie's voice trembled. "Why would she do this? Does she... just hate me that much?!"