Ch. 1851..1860

Chapter 1851

Chapter 1851

Daniel took Maisie to visit Whitney.

Maisie stood on the deck, relishing the caress of the sea breeze. Seagulls soared in the sky, the sun casting its brilliance upon the sea like shimmering diamonds. The atmosphere was soft and gentle, akin to the feeling one experienced in a dream.

As Maisie stretched her back, Daniel embraced her from behind. She blushed and gently pushed his chest.

The bodyguards near the bow wisely averted their gazes.

"How's the scenery?" he asked gently.

Maisie smiled and nodded. "I love it."

"This is the Kinglakes' private sea territory. My aunt resides on the island, taking the boat wherever she goes."

Maisie listened quietly and smiled. The true artist, it seemed, cared little for worldly things, living in a place secluded from the bustle of society.

The Kinglakes' influential background surpassed her imagination. They were more than a mere affluent family-they owned a private sea territory.

"My aunt is my grandfather's favorite," Daniel said with a smile. "So he gave her the only island in this part of the sea. My aunt and uncle are a match made in heaven. They live freely on the island, like sages in the novels we read!"

Maisie playfully asked, "Is the island called Lovebird Island?"

"It's Rose Island." Daniel looked at her. "There's 'rose' in my mom's name. They were very close, so my aunt was in a lot of pain when my mom passed away... We depended on each other for a while." Maisie leaned softly on his chest after hearing that. The island became clearer in front of them. When viewed from a distance, it seemed as if fiery roses were blooming along the shore. The closer they got to the island, the more nervous Maisie became. She was excited yet apprehensive, fearing she might make a mistake, but also eager to meet the artist she admired. Daniel hugged her waist and smiled gently at her, his eyes filled with love.

There were many people on the shore. The butler welcomed them with grand fanfare.

Daniel whispered into her ear, "See? Why would they act like this if they didn't take you seriously?"

Maisie smiled and held his hand.

The spectacle didn't blind her. A fanfare could only prove their courtesy and generosity, not necessarily a sincere welcome.

As Maisie suspected, Whitney did not like her.

Although Whitney smiled, her eyes exuded cold intimidation. She was born into a prestigious family, so Maisie felt small in her presence. The sense of inferiority surged inside her. Whitney even asked directly, "I heard you almost died because of Daniel?"

Maisie's expression changed. She didn't know how to respond.

"It was my fault, aunt." Daniel held Maisie's hand. "I failed to cherish her, and she suffered. I'll never-"

"I don't appreciate women who would die for love," she interrupted him, "A person should love themselves first. I disagree with losing your rationality over love!

"When you're lost in a relationship, have you ever thought about your own life? Have you ever thought about the people who brought you up with their blood and sweat? Do you feel sorry for yourself? Do you feel sorry for them?"

"Aunt!" Daniel frowned and kept signaling Whitney.

He had no idea why his usually kind aunt seemed to have become a different person today.

Chapter 1852

Chapter 1852

"Take Ms. Maisie for a stroll on the island, Daniel." Whitney stood up, her elegant tone tinged with laziness. "I've prepared the guest room for the two of you. You can stay for a few days if you'd like. Your uncle and I will try our best to accommodate you. I'd like to rest now, so I won't be having dinner with you. Suit yourself!"

As Daniel moved to follow her, he noticed Maisie looking visibly upset. He sighed as this was not what he had anticipated. Their first meeting had ended in a quarrel.

"Don't take it personally, Maisie," he comforted. "My aunt takes time to warm up to people. She's like this with everyone she meets for the first time. You'll find out after spending some time with her." "That's right," a kind-looking old man interjected. "Ignore her, Ms. Maisie! Women in menopause are like that!"

Daniel chuckled, giving the old man a big hug. "Uncle!"

Toby Edwards patted his shoulder, admiration filling his eyes. He was an upbeat and majestic old man, yet he didn't seem old despite his white sideburns. If anything, it added to his charm.

"You guys must stay for a few days on the island! Seize the opportunity to get familiar with the place and perhaps hold your wedding here. How's that?"

"You're spoiling me, uncle!"

"You fool!" Toby smiled. "How am I spoiling you? I wouldn't allow you to get married on the island if not for Ms. Maisie!"

"You old thing..."

They exchanged playful banter, and the atmosphere warmed considerably.

Toby took the chance to explain to Maisie, "Don't take it personally, Ms. Maisie. She has her reasons for saying that. Think about it. Would you feel okay if the flower you grew with great effort wilted just as it was about to bloom?"

Maisie was stunned, remaining silent.

"But don't worry." He continued. "Whitney is tough on the outside. She's actually nice. She won't go against your relationship with Daniel!"

Daniel said with a smile, "Uncle, I heard you've been studying cursive lately. Maisie is learning, too. Why don't we go to the study, and she can show you?" Toby happily agreed.

Whitney stood alone on the balcony, gazing at the beautiful moon.

The butler informed her that Daniel and Maisie were in the guest room, having strolled on the beach and planning to explore more of the island the next day.

"Have they had dinner?" she asked with care. "I heard Daniel say that she prefers plain food. Chef Theo usually uses too much seasoning, so don't let him cook. Get Chef Willy to do it!"

"Naturally, ma'am." The butler nodded with a smile. "I've already spoken to Chef Willy about it, and Ms. Maisie ate well tonight."

She nodded before suddenly recalling something. "I remember Maisie gets cold easily. Send her extra blankets. Oh, right, did you get her soft slippers?"

"Yet you said you don't like her!" Toby's laughter rang out. "Look at you taking care of her! Why were you so cold when it was the first time you met her?"

Chapter 1853

Chapter 1853

Whitney was taken aback. She stared at Toby in disbelief for a moment before stammering, "I-I'm not taking care of her! I'm the host, after all... I must be a good host so that we don't embarrass our family!" "Alright, alright, alright!" He chuckled and played along with his wife. "You're the lady of our time, a princess from a prestigious family. So, you must be generous and not make things difficult for a lady like Maisie!"

Whitney rolled her eyes at him and giggled.

He embraced her, leading her to the couch, then moved behind her to massage her shoulders. "I know you're stubborn! You actually welcome her more than anyone else."

"Please!" She refused to admit it. "I don't like her. How does she deserve Daniel?"

"You old thing..."

"I know what happened to them back then!" Whitney turned to face Toby. "She only got together with him for money. She was pregnant, had a miscarriage, and clung onto him by pretending to have lost her mind!

"It always works on men when women make a fuss!" She scoffed. "That's why Daniel is completely bewitched! Am I right?"

Toby glanced at his wife helplessly, pursing his lips without commenting.

"Let's drop it and not talk about this!" He changed the subject, presenting the completed cursive work as if performing magic. "Here, rate this!" Whitney smiled, accepting it happily. She noticed that it was just finished. The work was beautiful, but it differed from his usual vigorous style.

She paused before saying, "This seems a little... contradictory to your usual style. Did you learn a new style?"

He smiled mysteriously. "What do you think?"

"Hmm... It's pretty great," she said earnestly. "Clean and elegant, yet strong. But I can tell it's not your usual style. You must have been nervous when you wrote it, right?" "Haha, you're sharp! Those are some amazing comments!" He laughed heartily. "But I didn't write this."

"What?"

"Maisie did!" He praised, "It's been a while since she started learning cursive. This is pretty good, considering that! I think she's quite talented..."

"I told you!" Whitney scoffed. Her expression changed instantly. "This isn't your style at all. You can tell how narrow-minded the person is in each stroke!"

"Hey, didn't you say it was pretty great?" Toby protested.

Whitney pouted, tossed the work aside, and looked away.

Toby spoke gently. "Honey, don't jump to conclusions just yet!"

She fell into momentary silence. "I-I just despise women who only live for men."

He understood her thoughts. Anya's death was a scar on her.

When the student mastered the knowledge, the teacher would lose their job. Yet, Whitney had taught everything she knew to Anya, leveraging all her connections for Anya's future.

She had done all that in hope Anya would flourish in the literary world.

Whitney had been furious when she learned Wilfred had gotten Anya pregnant out of wedlock, leading her to forgo studying at a prestigious school abroad. Whitney had even publicly announced cutting ties with her.

Chapter 1854

Chapter 1854

Toby, however, knew that Whitney regretted what she had done.

"Anya ruined her bright future for... Wilfred!" Tears welled in her eyes whenever she brought up the past.

"It was me who got her the opportunity to study abroad. Not only would she have attended a prestigious school, but she also would have collaborated with a couple of international screenwriters. Everything would have been different when she returned. She disappointed me!

"But I..." She sobbed, saying, "I was too cruel to her. Why did I do that to my own student? I should have visited her. I wasn't there for her when she needed me the most, when she was most helpless. I was a terrible teacher!"

"Don't say that." Toby patted her shoulder. "You were really good to her."

"If she wasn't held up by love, she would have been more powerful than Delilah in the industry!"

"That's right!" Toby smiled. "How could the students of the famous writer be any less than Delilah?"

"Of course!" She sat up straight. "Any of my students are better than her! She thinks she's the real deal just because she published a couple of stupid novels?"

"How are they stupid?" He teased her intentionally, "I think she has published the ninth book for her mystery series? It looks great!"

"So why did she stop?" She squinted. "Is it because there are too many loopholes in the logic that she can't explain now? I'm sure she has a ghostwriter! I don't believe she can write well..." Toby felt helpless.

The fate among people was magical, just like Whitney, who disliked Delilah since she published her first book.

Perhaps people of literature despised each other, or maybe because she was Anya's love rival.

"Oh yeah, speaking of Delilah..." Toby quickly changed the subject, "The Newhouses sent an invitation today." "What is it? I'm not going!"

"They're having a banquet this weekend to celebrate the collaboration between Wilfred and SL Publishing's boss."

"Oh?"

"I bet you didn't know this." He smiled. "Wilfred invested in a film that's adapted from Maisie's novel. She's an author under Lily's company and will be the film's screenwriter." "Really..." She frowned. "Why did Wilfred get interested in this out of nowhere? Also, Maisie is a rookie. Is she worthy of him investing in her? Could he have other intentions?" Toby was stunned. "What are you talking about?"

"He's a piece of shit!" Whitney was emotional. "He hurt Anya, and now this old man is trying to take advantage of my nephew's wife? Dream on!"

"Um..." He was at a loss for words.

"No way!" She stood up. "I must go to the banquet! I can't let that old bastard get close to Maisie..."

"What are you going to do?" Toby froze where he was.

She turned her head to look at him, smirking.

Naturally, she was going to pick the perfect armor for Maisie!

Toby sighed, wearing a complicated look on his face. If he remembered correctly, she was determined not to go to the banquet. She had so many complaints about Maisie just a couple of hours ago, and now she wanted to be her guardian angel?!

Chapter 1855

Chapter 1855

Daniel set out two wine glasses in the room, pouring the expensive red wine he had the butler fetch from the wine cellar. The beautiful, dark red color gleamed charmingly under the light. Maisie watched quietly, a happy smile playing on her lips.

He handed her the wine before taking a sip himself. "Hmm, drink it. It's amazing!"

Maisie felt shy. "You know I can't drink very well."

"This wine has a great aftertaste. You'll regret it if you don't try it."

She smiled and joined him, sitting on the rug beside the floor-to-ceiling window.

The moonlight illuminated the room, and the wide window offered a view of the mountains and lush forest outside.

Leaning on his shoulder, she felt a tranquil moment as if time itself were a quiet stream.

"The island is huge." Daniel chuckled. "It's quite rich in produce, and there are few people. It's pretty self-sufficient. There's a hunting ground behind the forest. And a horse training ground next to it. I used to always ride horses when I was young.

"Although there's also a racecourse at our house, it's different to be riding here. I'll take you there tomorrow!"

Maisie kept smiling, observing a change in Daniel. He was no longer the cold, quiet man she knew before. He seemed more talkative and upbeat, resembling a boy more than a mature man. It felt as if they were the same age or even as if he were more childish than her.

"Oh yes, also-"

"Daniel," she interrupted, feeling sleepy. She placed the empty wine glass on the floor and said gently, "I'm sleepy. Can we continue tomorrow? I'm going to bed, and you should go to your room, too." "Oh..." he said flatly.

They rose together, but at that moment, he appeared unsteady as if about to fall. He leaned on her.

Stunned, she quickly held him.

"I'm okay." He smiled. "I just feel a bit dizzy. I'd like to sleep here for a bit."

"Huh?"

Before she could react, he walked into the room in a familiar manner and lay on the bed.

"Daniel?" The naive Maisie was worried that he was ill. "Do you not feel well?"

"Mm-hmm..." He squinted. "Didn't I tell you? I feel dizzy."

"From the wine?" She frowned. "You've only drunk half a glass, no?"

He was a good drinker. Half a glass of red wine was nothing to him at all.

"Oh, yes." He continued to put on an act. "I'm old now. I can't drink as much anymore."

Maisie was at a loss. Worried that he was ill, she grabbed a hot towel from the bathroom and asked him where the kitchen was. She wanted to make him soup to sober up.

As she wiped his face with the towel, he suddenly grabbed her waist like a predator and pressed her onto the bed!

She felt the warmth of his body and saw his eyes burning with desire...

He leaned toward her ear, his voice deep and electric, "I'm sleeping here tonight."

"No-"

Before Maisie could push him away, he started kissing her.

Drowning in confusion, she indulged in his kisses, her world spinning...

He kept calling her name, and his hands playfully caressed her waist. Suppressing the burning desire in her body with her last ounce of rationality, she pushed his muscular chest. "No, Daniel..."

"Why not?"

Chapter 1856

Chapter 1856

"This is your aunt's house!" Maisie sounded genuine. "We can't do this in a senior's house..."

Daniel was stunned.

"Can't you tell why she arranged two rooms for us?" She poked him gently. "Behave yourself and go to bed now! We should behave here. Your aunt might have a bad impression of me because of the past, so don't want to make things worse..."

He smiled helplessly and got up unwillingly. He rolled off the bed.

Maisie was right. He was being absurd and had not thought things through.

He was glad that she was sensible.

After leaving, Daniel did not return to his room right away. Instead, he paced back and forth in the corridor. He could not sleep, so he took a cold shower before returning to the corridor again.

He was confused about his exuberant energy that came out of nowhere. Just as he was sighing, his aunt's bright voice suddenly sounded behind him.

"What's wrong with you? Why are you not sleeping in the middle of the night and making a wish to the moon?"

Daniel turned his head and smiled in embarrassment. "Aren't you still awake too, aunt?"

"Old people like me don't need much sleep anyway. While you..." Whitney took a good look at him.

She was experienced and could tell that his plan had failed.

She smirked. "What happened?"

Daniel did not hide the truth from her and told her everything that had happened in Maisie's room.

Whitney was quite surprised. In reality, she had intentionally arranged their rooms to be next to each other's. She wanted to test if Maisie was a clingy woman.

Aside from the face they weren't married, and even if they were, they'd need to act appropriately in the presence of seniors.

Never had she thought...

"Did Maisie really say that?"

Daniel pouted in annoyance and sighed. He had been under the impression he could have a little bit of fun with Maisie with the accompaniment of the beautiful scenery among the blooming flowers. But she had rejected him!

A smile slowly appeared on Whitney's face.

"She knows her etiquette," she said softly, "It's impressive that she manages to do that when she's still young."

Daniel said intentionally, "You're supportive of your nephew being chased out of the room?"

"She did well!" Whitney patted his back. "That's what she's supposed to do!"

He smiled and suddenly saw her holding something. "What's this?"

"An invitation. The Newhouses sent this," she answered, "Oh, speaking of them... Watch out for Maisie. Don't let Wilfred get too close to her. I'm worried that he has ill intentions!" "Aren't you overthinking it, aunt?"

"It's for your own good!" She patted him again.

He quickly promised her and changed the subject. "This cursive work..."

"Oh, Maisie wrote this." Whitney faked a cough to conceal how awkward it was for her.

She thought Maisie did well, yet she was unwilling to admit it. She initially wanted to keep it in her room, but she said instead, "Don't get the wrong idea. I don't like it! So... I'm throwing it away!" Daniel could barely hold back his laughter.

"Aunt, since when have you had to throw things away yourself?"

Chapter 1857

Chapter 1857

"Oh, well..." Whitney stammered for a while, struggling to find words.

Daniel chuckled and left, even making a funny face at her before his departure.

Whitney waved her fist at him, a smile playing on her lips.

Daniel's mood seemed to lift more and more since reuniting with Maisie.

As Whitney pondered, love exerted a potent influence. It transformed a once brutal and cold man into a sunshine boy.

Instead of heading to sleep, Whitney headed to her study. It was expansive-some popular bookstores weren't even half its size. The room was adorned with out-of-print books, antique vases, and paintings by renowned artists, giving it an air of sophistication.

She sat at the desk and placed Maisie's work on it. After ordering some tea, she admired it in a relaxed manner.

She went to the safe behind her and retrieved Anya's old work a moment later.

A soft sigh escaped her lips.

For some reason, she missed Anya more tonight, especially after meeting Maisie.

Perhaps, in that moment when Maisie looked down, the gentle charisma and timid eyes created an illusion that Anya was back.

Whitney took a deep breath, snapped back to reality, and poured herself tea as she gazed at Anya's work.

"This is your favorite tea. I had someone make it for me. Look at this. It's written by a girl named Maisie. It looks... similar to your work!"

She smiled. "Anya, I remember how you'd relax yourself by writing cursive when tired from books. I don't know much about cursive, so I couldn't help you with that... How good it would have been if you hadn't met Wilfred. You would've been the best writer. Even if you didn't achieve that, you might have become a drama teacher like me, living a good life..."

She grazed through Anya's words.

Someone else had discovered this when going through Anya's old stuff. Her death had been strange and sudden. Anya was an orphan, so the orphanage's director was the one who had handled her funeral. Whitney had learned about her death when the director handed her this. She had almost fallen to the ground upon hearing the news.

The work had been sitting quietly in the safe throughout the years. She dared not bring it out, fearing it would trigger painful memories.

"But I suddenly thought of you when I saw Maisie today," she murmured while gazing at the paper. "She's really similar to you. The only difference is that she has Daniel, who genuinely loves and protects her wholeheartedly. She has a better life than you did... Wilfred wouldn't cherish you like Daniel does to Maisie!

"You're such a fool!" She instinctively slapped the paper, sensing an obvious difference in the thickness...

She was stunned. After feeling it carefully, she noticed there was something in between!

"What's this..."

Whitney frowned, her mind in chaos. She realized that although she knew nothing about cursive, she knew a little about framing work. Anya had framed her masterpiece, being a perfectionist. It was impossible she would allow anyone to do such a crude job on her work.

'Could there be something behind this?' she wondered.

Whitney quickly opened the drawer, found a penknife, and carefully made a cut. She then stretched her hand into the interlayer.

Chapter 1858

Chapter 1858

Whitney's expression shifted.

As she pondered, there was indeed something within the interlayer! She retrieved it and found a folded note revealing a bank name and a series of numbers when unfolded. "What's this now?" She was perplexed.

Cumulus Bank, a local bank, had its headquarters adjacent to the Quimby Group. Due to the Quimby Group's ownership, it was often referred to as the Quimbys' treasure. But what did the series of numbers signify?

She fell into a momentary silence before carefully stowing away the note. Returning to her room, she decided to discuss it with Toby.

The Newhouses' banquet unfolded as scheduled.

The Newhouses' hotel was abuzz with activity, hosting the elites of Cumulus City.

Wilfred skillfully played the role of the perfect host.

Besides him, Maisie was the center of attention.

All eyes were on the young author who had already produced a best-selling book. The film funded by Wilfred was an adaptation of her work, and he had appointed her as the screenwriter-an uncommon opportunity for a novice author.

This drew both envy and suspicion.

Gossip started among the attendees. "Have you read her book?"

"Yes... It's just gibberish. It's dumb!"

"But Mr. Newhouse loves it!"

"Isn't this Maisie's usual tactic?" A woman giggled, intentionally lowering her voice but still audible. "She clings to men to get ahead! It was Daniel at first, and now Wilfred. She's into older men. She has a peculiar taste!"

"Old men are rich and sweet. What's wrong with that?" Someone laughed. "Also, men's stamina in bed drops as soon as they're past 35... Maisie gets fame and money, yet she doesn't have to work hard in bed. She sure is wise! Hahaha..."

"But she's still dating Daniel! So that makes him a cuckold. I don't understand why he'd do that!"

Maisie was standing nearby, and she heard their discussion loud and clear.

Daniel was entertaining some business friends that he had run into. She did not expect to hear something so horrible while waiting for him. She trembled from anger, her face turning pale.

Just as she was thinking of how to deal with those women, a bright voice interrupted them.

"You don't understand? You can ask me!"

Maisie was stunned when she saw Whitney in a gown, walking over with a glass of wine.

After they locked eyes, Whitney turned around, protecting Maisie behind her.

At that very moment, Maisie had the urge to cry.

The women fell silent upon seeing Whitney. They exchanged awkward glances, revealing forced smiles.

Everyone knew how powerful she was, and her overbearing charisma silenced those women.

Whitney smiled at them. "Freya, Georgina, and Danielle, what don't you understand? Is it about... my Daniel? Ha, solving confusion is my favorite thing to do!

"Moreover, I know my nephew very well! I'll tell you everything I know. I'll answer all of your questions. How's that?"

Chapter 1859

Chapter 1859

Whitney adjusted her shawl and stood tall, exuding authority in the presence of those women.

"Tell me!" She raised her voice, projecting majesty. "I think I heard you say that my nephew is a... cuckold? I'd like to know how you came to that conclusion."

The women knew Whitney was not to be offended and smiled as they attempted to leave. Unexpectedly, Whitney didn't let them go, her voice escalating. The onlookers turned their attention, and an awkward tension filled the atmosphere.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Whitney scoffed, glancing at Maisie behind her. "This is my nephew's wife. Don't you know her?"

"We do, we do..." the women said softly.

"Then why did you criticize her?"

"You misunderstood us, Ms. Kinglake!" Danielle explained with a smile. "We were just chatting. We-"

"Chatting? You were crossing the line. How dare you stir trouble here?!"

The onlookers observed in silence. Despite the rumors of Whitney disliking Maisie, she was standing up for her at this critical moment. Someone tried to intervene, but Whitney raised her hand, glaring and causing the mediator to back off.

"We're at the Newhouses' event. I don't want to stir trouble in someone else's territory," Whitney declared, determined. "But I'm not afraid to stir trouble at all! I heard the horrible things that you guys said loud and clear! Maisie achieved what she did with her talent and hard work. I've read her work, and I admire her! Don't slander her talent, you bitches!

"I'd advise you to watch your own men! There are indeed many mediocre celebrities out there who love to get ahead by flirting with men. Since you managed to say that, you must have experienced it yourself, right?!"

"You-"

"Your husbands are disgusting! We're in the same circle and know very well how they are. Do you need me to elaborate for you?"

Peals of laughter erupted among the onlookers, leaving the women flushed and breathless.

"Ms. Kinglake!" Danielle was humiliated and furious. "We respect you because you're a university lecturer and a bigshot in drama. That's why we shut our mouths when you spoke... But you're just too rude! You're a literati-"

"So what if I'm literati?" Whitney glared at her, hands on her waist. "Literati should just tolerate bitches' bullying? Let me tell you that my family has more than literati. We also have military commanders! If I hear you spew nonsense again, slandering my nephew and his wife, I'll tear your mouth apart!"

Her words hung in the air like a threat, leaving the women too embarrassed to argue. They hastily retreated.

Whitney lifted her chin, watching them leave with disdain.

The onlookers dispersed as the drama concluded, and everything returned to normal.

Only then did she remember that Maisie was behind her. Turning around, she met Maisie's timid yet grateful eyes, a familiar expression.

Suppressing her anger, Whitney adopted an indifferent expression.

"Ms. Kinglake..." Maisie's voice was soft. "Thank you for... what you did."

"No need." Whitney's voice was cold. "Since you've decided to be with Daniel, you should keep your distance from other men, regardless of their age. Get it?"

Maisie's eyes dimmed. "Do you think of me like that, too?"

"That's not it. I'm just reminding you!" Whitney avoided eye contact. "The Newhouses are horrible people. You better stay away from them! Also, I'm doing this for my nephew. It has nothing to do with you, so don't flatter yourself!"

Maisie looked down, biting her lip.

Just then, Daniel approached, concerned. "What happened?"

Whitney didn't answer. Instead, she turned around and left.

Chapter 1860

Chapter 1860

Daniel gently wrapped his arm around Maisie's shoulder, embracing her. "Did my aunt make things difficult for you?" "No!" Maisie hurriedly replied, "Someone was saying bad things about me, and Ms. Kinglake helped me out."

"Oh?"

"I feel... I wasn't imagining things." Maisie smiled sheepishly. "I think Ms. Kinglake actually likes me..."

"Of course!"

Daniel and Maisie exchanged smiles. The weight on their hearts dissipated like clouds gradually fading, soon to see the light. The Hamerton heirs also attended the banquet, except Lina, who was absent due to being in her later pregnancy stage. Zuko held Persephone's hand throughout, displaying his unconditional love for his daughter in front of everyone.

Toph remained sociable, getting along with everyone. Wherever he was, laughter and joy rang out from time to time.

However, today was a bit different. He had a new company by his side... Harvey followed him silently. Whenever he noticed charming or sweet women approaching Toph, he immediately stood between them as a barrier. With icy eyes, he drove those women away!

Many socialites failed to approach Toph.

"Mr. Hamerton rarely comes, and we can't even speak to him..."

"Isn't Mr. Newhouse getting too close to him?"

"Zuko is unapproachable, and now, neither Toph nor Harvey seems accessible?"

Gradually, the complaints turned into another type of comment.

"Hey, look! One's sunshine and the other's gentle. Both are so handsome that they're strangely compatible standing together!"

"Haha, yeah! Having two handsome guys together's a treat to the eyes!"

Toph was bewildered, staring at Harvey and shouting, "Harvey! What are you doing?"

"I should ask you the same! What do you want to do?" Harvey crossed his arms. "Why are you laughing and joking with them? Don't you know their intentions toward you?"

"You..."

"You have a wife!" Harvey emphasized. "Don't forget that you have someone waiting for you in Centrolis!"

Toph scratched his head. "I'm just socializing, nothing out of line! You're making a fuss about nothing."

Harvey smiled. He didn't care. For Toph and Arya, he was willing to go all out today! He wouldn't allow other women to covet him.

"Why do you care so much?" Toph casually put his arm around Harvey's neck, grinning. "You're more like a wife than a brother!"

Harvey was taken aback, his face turning red instantly. He pushed Toph away. "What nonsense are you talking about!"

"I was just kidding with you. Why are you so worked up?"