"Why? Do you like it?" Maisie seemed surprised, unable to hold back a smile. "I originally planned to make truffle
and mushroom soup, but Nicole thought people might not like the truffles' taste. As such, she asked me not to make
it."
Daniel didn't like truffles, but Maisie's version was unexpectedly tasty, none of the flavors he disliked. He found
himself craving that taste.
Unfortunately, she had forgotten everything.
"Mr. Quimby, don't stay here." She chuckled. "There's a lot of smoke. Why don't you go to the living room and have
some fruit? I have one more dish to prepare, and it'll be ready soon!"
Daniel nodded and left. As he passed through the living room, he noticed Nicole, her eyes expressing a mix of
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtemotions.
Maisie brought the soup to the table at that moment.
Daniel raised his eyebrows and smiled at Maisie. "Do you have any tabasco?"
"Mr. Quimby, still tempting fate?" Maisie smiled. "I told you your wound hasn't healed, and you can't have spicy
food. Plus, it's harsh on the stomach."
"Just a little, please?" he pleaded.
"Alright, I guess." Maisie gave. "But we're out of tabasco, so I'll have to go downstairs to buy some."
"Thank you. Take Sephy with you. She knows the brand I like."
Persephone was eager and energetic, so she readily agreed. The two of them left, and Daniel glanced back at
Nicole. She appeared worried, like she had something to say but couldn't find the words.
"You're not at ease?" Daniel raised an eyebrow, speaking in a low voice. "Afraid the debt collectors are lurking
downstairs?"
"I..." Nicole couldn't meet Daniel's gaze and felt even more timid being in the same room.
"Take a look." Daniel turned on the monitor screen by the door, showing Maisie and Persephone walking to the
supermarket, accompanied by the Hamertons' bodyguards.
"Feeling better now?" Daniel asked casually. "That child is the Hamertons' little princess, highly protected. Do you
think they'd let her be in danger? The bodyguards are experts. Maisie and Sephy will be fine."
Nicole lowered her eyes, fiddling with her hands. After a long silence, she spoke softly. "Mr. Quimby, you kept me
here for a reason, right? Well, I also have some things to discuss with you privately."
Daniel elegantly sat on the sofa, his legs crossed, and watched her. "Go ahead."
"Mr. Quimby..." Nicole hesitated. "Are you... Are you serious about Maisie this time? Are your feelings genuine?"
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Daniel glanced at her. "Do I need to answer that?"
His arrogance remained, looking down from his high position. "Nicole, this trouble is your doing. If you had
controlled your husband and weren't so submissive, Maisie could have had a peaceful life."
"Yes, it's my fault, and we're a burden to her." Nicole lowered her head, biting her lip before looking up at him. "But,
Mr. Quimby, has Maisie ever had a peaceful life since she met you? In the past or now, you always enter her life
without warning. How can you expect her to find peace?"
Daniel's eyes flashed with anger. "That's enough!"
He stood and walked to the balcony, raising his hand to silence her.
Nicole retreated to her room, closing the door without a word.
Daniel gazed at the distant sea, his thoughts drifting back to that autumn three years ago.