Graham said, looking at Maisie, "Do you understand what I just said?"
Maisie smiled, indicating she understood.
This would mean they would have an independent marriage, not interfering with each other's lives, sharing living
expenses, and offering help in family emergencies if desired, or not if they chose not to.
However, the Bayers were a prestigious family and were unlikely to face such emergencies. Meanwhile, Maisie was
from a less notable background and seemed to be the one with endless troubles.
She asked, "Graham, are you considering a prenup with me?"
"How did you guess?" His eyes brightened. "You've grasped my point, Maisie! I'm pleased."
Her surprise was evident. She had only been testing him, not expecting a definite answer.
"Prenups are necessary," he affirmed. "Many young people overseas do this before marriage. I've spent enough
time abroad to embrace the concept, and I agree with it. It's better to clarify everything before marriage. Even if
we were to divorce in the future, it would be straightforward. Otherwise, it'd be a waste of time and energy,
detrimental for both parties."
Maisie was taken aback. "You've thought about divorce?"
He chuckled. "I believe in being prepared. Of course, no one aims for divorce when they marry, but it's wise to be
ready."
He added, "I'm someone who values backup plans."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMaisie mustered a smile. The notion sounded reasonable—independence in marriage, financial boundaries, but...
If they couldn't support each other, not stand by in times of need, if they ended up splitting the cost of a bowl of
salad, what was the point of such a marriage?
It wasn't about wanting his money—she hadn't dated him for his family's wealth. She had envisioned a life with him
from the start, but now, it seemed she might have chosen the wrong person.
She shook off the thought.
"I understand now," she assured him. "I won't bring up my brother-in-law's matter again. I'll..."
"You can't carry the burden alone!" Graham reassured her. "This is their issue. They need to resolve it themselves.
If they can't, they'll face the consequences!"
"Graham! That's my sister!"
"Sisters can't stay together forever, can they?" Graham thought she was being unreasonable. "You can't solve all
her problems."
"But don't you provide everything your sister asks for? She doesn't want to work. All she does is draw, and you
invested in an animation company for her!"
"My sister is different from yours," Graham remarked.
Maisie stood there, shocked, and asked, "How are they different?"
Realizing his mistake, Graham quickly grabbed her hand. "That's not what I meant! I—"
"Forget it! You don't have to explain." She let go of his hand. "I understand."
Arya was a prestigious princess, deserving everything she desired, while her sister, born humbly, didn't deserve
respect.
Just as Graham was about to clarify his statement, the doorbell rang. It was Nicole with two men.
Maisie's heart raced as these men appeared suspicious. She hurriedly approached her sister.
"Don't be afraid," one of the men said with a smile. "We work for Fat Lawler and are here to escort your sister
home."
Nicole explained, stuttering, "-FFat Lawler said... W-Wesley's debt has been forgiven."
The man added, "And we're responsible for your safety from now on. We won't let Wesley bother you. Fat Lawler's
men are searching for him citywide. We'll make him sign the divorce papers once we find him."
Maisie and Graham were stunned by the news.
"What happened, sis?"
"I'll tell you later," Nicole said, avoiding eye contact. She turned to the two men and said, "Thank you, but I don't
need your assistance right now."
"Of course," they replied, bowing. "Call us if you need us."
"Mr. Bayer..." Nicole then looked at him. "You can't stay tonight. Could you..."
"Sure." He nodded and left.
Once the door closed, Maisie rushed to her sister. "What's going on? Why did you return from Fat Lawler's? Did he
do something to you?"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmNicole pushed her away. "What are you thinking?! I was also scared, thinking I might die, but Fat Lawler brought me
there to tear up Wesley's promissory note in front of me. He told me the debt was canceled and that he'd help me
get a divorce from Wesley!"
Maisie couldn't believe it—she widened her eyes. "Why is he being so kind?"
"He's not being kind," Nicole replied cryptically. "Someone struck a deal with him."
"What?"
After a lengthy pause, Nicole revealed, "It's Mr. Quimby."
Maisie's heart skipped a beat.
Nicole continued. "He met with Fat Lawler and convinced him. The 4,000,000 dollars will be invested in his Liz-Inn
Hotel, and Fat Lawler will become a shareholder."
Maisie pondered this, shaking her head in disbelief. She knew it couldn't be as simple as Nicole had been told.
Daniel must have paid the 4,000,000 dollars himself. Not only had Fat Lawler made a great deal, but he had also
secured a title as a shareholder.
Maisie's thoughts were in turmoil, and she couldn't fathom why Daniel had paid such a high price to help her. But
one thing was clear—she felt safe when he was around.
She lay on the bed, her eyes falling on a cute bear plush toy. She smiled and hugged it. As she closed her eyes, all
she could see was Daniel.