The car was eerily silent, almost as if a vacuum had swallowed it. Each word that emanated from the receiver
landed in Daniel's ears with utmost clarity.
His smile bore a hint of contempt, affirming the age-old adage—"Old habits die hard."
In the past, it was Cindy who had steered Maisie into this relationship for monetary gain. Even now, with Maisie
entwined with him, Cindy's words echoed a familiar tune. "While you're still youthful and attractive, and Daniel's
interest endures, exploit it to your advantage!"
A glint of malevolence flickered in Daniel's eyes as he gently touched Maisie's shoulder, deftly prying the phone
from her grasp.
Caught off guard, Maisie struggled to comprehend the unfolding events as she heard Daniel's resonant voice
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtaddressing the phone, "She has already ended things with Graham Bayer."
The voice on the other end fell silent for a moment, then erupted into a shrill tone. "What... What did you say?
Hello! Who are you? Did Maisie break up with Mr. Bayer because of you?"
"Lower your voice." Daniel's tone carried a commanding authority. "I will escort her back in a few days. You will then
discover who I am."
"What?!"
Without further ado, Daniel disconnected the call. He turned to face Maisie, who wore a puzzled expression.
A pang of empathy gripped his heart as he tenderly held her, his words assuring her, "It's alright. I'll return with you
this time."
"But—"
"However, you mustn't sign the document."
Maisie gazed up at him in silence.
Daniel smiled gently and smoothed her unruly hair. "Your rightful share in the family's wealth should be
acknowledged. Your mother's arrangements have unjustly neglected your and your sister's interests."
A bitter chuckle escaped Maisie's lips. "My mother has always been like this. Sometimes, I even wonder if Nicole and
I are truly her biological children. Why is she so doting on my brother and completely indifferent to us, except when
she needs money?"
The response "favoring sons over daughters" hovered on the tip of Daniel's tongue, but he opted for a different
approach to console her.
"Your brother's health is fragile, and parents tend to show favoritism toward a child with health issues.
Try not to dwell on it too much. When we return, I will help you address this matter."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
"You..." Maisie widened her eyes. "How do you know about my brother's health?"
Daniel's heart raced as he realized she had never divulged her family details during their relationship. He knew only
of her brother, sister, and her mother's lack of affection.
Her brother's poor health had been the catalyst for their past relationship.
A faint twitch played at the corners of Daniel's lips, and he offered a strained smile. "I took a guess. I believe there
are very few parents who blatantly favor one gender over the other. Parents usually provide special attention to the
child who is frail and frequently unwell, which led me to conclude that your brother must have health issues."
Maisie remained skeptical, her furrowed brow a testament to her uncertainty. Daniel's explanation seemed less
than convincing, bordering on a stretch.
"Maisie, don't dwell on it," Daniel reassured. "I will wrap up my work here and accompany you back home over the
weekend, alright?"