Daniel Carter maintained a calm expression, without any sign of unease, and explained, "She has nothing to do with me; it’s her grandfather who has ties with my grandfather." Seeing my puzzled look, Daniel continued, "Elder Mr. Sawyer was my grandfather’s subordinate, deeply appreciated by him and promoted all the way to become the commander of the military district. Remember I told you I have an elder brother? He’s the orphan of my father’s comrade and has been in the army. My brother has been working under Commander Sawyer for years and has been promoted by him along the way. Of course, my brother is quite outstanding; he has been awarded first-class honors twice, nearly losing his life. Two months ago, Commander Sawyer retired, and he frequently visits to play chess with my grandfather and reminisce about the glorious days of the past." I listened carefully, hearing about that elder brother’s deeds from Daniel for the second time, and couldn’t help but feel curious. Learning about Jessica Sawyer’s family background also gave me an inexplicable sense of crisis. It turns out her grandfather rose to the rank of military district commander and had such a deep connection with Old Master Carter. "As for Jessica Sawyer, actually, the last time I saw her was many years ago, in the military compound. Didn’t I spend a few years with my grandfather in the army? Back then, we lived in the compound, and Jessica would visit her grandparents during the summer vacations, so naturally, we knew each other. Later, as I grew older, I became more steady, and with the pressure from my studies, I visited my grandfather’s base less, and I had no further interactions with Miss Sawyer." After hearing this, I roughly understood, but still felt curious, asking, "Then why is she so affectionate with you? Did she fall for you when you were kids? She did her undergraduate studies at Elmore University too, and after graduating, went abroad for further studies. She only recently returned and joined us for the alumni celebration last time." Daniel turned to look at me, hesitated slightly before saying, "I recently found out that when she applied to Elmore University back then, it was actually... also because I was at Elmore." I furrowed my brows tightly, suddenly recalling, and said in surprise, "Is she the girlfriend you briefly dated?" "How could that be possible?" Daniel chuckled and quickly denied, "It’s not her. I really had no interactions with her. The short-term girlfriend I mentioned, I’ve heard she’s settled abroad, and we have no contact whatsoever." The stone that had been weighing on my heart was put down. "At the last alumni celebration, Jessica Sawyer greeted you the moment she saw you, and you ignored her then." Daniel remained calm, "I didn’t pay much attention. Many people know me, but I don’t know all of them, especially the girls I really don’t focus on." I gave a teasing half-smile and asked suspiciously, "Is that so... With your qualities, hasn’t anyone ever actively come on to you?" Daniel answered earnestly, "The bodyguards would block them; unfamiliar people can’t get close to me." "Really?" I remembered something, and deliberately asked, "Then how did my stepmother manage to fall at your feet that day after leaving the courthouse?" Daniel said, "After getting together with you, the bodyguards didn’t stay so close, so your stepmother found an opening that day." Hmm, when I think about it, that seems about right. Moreover, the bodyguards showed up promptly that day, quickly restraining and pulling Shirley Turner away. Seeing I was silent, Daniel took the initiative to ask, "Do you have any more doubts? Ask them all to avoid misunderstandings." I glanced at him, my tone slightly sour, "Jessica Sawyer obviously likes you, and has liked you for many years. Now with the added relationship between the families..." The words didn’t finish, but he surely understood. "That won’t happen. The family already knows I have a girlfriend." I smiled, "Just a girlfriend, huh." Jessica once mentioned, marriages can end in divorce, let alone just being a girlfriend. She also said it’s impossible for Old Master Carter to agree to Daniel and me being together—not sure if she overheard something. Hearing my grumbling, Daniel immediately said seriously, "I told you, I never take feelings lightly." After he said that, he looked at me more deeply and after a moment of hesitation, said, "Actually, if you’re willing, we can get married now." I was stunned, staring at him wide-eyed, then awkwardly waving my hand with a smile, "Don’t joke about this, it’s a lifelong matter, how can you be so hasty." Despite saying this, my heart was filled with joy. Although I know rationally that the obstacles to us reaching this conclusion are significant and the likelihood very low. But at least at this moment, his sincerity and attitude moved me greatly. When he saw me avoiding the topic, Daniel looked at me and asked, "Don’t you trust me?" "No, of course I trust you." I shook my head, deciding to speak the truth, "But I happened to meet Jessica Sawyer before, during New Year’s, and she told me that Old Master Carter would never approve of us being together." Daniel’s face darkened, "She told you that?" "Yes. I shouldn’t be saying these things behind her back. It seems like I’m badmouthing her, but considering her attitude towards you today—" "Facts should be spoken, otherwise, if they remain unspoken, they give rise to misunderstandings." Daniel comforted me and frowned again, asking, "Have you been reluctant to visit the old master because of this?" I smiled weakly, "Not entirely, but I am indeed afraid that I won’t satisfy him." "That won’t happen, you can rest assured." Daniel reassured me with great certainty, but my heart was still uneasy. The Carter Family has strict traditions, and their family atmosphere is harmonious. If I were to cause a rift between their grandfather-grandson relationship, I’d undoubtedly be a sinner. But since nothing has happened yet, I can’t say too much to avoid unsettling Daniel’s mind. Everything can only unfold slowly with each step. Arriving downstairs from the office, Daniel offered to pick me up after work, but I declined. "It’s the end of the year, we’re all busy. You don’t have to run around ; the subway is very convenient for me." "Is it that you don’t want to see me?" "Then wait for me to come and pick you up." "..." I was powerless to refuse, so I could only tacitly agree. At this moment, I thought, perhaps his second flaw is this slightly excessive assertiveness and control. Returning to the office, Cherry immediately greeted me. "Ms. Lily, you’re here..." "Is she still in my office?" "Yes, she refuses to leave and insists I serve her tea." Cherry took the opportunity to complain, looking repulsed. I smiled wryly, "Thanks for your hard work, go on about your business." I pushed the door open and saw Shirley Turner, who had been lying on the sofa, jump up, her expression a bit nervous and startled, but upon seeing that it was me entering, her expression immediately changed. "Lily Miller, you finally came! I thought you were going to avoid me forever." I moved behind my desk, my expression indifferent, not even looking at her, "Are you here to ask for money again? I’ve told you, no money. Even if I had any, I wouldn’t give it to you. If you want to sue, go ahead." Shirley approached my desk, her face showing frustration and helplessness, "You don’t have to give me money. Just find a good hospital for your dad; he’s about to come out for treatment soon!" Check latest chapters at N0veI.Fiɾe.net I had consulted with a lawyer on this issue, so I was prepared, but hearing it still startled me a bit. The efficiency is indeed high! So quickly coming out? Seeing my puzzlement, she explained, "If he doesn’t come out soon, he’ll be in a grim situation!" I followed her words, "Since he’s already critically ill, going to the hospital would just be a waste of medical resources, and he would be dragging his own suffering." "Lily Miller, do you have a conscience!" Shirley Turner raised her voice, "After all, he’s your biological father. Without him, you wouldn’t be here!" "If I could choose, I’d rather not be born than have a father worse than a beast!" I retorted without backing down. "..." Shirley Turner was so angry her lips trembled, eyes reddened, unable to speak. The hate I’ve suppressed for so long was stirred up again, and I couldn’t help but say more, "When my mom got cancer and we had no money for chemotherapy, didn’t I beg you guys desperately? What did you say back then?" I still remember their faces at that time, so I imitated their tone: "It’s fate... you must submit to destiny’s arrangement. Your mom just had bad luck—how come now when Jason Miller is seriously ill, you want to fight against fate?" Shirley Turner’s lips moved, stuttering, "Your mom had cancer, chemotherapy would only make her suffer more... it couldn’t cure her." "Can Jason Miller’s complications be cured? Excessive treatment also brings added suffering." "It’s different... Your dad’s illness, as long as you spend money and hire good doctors, it’s possible to extend his life, living another three to five years is no problem." "Huh..." I sneered disdainfully, "Why should that beast live another three to five years? To deal with me? Or find ways to squeeze more money from you and your son?" As soon as I said this, Shirley Turner’s face visibly showed guilt, even her gaze dodged. She thought I didn’t understand her true intentions. If there weren’t profits, if there weren’t ulterior motives, how could she be so proactive? I don’t believe her "love" for Jason Miller is that deep. It’s merely trying to make Jason Miller generate some remaining value before his death. To put it plainly, it’s just eating blood-soaked bread. "What, rendered speechless when I hit your sore spot?" Seeing she was silent, I scoffed coldly at her. Shirley Turner swallowed and stammered shamelessly, "Anyway, he is your biological father, this responsibility and obligation you cannot escape!" Leaving that statement, she turned away gloomily. I sat in the chair, immersed for a good while in this helpless sadness and intense anger. I couldn’t restrain a thought, hoping he gets sicker, quickly goes to report to Yama King, and kneels down to apologize to my mom on Hell Road! Thinking of this, a sudden spark lit up my mind. He still owes my mom an apology. Although my mom can’t hear it now, that doesn’t mean he can skip it. Before he dies, he should apologize to my mom quickly! With that in mind, I formulated a different plan. Days are busy, and as the year’s end approaches, I have to go to Westvale for business. Before Shirley Turner could come back asking for money again, I received a short video instead. Amanda Gordon, persuaded by Adrian Gordon, released a public apology video through a lawyer. In the video, she apologized to me most sincerely. "I shouldn’t have interfered in my brother’s personal feelings with Lady Miller, nor should I have used illegal means to try to trap Lady Miller, I deeply apologize to her." Then, facing the camera, she bowed deeply, looking both unwilling and remorseful, saying, "Lily Miller, I’m sorry, I apologize to you, seeking your forgiveness." Once the video was posted, many friends immediately forwarded it to me, congratulating me, saying that I finally had my revenge and made the Gordon Family lose face. Actually, whether she apologizes or not holds no substantial significance to me, it’s just fighting for dignity. But Amanda Gordon achieving this step does require great courage, and I’m a bit surprised, also feeling somewhat relieved inside. Adrian Gordon called me again. "Amanda has apologized, when will you issue a letter of forgiveness?" "I’ll contact my lawyer to handle this matter in the next couple of days." I was somewhat confused, "Is it that urgent?" "What do you think? If you were kept in detention, you’d despise even an extra second." His words made me extremely resentful, I couldn’t help but counter, "I’m not like certain fools who are both incompetent and troublemakers, ending up in the can because of their own doing." The atmosphere instantly froze. I didn’t care about his mood, continuing, "You guys are asking me, at least show some decent attitude, demonstrate sincerity." A moment later, Adrian Gordon spoke again, his tone indeed improved, "Aren’t you keen to distance yourself from me sooner? You issue the forgiveness letter quickly and I’ll go with you to handle the villa’s transfer procedures." I couldn’t help but curve my lips into a shallow smile. Didn’t expect he’d now be rather sensible. Without waiting for me to negotiate, he broached the topic proactively. "Alright, but you must first handle the transfer procedures with me, then I’ll issue the letter of forgiveness." I don’t trust Adrian Gordon at all, worried he’d renege later, continue dragging me, so I can only threaten him first. "Lily Miller, can’t you discern the importance between these two matters?" Adrian Gordon got angry again, his tone turned sharp. I still spoke lightly, "To me, obviously matters related to my interests weigh heavier. How long your sister stays in detention has nothing to do with me?" "..." Silence from the other end of the phone, evidently speechless with anger. "Think it over, if you decide quickly, today is still feasible. If slower, then it’ll have to be tomorrow, and your sister will suffer another day..." "Alright, I’ll go to the administration center now to handle the transfer." I showed a satisfied smile, and after hanging up the phone, told Cherry, then quickly headed out. Again at the administrative center, my feelings were complex. Remembering the last time here, when I was about to process the transfer, Sophie Miller stormed in fiercely. I escaped timely, avoided disaster, Sophie Miller vented her anger on Adrian Gordon, splashing a cup of hot cocoa all over him. Coming again today, time has changed things, Sophie Miller is no longer alive. I arrived first, waited for about ten minutes, and when I began doubting if Adrian Gordon was going to stand me up again, he arrived late in a wheelchair. His secretary followed. As he approached, the secretary stepped forward to his side, handed him an eco-friendly paper bag, nodded respectfully, then quietly withdrew. Adrian Gordon’s wheelchair is electric, he can control it himself. He maneuvered closer in front of me, lifted the eco-friendly paper bag, "Your favorite drink, hot cocoa, you didn’t get to drink the last cup."