The struggles between women are always difficult to clarify who’s right and who’s wrong. Even Old Master Carter, with his deep experience, didn’t interject at this moment, simply sipping his tea quietly. Daniel Carter turned his head to look at me. His deep, dark eyes held a hint of a smile, and seeing that made me feel inexplicably uneasy. Still smiling! Is he happy seeing the two of us competing for his attention? If I’d known that the Carter Family would get involved with Jessica Sawyer, I wouldn’t have agreed to be his girlfriend back then. My life was already chaotic enough, and now it’s even more chaotic. While we juniors sat in silence, the two elders started discussing other matters to break the awkwardness. Later, my phone rang. Seeing that it was Calvin Yance calling, likely about work, I had to excuse myself to take the call. Calvin Yance and I discussed some details about the fashion show over a seven or eight-minute call. As the call ended, I turned to see Daniel Carter walking towards me. "We’re heading to the main house for dinner. Miss Sawyer is joining us. The two elders will be dining in the small courtyard," he explained in a low voice, holding my hand. I gave him a meaningful look and then glanced at Jessica Sawyer, who had just walked out, and directly asked, "Is Grandpa Carter trying to set you up with Jessica Sawyer?" Daniel Carter’s expression noticeably froze. "The old man’s intentions are pretty clear. He doesn’t oppose us dating, but after a few years, when our feelings fade, we’re supposed to follow the family’s arrangement, cut off the external ties, and focus on accepting the family’s marriage arrangement." I made my point even clearer. "That’s not going to happen. I’ll arrange my own marriage," Daniel Carter stated emphatically. I chuckled, "There’s a saying—it’s not about eternity, but rather about moments once had. If that day comes, I’ll genuinely bless you—really—ouch...!" Before I finished my sentence, he suddenly raised his hand and flicked my forehead. "Bless what? If it’s not marrying someone you love, any blessing is just a mockery," he said, pretending to be annoyed, gritting his teeth. Before he finished speaking, Jessica Sawyer walked over to us. She ignored the teasing moment between us and smiled, saying, "Brother Daniel, shall we go have dinner? I haven’t visited Aunt yet since I arrived." Daniel Carter followed her lead, saying, "You go ahead. I’ll take Lily to greet the old man first." With that, he took my hand and led me back. I watched Jessica Sawyer’s face fall, and felt a surge of delight inside. Honestly, given her proud peacock-like disposition, enduring this for the sake of a man she fancies is not easy. If it were me, I couldn’t do such a thing. It takes a resilient psyche and a thick skin to reconcile and heal after repeated setbacks. Such people are indeed admirable. "Aren’t you afraid she’ll show her grievances to the elders after you treated her like that?" "I was courteous and did nothing inappropriate. How could she feel aggrieved?" Daniel Carter retorted confidently. I smiled and stayed silent. It’s true, he’s always impeccably polite to everyone, not giving anyone room to find faults. Unless he encounters a rival in love, then he might show a bit of his sharpness. We went to say goodbye to the two elders, and in my presence, Grandpa Carter reminded Daniel to take good care of Jessica Sawyer. The level of importance was blatant. I feigned deafness, pretending not to hear, and politely smiled as I exited the small courtyard. Jessica Sawyer didn’t wait outside, indicating she wisely decided to go to the main house first. By the time Daniel and I returned, even before stepping into the living room, we heard her and Mrs. Carter chatting happily, full of laughter. Melissa Chandler was pacing at the door and ran over the moment she saw us. "That Jessica Sawyer is so annoying, she’s such a kiss-ass," Melissa Chandler openly complained, being the straightforward person she is. I chuckled and glanced at Daniel, then said to her, "You better get used to it; she might be your sister-in-law in the future." Before I finished speaking, Daniel Carter raised his hand again, curling his finger joints. Luckily, I reacted quickly, hastily covering my head, "Don’t hit me, it hurts!" "Then stop talking nonsense!" Daniel Carter fumed. I sighed, "It’s the truth. Elders love such amiable personalities." And I just can’t achieve that. It’s like Olivia Gray once said; I’m good at everything, except my temper is too fiery, unlike Sophie Miller, who is sweet-tongued and can coax people. Lunch was very sumptuous. Chef Barton’s culinary skills were impeccable, and the dishes were all my favorites. This moved me somewhat, thinking maybe Mrs. Carter didn’t dislike me as much. However, during the meal, Jessica Sawyer was so adept at steering the conversation that it always aligned with Mrs. Carter’s interests, making it clear Mrs. Carter preferred her. Daniel, uninterested in the situation, just kept serving me food until I was so full I had to stop him. "I’m full, don’t serve me anymore, or it’ll go to waste," I stopped his hand, politely declining. "You didn’t eat much, have a bit more," Daniel Carter persuaded. "No need, I’m genuinely full," I moved the bowl aside, my gaze at him almost pleading. Unexpectedly, Jessica Sawyer suddenly spoke up, "Brother Daniel, I like that one too." She extended her bowl and smiled sweetly at Daniel Carter. I was shocked inside, thinking to myself if there was such a maneuver. Given Eldest Miss Sawyer’s background, what delicacies hasn’t she tasted? Daniel Carter probably didn’t expect this scene either, and his chopsticks hung mid-air without responding immediately. Although it was picked up with public chopsticks, there was no hygiene issue. But picking something up that someone else doesn’t want and then giving it to the next person is somewhat impolite. Besides, it was clear that Daniel Carter didn’t actually want to give it to Jessica Sawyer. However, since she had spoken, if he refused, it would be quite disrespectful—after all, she is a guest. So, this seemingly self-deprecating act by Jessica actually put Daniel Carter and me in a difficult position. Melissa Chandler was also stunned, watching us with interest. "Jessica, if you like it, come more often. I’ll have the chef make it for you again next time," Mrs. Carter said warmly, breaking the tense atmosphere and placing the dish into Jessica Sawyer’s bowl. The stalemate was resolved. Melissa Chandler looked a bit disappointed, as if the conflict she wanted hadn’t happened. Daniel Carter withdrew his chopsticks and placed the dish back into his own bowl. Mrs. Carter cast a subtle glance at Daniel Carter. Although not severe, and she said nothing, I knew—she was clearly displeased with her son’s actions. I felt so full I wanted to burp, but the awkward atmosphere at the table forced me to suppress it. It wasn’t until the meal was over, after leaving the table, that I went to the bathroom to catch my breath. I took it out to see it was Shirley Turner. What does she want again? I hesitated for a moment but still answered the call. "Lily Miller, this triple room is too noisy, it’s impossible to sleep. Mason Miller and I can only lie on the edge of the bed overnight, I didn’t sleep at all last night!" I listened calmly, "It was your choice to go to the best hospital, having a bed is already good; look at how many people are in the corridor without even a place to sit for family members." "Lily Miller! Why are you comparing with the worst?" "Then what? Compare with the world’s richest?" "You—" Shirley Turner was speechless. I couldn’t stay in the bathroom too long, afraid of being overheard, so I coldly said, "I’m willing to pay for your treatment, and that’s already beyond duty. Don’t make trouble; otherwise, even if you kneel at the grave, I won’t pay anymore." After hanging up, Daniel Carter indeed came up to ask, "I heard you on the phone in the bathroom, it didn’t sound pleasant. Your stepmother bothered you again?" "Yeah, complaining about the hospital conditions." I no longer hid it from him but made it clear, "Do not be nice to them. I know these things are no effort for you, but still, no." He gave me a warm look and said softly, "You think too highly of me. Those who bully you, it’s already good if I don’t kick them when they’re down. How could I be nice to them?" His words surprised me. In the living room, Jessica Sawyer was still chatting with Mrs. Carter. They also discussed several fashion shows scheduled after the New Year. Jessica invited Mrs. Carter to Westvale to watch, but Mrs. Carter said she was too busy. Just as I returned to my seat, Jessica Sawyer turned her gaze to me, "Lily’s brand is also participating in the fashion show. Aunt, you might as well go and support her." I was surprised inside. What’s her angle now? Could it be that she wants Mrs. Carter to see me embarrass myself on-site? Mrs. Carter looked at me, "Lily, is your brand also exhibiting?" "Yes, Aunt. My flight to Veyrona is tomorrow night." I responded immediately. "It’s almost New Year and you’re going on a business trip?" Updates are released by novel-fire.ɴet "Yes, it’s scheduled every year. This year... I didn’t expect to be with Daniel—" I didn’t finish and glanced at Daniel Carter standing beside me, meaning obvious. Mrs. Carter said, "That’s really not easy." Jessica Sawyer added, "Lily is very impressive; she’s a distinguished representative of outstanding alumni from our college." I didn’t expect Jessica Sawyer to praise me, which surprised me, and even more unexpected was— As soon as Jessica spoke, Daniel Carter chimed in, "Of course, anyone I have my eyes on is impressive." Jessica Sawyer: "..." I turned to look at him, frowning tightly. This guy, truly... too self-absorbed, not even considering the occasion. Daniel Carter didn’t care in the slightest, as if he didn’t even notice the speechlessness on the two faces, and instead held my hand, telling Mrs. Carter, "Mom, you continue to accompany Miss Sawyer, I’m taking Lily out for a walk since she’s leaving for work soon." It was nearly saying: you chat, and we’ll seize the chance for some alone time. I clearly saw Mrs. Carter and Jessica Sawyer’s expressions become all the more indescribable. Once we left the main house, I tugged his arm, complaining, "Can you stop being so ostentatious in front of people? I remember you being really low-key and reserved before; why have you changed ?" Daniel Carter pretended not to understand, "How was I ostentatious?" "Your compliment about me, wasn’t that ostentatious enough?" "The truth, not exaggerated at all." Alright, I admit I’m indeed quite capable. Growing amid adversities and achieving what I have now is not easy. But the tradition passed down from our ancestors is to remain humble and reserved. As he continued walking with me outwards, I asked, "Are we just leaving ?"