If it had been a few days ago, I would have certainly gone with joy and excitement. But now, the scene of Adrian Gordon being rescued is stuck in my head. I can’t shake the feeling that being involved with another man so soon is deeply shameful, as if I can’t do without a man for even a moment. So, after hesitating for a moment, I found an excuse: "I’m afraid I can’t tonight; I have to go to my grandmother’s for dinner." "Oh, I understand," he said, still very polite. "Then let’s reschedule." After hanging up the phone, I began to hate myself again. I clearly despise Adrian Gordon and have been longing for a divorce even in my dreams. Why, now that I have finally reached this point, almost achieving my dream, do I suddenly feel sad? Is it because of his miserable fate that my saintly heart is acting up again? I slapped my right cheek hard, warning myself: Lily Miller, pitying a scumbag will bring you bad luck for life! Just as my divorce case with Adrian Gordon was nearing victory, another piece of good news arrived. My scumbag father, Jason Miller, was sentenced to five years and six months in prison for tax evasion, money laundering, and contract fraud, and fined one million. I learned this news because Shirley Turner called and launched into a tirade. But I had long developed a strong heart, a few scoldings won’t affect me, and I was rather glad to learn of Jason Miller’s fate. After going through a low point, my life is finally seeing the light of day, welcoming brighter days. The centennial celebration of our alma mater is approaching, and I finally finished altering Daniel Carter’s bespoke suit. I originally planned to deliver it to his company, but he asked me to send it directly to his home. Thinking I haven’t visited Mrs. Carter for some time, I decided to take the opportunity to deliver the suit and visit her. Recently, the temperature has dropped, and the weather is getting colder. With the north wind howling these days, snow is predicted. I picked a new cashmere shawl to bring as a token for Mrs. Carter. As for Melissa Chandler, she had already left two days ago for Europe to perform, so she’s not at home. The Red Flag L5 came to pick me up again, and I sat in the back seat, enjoying the rare leisure, chatting with Wennie Lane on WeChat. She has been complaining about her ex-boyfriend these past few days. The issue is that Wennie Lane’s ex-boyfriend is also an upperclassman from our college, now a renowned top attorney, naturally included among the outstanding alumni being invited. When he learned that Wennie Lane would also be attending the celebration, her ex-boyfriend reached out to rekindle old memories, suggesting they meet alone. Wennie Lane sent me screenshots of their conversation, angrily stating, "I’ve seen his social media; he has a steady girlfriend, yet he uses the celebration as an excuse to contact his ex. Isn’t that scummy?" I chuckled quietly; indeed, it is scummy. However, having witnessed how despicable Adrian Gordon is, her ex-boyfriend’s level of scum seems insignificant. While chatting, a new chat window popped up on WeChat. I looked closely and was surprised and delighted. It was my college roommate, Grace Chandler. During our four years in college, we were always close, but after graduation, Grace returned to her hometown in Wendria to develop her career, and she is now the editor-in-chief of the famous fashion magazine "She Power". These years, we haven’t kept in touch much, only exchanging greetings during the New Year. I originally invited her to my wedding; she agreed at first, but as the date approached, she had to go abroad for work, so she couldn’t attend. Looking back now, it was fortunate she didn’t come, or I would have embarrassed myself in front of my classmates. [Lily Miller, are you also going back for the celebration?] Grace Chandler asked this, seemingly she too is on the invitation list. Too lazy to go back and forth on WeChat, I called her directly. We happily chatted throughout, agreeing that she would stay with me when she comes to Fallhaven, so we can catch up properly. As I was approaching Carter Manor, I saw from a distance a tall figure standing at the entrance, firm like a pine tree in the winter, handsome and remarkable. My heart skipped a beat, suddenly feeling shy. I thought he would be at the company, but unexpectedly, he wasn’t working overtime today. The Red Flag L5 came to a stop, and Daniel Carter walked over to help me with the car door. I smiled nervously and shyly, immediately looking for a topic to chat about, "You seem pretty free today?" "Not really, I just got back from outside." He smiled, his clean and handsome face even more charming in the sunlight, his eyes twinkling, unsettling the heart. Just got back from outside... I pondered his words, wondering if he came back specifically to see me, to make up for the last time—when I had dinner at Carter Manor, he wanted to return, but got caught up with work and missed it, only catching up mid-way for a brief chat. I got out of the car, opened the trunk to get my things, and he immediately came over to help. "The two suits are quite heavy, I’ll take them." I smiled, not refusing, and walked into Carter Manor with him. The cold of winter, the outside world already withered, but Carter Manor remains lush and vibrant, a scene every step of the way. The true elite, not even the changing seasons can challenge them. Seeing that I wasn’t talking much, Daniel Carter turned to look at me several times, before speaking in a low voice, "How have you been these past few days?" "Hmm?" I was taken aback, confused, "Pretty good, why do you ask?" Daniel Carter looked at me, "I feel you’re a bit down, not sure if it’s because of the divorce affecting your mood." My heart wavered slightly, not expecting him to be so attentive and perceptive that he noticed even my subtle changes. Indeed, thinking about Adrian Gordon these days does affect my mood a bit. Which led me to distance myself from Daniel Carter, not daring to interact with him. So although the suits had been ready for two days, with the celebration approaching, I contacted him out of necessity. I thought I was hiding it well, but didn’t realize I was seen through so clearly. "Not at all... I’ve dreamed of this moment for so long, now that I can finally get divorced, I’m actually happy." "That’s good, I thought you couldn’t let him go." Couldn’t let Adrian Gordon go? I turned to look at Daniel Carter, my emotions complicated, not knowing how to respond. So after a moment of silence, I finally said, "It’s not that I can’t let go, but after the court case, he fainted and was taken away by an ambulance, I feared his old illness recurred, then... I’m being morally blackmailed again." Furthermore, if after the divorce Adrian Gordon lives miserably, while I move on to someone else, many would certainly condemn me. I don’t care about rumors, but it’s inevitable that whoever I’m involved with would be pointed at. So during this time, I have indeed deliberately distanced myself from Daniel Carter. Daniel Carter raised his eyebrows slightly, "Is that so? Did they find out the cause?" Discover more novels at NoveIＦire.net "I don’t know, I haven’t inquired." Seeing that I wasn’t eager to discuss it further, Daniel Carter didn’t pursue the topic, and quickly changed the subject, "Chef Barton is cooking today, let’s eat at Carter Manor later." "Ah? Stay for lunch?" I was surprised, my eyes widened, immediately thinking of excuses, "It’s rare for a weekend, I want..." Daniel Carter didn’t wait for me to find an excuse, and directly asked, "Lily Miller, have you been deliberately avoiding me lately?" My mind buzzed, I stopped and stared at him, my cheeks instantly blazing hot. He saw right through me again. Daniel Carter also halted his steps, still holding two garment bags, facing me head-on, his gaze fixed steadily on my face. "Can you tell me why? Do you dislike me, or are you worried about rumors from outside?" Faced with his direct questioning, the temperature on my face kept rising, and my eyes flickered left and right, not daring to meet his gaze. "I... I just think, I’ve been divorced, my reputation isn’t good, so—" Though his words weren’t explicit, the meaning was clear enough. He surely understood the deeper meaning behind my response. Unexpectedly, Daniel Carter smiled indifferently, "I didn’t just learn today about your divorce. Besides, the failed marriage wasn’t your fault; it was the other party who let you down. Why should you feel pressured?" "That’s easy to say, but people can be frightening, and your family’s background is so upright..." What I left unsaid couldn’t be voiced directly. The Carter family’s background is extremely upright, especially illustrious. By rights, Daniel Carter’s choice of a wife should be rigorously selective, a match in status, with the woman impeccable in looks, education, capability, and family background. But I come from an ordinary background, with average education, and though my career is flourishing, it can’t outweigh having a father who was imprisoned and the stain of my divorce. The only thing worth mentioning is my face. But beauty in front of a top-notch noble family like the Carters is the least valued. Seeing my lack of confidence, Daniel Carter sighed helplessly, his shoulders slumping: "I never thought having a too-good family background would be a downside for me." "No, no, I didn’t mean that." I hurriedly looked up to explain, "There’s nothing about you that detracts. It’s just me not being able to get past my own mental hurdle." Daniel Carter nodded, "Alright, I understand." I glanced up at him, bewildered—does this count as me rejecting him again? "Come on, let’s head inside first. My mother knows you’re coming and has been waiting." Even if "rejected," Daniel Carter remained very composed, showing no displeasure. I replied softly, following him as we continued walking in. Mrs. Carter was delighted to see me, "Lily, it’s been a while since you’ve visited me. I thought it was because Daniel made you angry, and you’ve been distancing from us." I opened my mouth, feeling amused and helpless: "Mrs. Carter, no, you’re joking too much, how could that be. Mr. Carter has helped me a lot recently, I’m very grateful to him, there’s no way I would distance myself." "Is that so? Then it’s good to keep in touch, young people should make more friends and connect more." Mrs. Carter said with a warm smile. My heart fluttered anxiously; her phrase "connect more" surely isn’t referring to romance, right? I didn’t dare respond, so I pretended to be oblivious and changed the topic: "Mr. Carter, why don’t you try the clothes again upstairs, in case there are any adjustments needed?" "Alright, you two chat first, I’ll go change." Daniel Carter turned and went upstairs, with a servant following closely, holding the clothes. Mrs. Carter pulled me to sit on the sofa, looking me over, "You’ve lost weight! I heard things haven’t been going well for you lately, you look much thinner." I felt a bit uneasy because Mrs. Carter’s gaze was full of assessment and evaluation. I couldn’t understand, did Mrs. Carter also value me? Hadn’t she been quite active before, even with Carter relatives, in "selecting a bride" for Daniel? "No, my weight is stable, I haven’t lost much weight." "You’ve definitely lost weight. Eat more at lunch; Chef Barton made all your favorites." I could only obediently say, "Thank you, Mrs. Carter, you’re too thoughtful." After saying this, I suddenly remembered the gift I brought for Mrs. Carter. "Oh right, ma’am, it’s getting colder lately, so I got you a shawl, see if you like it." I turned and took out a package, revealing a cashmere shawl with excellent texture. Mrs. Carter’s eyes sparkled, accepting the shawl with nods, "I like it, this indigo color is elegant and the embroidery is understated." Mrs. Carter stood up, immediately draping it around her, and twirled in front of me, "How is it?" "Very good, you have such great presence, you look good in anything." "Oh, you really know how to talk. It’s your taste and aesthetics that are good. The pleated apron skirt you made for Melissa looks so stylish." Mrs. Carter praised me thoroughly, every word making me feel overjoyed. "Thank you, you really are considerate." Mrs. Carter donned the shawl, reluctant to take it off, then sat down to chat with me politely. "Just a small present, as long as you like it." While we chatted idly, Daniel Carter came downstairs in the black suit. Mrs. Carter looked back, hurriedly stood, and greeted him: "It looks really nice! Even outshines your father in his youth. Oh, handsome and impressive, dignified and respectful." As she praised her son, Mrs. Carter turned again to me, commending, "Lily, you’re amazing with menswear too! Make a couple of suits for Daniel’s dad sometime." Upon hearing this, I immediately tensed up, "Ma’am, Old Master Carter’s aura—" Mrs. Carter waved her hand dismissively, "The old guy, what aura, don’t worry about that and make it for him." I could only comply, "Alright, I’ll take Old Master Carter’s measurements when I have the time." Daniel Carter tried on both suits, and Mrs. Carter’s praises were endless. I modestly replied with my mouth, but my heart had already fallen. Anyone with eyes wouldn’t be unaffected seeing Daniel Carter . The elegant, mature, noble yet humble, reserved, and well-mannered qualities he exhibits could shake even the firmest resolve. I stared at him dazedly, trying hard to restrain and stay rational, yet my heart continued to race, and my cheeks flushed to my ears. To prevent myself from admiring and longing for such a man is truly impossible. When Daniel Carter turned to go upstairs, his gaze seemed to unintentionally sweep over me. Our eyes met, and suddenly awakening from a dream, I quickly pretended to look away casually. But I still vaguely saw the corner of his mouth curl into a slight smile, as if he saw through me once more. My heart beat wildly, and I could only hurry to the sofa, pick up a teacup, and bury myself in drinking tea. Yet, Mrs. Carter intentionally asked, "Lily, why are you blushing?" "Huh?" I was startled, touching my face with the back of my hand, "Am I? Maybe it’s because I’m wearing too much, feeling a bit hot..." Mrs. Carter smiled ambiguously, then directly asked, "How about my son? In terms of appearance, he’s one in ten thousand, right? As for talent and capability, although he has some of the ancestral glory, he does have some real skills, in—" My heart pounded as if to leap out of my throat, fearing Mrs. Carter might start matchmaking with the next sentence. "Ma’am, Mr. Carter is impeccable in every aspect, so outstanding that it’s daunting." I was so nervous that my tongue tied up, and I rudely interrupted Mrs. Carter. When I said I’m daunted, the implication was that I’m unworthy, far from worthy. Mrs. Carter, being smart, caught the meaning and quickly said, "You’re excellent too, no need to feel inferior." "No, no, I—" My mind was a mess, and I couldn’t find words to respond. Fortunately, Daniel Carter came downstairs, rescuing me in time: "Mom, Lily, it’s time to eat."