I breathed a quiet sigh of relief, catching Daniel Carter’s gaze in mid-air; he slightly curled his lips, signaling me not to be too tense. But how can I not be tense? Recently, the ambiguity between Daniel Carter and I has been unprecedentedly intense. Actually, I shouldn’t be . I can’t reach such a high-status family, I should be aware and draw a clear boundary. But I’m a businesswoman, especially now that I’m my own boss, I understand the importance of maintaining relationships even more. With someone as influential as Daniel Carter, who in the country wouldn’t welcome him? They say it’s good to lean against big trees for shade, even if it’s not for myself, I have to consider the company and so many employees, and make good use of this towering tree, utilizing his influence for the company’s benefit and development. Some might think I’m too pragmatic, too hypocritical, but the world is just so realistic. The idea of dignity sounds noble when described as "not bending for five bushels of rice," but it could also be seen as stubbornness and folly. Besides, I didn’t beg, plead, or pester for it; it’s offered willingly—if I don’t accept, it would seem ungrateful. After such psychological construction, my heart finally calmed a bit. The lunch was plentiful, Daniel Carter looked at me and said, "All of your favorites, don’t be reserved, just like you’re at your own home." I smiled and nodded, "Alright." During the meal, there was casual talk, and Mrs. Carter asked about my divorce. "Heard you won your divorce case? Now you’re finally rid of Young Master Gordon, what’s your plan next?" Hearing this, I became nervous again. This clearly was asking if I planned on dating or getting married again. The source of thɪs content is Nov3lFɪre.ɴet I put down the spoon and answered properly, "Mrs. Carter, the divorce suit is just a court judgment; I haven’t got the decree yet, and even if I get it, there’s a 15-working-day period before it takes effect if there’s no appeal from the other party." Mrs. Carter’s brow furrowed, "Do you mean... Young Master Gordon might regret it?" I thought about the evidence of Amanda Gordon’s crimes that I held, so I was quite confident, "Probably not." "Then that’s settled. Given your conditions, hasn’t anyone eagerly introduced you?" I noticed Mrs. Carter’s probing look and felt a bit guilty. Because the day I left the courthouse, those rich ladies blocked me, crazily promoting their sons, nephews, and such. I smiled and subtly said, "Now I just want to focus on my career, temporarily not considering romance or marriage." After saying this, I felt a bit tense inside. Directly expressing my attitude in front of Mrs. Carter and Daniel was a pretty clear rejection, right? Feigning calm, I was actually quite nervous inside. There was a brief silence at the dining table, and I sensed Mrs. Carter glanced at Daniel, and although they said nothing, I knew they were exchanging looks. Perhaps my statement seemed a bit disrespectful to Mrs. Carter, and the atmosphere that followed wasn’t as lively. I felt like sitting on pins and needles; no matter how delicious the food was, it tasted like wax, just hoping to quickly finish and find an excuse to leave. Daniel noticed my unease and proactively sought a topic to discuss the school anniversary. I responded sporadically until I noticed Mrs. Carter putting down her tableware, at which point I immediately straightened my posture, "Mrs. Carter, you’ve finished eating." Mrs. Carter looked at me with a slightly complicated expression and then sighed, "You child... seem quite clever, but a bit stubborn." "..." I was stumped, not knowing how to respond for a moment. "Mom," Daniel immediately helped smooth things over, speaking for me, "Who would start dating right after a divorce? What would others think?" Mrs. Carter stood up without addressing this, merely saying, "Take your time eating, I’m going upstairs to rest. Lily, come again when you have time." I thought I offended Mrs. Carter and would be shown the door, but she invited me to "come again when you have time." Grateful deep down, I politely stood up, "Sure, Mrs. Carter, thank you for your hospitality." "You’re welcome." Mrs. Carter faintly smiled and turned to leave the dining room. "Take a seat, keep eating," Daniel called out seeing me standing still. I looked down at him, quietly saying, "I’m full, I have things to return to the company for this afternoon." He gazed at me, his sharp brows and bright eyes, gentle as jade, "Were you scared by what my mom said? She meant no harm, just thinks it’s tough for you alone and believes you should find a reliable partner." "I know; Mrs. Carter wants what’s best for me." "As long as you understand." Daniel chuckled, raised a hand as an invitation, "Sit and eat a bit more, just accompany me." Having said this, it wasn’t really easy to refuse, so I could only sit and keep him company. After finishing the meal, I bid farewell and left. Daniel, however, asked the servant to bring my coat. "No need, it’s cold outside, you don’t need to see me off." I hurriedly declined. Unexpectedly, Daniel said, "Uncle Grant had something to attend to, I’m driving you." I was startled inside, he’s driving me? Words stuck in my throat, unable to reply, as he had already taken the coat from the servant and walked toward me. "What expression is that for? Worried my driving will send you into trouble?" He put on the coat while humorously teasing me. I watched his elegant gesture of putting on his coat, momentarily dazzled, then came to my senses, "Of course not, I just felt you might be busy with work, coming and going would delay your time." "Not busy today." He answered briefly, with a slight lift of his handsome face, "Let’s go." I had no choice but to follow. Inside the house, it was a constant temperature and humidity, like spring. But stepping out the door, a cold wind came howling, and surprisingly snow pellets began to fall outside. "It’s snowing!" I exclaimed, looking up at the sky. "Yes, the weather forecast said there would be heavy snow tonight." Daniel had a smile on his face too. Watching me face up to catch the snow pellets, he suddenly raised a hand to shield my eyes, "Fool, isn’t it cold?" My heart skipped a beat, looking at him with a slight smile, "The first snow of the year, interesting." "If it really snows heavily tonight, the mountain will be beautiful tomorrow; you can come again to enjoy the snow." I dared not look at him, lowered my head, and walked outside, excusing, "I have to work overtime tomorrow, lots of stuff to do." Daniel didn’t reply, following alongside me. At the entrance to Carter Manor, there was a black, shiny SUV; the vehicle was large and powerful, dignified and solemn. I saw the SUV for the first time, and only upon getting closer did I realize it was a Hongqi; however, I didn’t recognize the model. "In rainy and snowy weather, driving this car on mountain roads is safer." Daniel noticed my puzzled expression, casually explaining while opening the door. I nodded, got in the car, which was a spacious, luxurious six-seater SUV, with decorations that exuded nobility and prominence. Daniel sat in the driver’s seat, and as the car slipped out of the parking space, he turned to ask, "Taking you home or to the company?" "To the company, please." It was quiet on the road, and I turned to look outside the window. The forest had been adorned with a translucent white coat from the falling snow pellets, conjuring up a vision of tomorrow’s frost and silver landscape, extraordinarily enchanting. Both of us were silent, making the atmosphere a bit awkward. For safety’s sake, Daniel drove steadily, not fast. "Are you tired? If you are, you can recline the seat and nap for a while." His gentle voice suddenly came through.