Chapter 157: Chapter 157

I smiled helplessly, raising my hand to swear: "I promise not to mention a word. If I break my promise, may I have bad luck in everything for the next ten years!"

Wennie Lane patted Melissa Chandler’s shoulder: "Don’t worry, I’ve known her for so many years. She may not have other virtues, but she always keeps her promises."

I rolled my eyes at her, pretending to be angry: "Wennie Lane, say that again! Is that the only virtue I have?"

"Hahaha..." Wennie laughed, glanced at me, and added, "Oh, and you have quite a hot figure too!"

I was so angry that I chased after her to hit her.

They dropped me off downstairs at the company and left.

I turned and went upstairs, the smile on my face completely fading.

I know Daniel Carter will face immense pressure with me, but hearing it firsthand still feels hard to accept.

I feel both sorry for Daniel and self-reproachful, deeply powerless.

Because there’s truly no way for me to change the current situation.

Should I, like Jessica Sawyer, go to Carter Manor now and then to please Grandpa Carter and Mrs. Carter, to win their favor?

Firstly, I’m not that kind of person; it’s really hard for me to say flattering words to elders.

Secondly, even if I could say them, would Grandpa Carter and Mrs. Carter buy into my act?

Would they think I’m interested in the Carter Family’s wealth and power, knowing I have competition, so I’m deliberately pleasing them to cling onto Daniel Carter?

If they think that, the more diligent I am, the more they’ll resent me.

I was caught in endless conflict, until three o’clock in the afternoon, when Daniel Carter came to pick me up to go to the airport.

The company arranged for two business cars to take colleagues traveling on business to the airport.

I didn’t go with them and instead got into Daniel Carter’s car.

"This is Eric Shaw, he’ll be going with you in a while." No sooner had I sat down than Daniel Carter introduced me to his bodyguard.

The young driver looked at me in the rearview mirror, "Hello, Miss Miller."

Actually, we’ve met many times before, but today we formally got introduced.

"Thank you, Mr. Shaw." I added sincerely.

During the New Year, taking people abroad meant they couldn’t spend it with their family.

Daniel Carter seemed to know what I felt guilty about, held my hand, and said, "Eric Shaw is an orphan, he doesn’t have family. He spent his New Year at the Carter Family in the past."

I looked back at him, surprised and didn’t know what to say for a moment.

The car was quiet for a while, and Daniel Carter’s phone rang.

He took it out and answered.

I was originally looking out the window, not focusing on his call.

But inadvertently hearing a few sentences piqued my interest.

It seemed related to Amanda Gordon.

After he finished the call, I turned back and asked, "What’s going on with Amanda Gordon again? Does the Gordon Family have such power that even you can’t handle them?"

Daniel Carter smirked playfully, then looked at me and said, "The lawyer said Amanda Gordon underwent a mental evaluation, proving she has schizophrenia - according to the law, she can be exempt from prosecution due to this condition."

"What?" I was shocked, "Does she really have schizophrenia?"

"Who did the evaluation? Don’t they realize that the Gordon Family offended you this time?" In such cases, helping the Gordon Family means clearly opposing Daniel Carter, isn’t it?

"In front of profit, anything can be shaken. How do you know how much money the Gordon Family spent to manipulate this?" Daniel Carter lightly retorted, seemingly indifferent.

I looked at him, puzzled, "Are we just letting it go ?"

"No rush, I’ll have someone investigate the Gordon Family from other angles."

Daniel Carter’s words reminded me of something; I suddenly sat up and looked at him.

"What’s wrong?" He seemed surprised.

I grabbed his arm solemnly and said, "The Gordon Family indeed has some shady dealings. Before... I overheard Adrian Gordon and his father discussing how they pulled strings left and right while doing the Wisterden project, and there were safety incidents later that were covered up."

I learned about this from eavesdropping on the Gordon father and son, as Adrian himself didn’t mention it to me.

After knowing this, it made me quite uneasy.

Later, I subtly inquired Adrian about it, but he brushed me off with a few words. Besides, the finished project had very positive feedback, so I thought I was overthinking and didn’t pursue it further.

"Daniel Carter, have someone start the investigation from the Wisterden project, you will certainly find evidence against the Gordon Family."

At this moment, I didn’t care about the series of consequences this matter might bring if proven true; all I wanted was not to let Amanda Gordon get away scot-free for her mistakes and ensure Daniel Carter and Melissa Chandler weren’t wronged without justice.

It’s alright if I suffer some grievance, but having them endure losses with me makes me unwilling to accept.

Daniel Carter held my hand, looking quite surprised, "Do you know what uncovering evidence means in this matter?"

"The worst result is the Gordon Family going bankrupt," I said calmly.

"And you’re still asking me to investigate?" Daniel Carter slightly raised his eyebrows.

I gave a bitter smile, "The Gordon Family holds no sentiment for me, why should I go easy on them? Besides, being with you is burdensome enough, I can’t let you suffer because of me, so I support you to investigate thoroughly."

Daniel Carter’s smile grew even brighter.

He raised his hand and indulgently rubbed my face, "You’ve finally improved."

"Previously, you tried your best to shield me, refusing to let me participate in anything. Now you can fight alongside me."

I recalled the words Melissa said at noon, still moved, and sincerely said, "I was wrong before, I shouldn’t have always tried to draw a line between us. Since we’re together, we should be as one."

Daniel Carter quietly looked at me, then wrapped his arm around me and pulled me into his embrace.

"You’re really not reassuring..." he murmured, inexplicably moved.

I looked up in his arms, "What do you mean?"

"We’re about to part soon, and you say such affectionate and touching words. How can I bear to let you go?" He lowered his head and touched my nose, his voice low and gentle.

I frowned and quickly struggled, "Stop it..."

Eric Shaw is still driving up front.

Daniel Carter laughed and leaned over to kiss me, "No need to be shy, there’s no one else around."

At the airport, my coworkers had already arrived in the business shuttle.

When checking in, I found out Daniel Carter had upgraded my seat.

I was originally going with my coworkers, all in economy class.

"The flight is too long, and the economy seats are narrow and uncomfortable. Eric booked his ticket later, and there were no seats left in economy, so you’ll be going to first class with him," Daniel explained in response to my confusion.

"But it makes me seem eccentric." I understood his kindness but felt uncomfortable about my coworkers.

Daniel didn’t hesitate to say, "Then upgrade all of your coworkers’ seats."

"No need, Mr. Carter, we understand you care about Ms. Lily," Cherry overheard and teased with a loud voice.

Other coworkers laughed, "Yes, President Miller, just go to first class without worrying about us."

I blushed at everyone’s teasing and shot Daniel Carter an annoyed glare.

Daniel casually put his arm around my shoulder and told everyone, "I’ll cover the return tickets, all first class."

"Wow! Thank you, Mr. Carter!"

"Thanks, Mr. Carter and President Miller!"

After everyone cheered, they nudged each other, saying, "Go, go, let’s get through security first, so we’re not in the way."

I was embarrassed to linger, glanced at Daniel Carter, and turned to leave, "Well... I have to go too."

"Hey!" he called urgently, grabbing me again.

"You’re just leaving ?"

I looked at his eager, deep eyes and glanced around, realizing Eric Shaw had already left somehow.

Since there were no others around, I thickened my skin and hugged him.

"Daniel Carter, thank you for being so good to me." I hugged him tight, feeling genuinely grateful.

He laughed, crouched slightly, and gently rubbed the back of my head with his hand, "Silly, you’re my girlfriend, it’s only right I treat you well."

"Mm, I’ll treat you well too from now on."

We parted slightly, and I mustered up the courage to lean in and kiss him, "I’m leaving now."

"Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to ask Eric Shaw or call me if anything comes up, at any time."

I knew he was deeply worried about my trip, so I agreed to whatever he said.

With little time left, I let go of him and slowly walked towards the security checkpoint.

"Go back now, don’t worry about me." I waved at him repeatedly, signaling him to leave, but he stood still, watching me fixedly.

I had already reached the security area, and when I turned back, he was still standing there, like a statue longing for someone.

Suddenly, a pang struck my heart, and my eyes felt gritty, a strong sense of reluctance flooding my chest.

I suddenly started running back.

Seeing me sprinting back, Daniel’s face lit up with delight as he stepped forward and embraced me.

"Daniel Carter, I love you, wait for me to come back." I threw myself into his arms, kissed him on the corner of his mouth, and, for the first time, clearly declared, "I love you."

Daniel stared at me in surprise, his eyes full of joy, "Lily..."

"Alright, go back now! If you keep this up, I’ll miss my flight." After the kiss, I couldn’t help but laugh at his happy, stunned look as I ran towards the security checkpoint, urging him, "Hurry, bye-bye!"

This time, I didn’t look back and swiftly passed through security.

I looked back once more, seeing him turning to leave, only to suddenly look back again.

Realizing I had turned too, he waved to me, and I blew him a kiss before walking away with a smile.

By the time I boarded the plane, all my coworkers were already settled.

I greeted them and headed towards first class.

Eric Shaw had already taken his seat and greeted me as I entered. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NoveI-Fire.ɴet

He was holding his phone, still on a call. As I got closer, I heard it was with Daniel Carter.

"Okay, Mr. Carter, don’t worry, I will definitely take good care of Miss Miller. Mm, okay... Miss Miller is here now. Okay, got it."

Eric ended the call and looked at me, "Mr. Carter is concerned and reminded me several times."

I smiled, "Don’t mind him, he’s just overly worried."