Chapter 69: Chapter 69

I genuinely admire him and appreciate him, and sincerely hope he keeps getting better.

I don’t want anyone to ruin this goodness or add stains to him, including myself.

So let’s not expose it, and keep things ambiguous, convincing myself that we’re just ordinary friends.

"Have you sorted out the issues with your family?" Amid my random thoughts, Daniel and his sister casually began to chat about my situation.

I nodded, "It’s more or less settled. Anyway, my father has been arrested, and the evidence is overwhelming. I consulted a lawyer, and he’ll definitely have to bear legal responsibility. It’s just a question of how many years he’ll get. But no matter what, he’s definitely returned to square one overnight."

I thought, if the tax authorities impose severe penalties, he might even end up in debt, making it impossible to recover in this lifetime.

After listening to me, Daniel sighed, "You’re mentally strong. You were set up by your own father, yet you didn’t blow up. Instead, you coolly and calmly counterattacked swiftly."

I gave a faint smile, "What’s the point of making a scene? Since I was old enough to understand things, ever since he divorced my mom, I’ve seen through his true colors. You could say I’ve been biding my time, waiting for this day, and enduring hardships for many years. If it weren’t for his scheming against me this time, I wouldn’t have found the opportunity to catch his misdeeds. It’s his own doing."

Daniel nodded, as if in approval, or maybe in astonishment, "It’s not easy for a girl."

Hearing this, I suddenly felt calm, looked up at the two of them, and asked somewhat nervously, "Do you think... I’m a bit dark-hearted? Scheming, cold-blooded, and ruthless? After all, he’s my father, and my half-sister just passed away..."

Before I could finish, Melissa quickly said, "How could that be? What’s wrong with protecting yourself? Do you have to be completely devoured by your family to be called filial and good?"

"Melissa is right, protecting yourself is the first rule of survival. You’ve never proactively harmed them, yet they’ve continuously ostracized and even framed you. You did the right thing," Daniel also strongly endorsed.

My expression softened a bit, and the corners of my mouth revealed a smile.

Daniel slightly curved his lips and continued, "Moreover, your father has broken the law and violated the lawful rights and interests of the country and others. As family, you can be righteous and selfless, which is not only correct but also exceptionally heroic."

"Yes, heroic!" Melissa gave me a thumbs-up and raised her teacup, "Come on, let’s toast to the hero with tea!"

I was still nervous inside, but after being praised by the two of them, I felt completely relieved.

"You both really know how to provide emotional support, thank you." I smiled and raised my teacup, letting out a breath.

After drinking the tea, Melissa put down her cup and continued to console me, "Girls in this society face a lot of prejudice and injustice, and only families can offer us a safe harbor. Instead, your family not only doesn’t protect you but also schemes against you. If you’re not quick-witted, strong, and courageous, how could you even survive? They would have devoured you by now."

Melissa’s words hit right to my heart.

I was deeply grateful, and my eyes instantly reddened, almost tearing up.

"Actually, I still have my grandma and aunt who are very kind to me. In my heart, they are my real family." As for the Miller Family, they have always just been my enemies.

Daniel noticed my emotional fluctuation, reached out, and handed me a handkerchief, "Let’s not talk about it anymore; things will keep getting better for you."

I looked at his handkerchief, hesitated, then took it, "Thank you." Thɪs chapter is updated by NoveI-Fire.ɴet

Thinking of the other handkerchief I still had from him, I felt a mix of emotions holding this one.

After dabbing my eyes and calming down, I awkwardly held the handkerchief, "Um... after I wash it—"

"No need, just give it to me." Before I could finish, Daniel interrupted, reaching out to take it back.

My cheeks flushed, and I quickly lowered my head, focusing on eating.

After the meal, I called the waiter to settle the bill but was informed, "Miss Miller, the bill has already been paid."

"Already paid? By whom?" I was taken aback.

Before the waiter could answer, Melissa said cheerfully, "My brother already paid it, let’s go!"

As the siblings stood up, I followed suit, feeling very embarrassed, "Mr. Carter, I said I would treat to thank you for the help you gave me before. Why did you pay again?"

"Oh, it’s just a meal, why be so particular? My brother has plenty of money, and for someone he likes—"

"Ahem!" Before Melissa could finish, Daniel suddenly cleared his throat.

Melissa paused and quickly changed her tone with a smile, "I wasn’t invited, so it should be us treating you. Don’t worry about a meal."

I was a bit stunned, still pondering Melissa’s unfinished sentence in my mind.

For someone he likes... what?

Is she saying Daniel likes me?

Seeing my stunned expression, Daniel smiled gently and said softly, "Next time it’s your treat, I won’t compete with you."

I snapped back to reality and immediately replied, "Alright, that’s settled."

I thought to myself, I have another reason for a "date," feeling secretly delighted.

"Well, thanks for the meal today." I picked up my bag and left with them.

"No need to be so polite!" Melissa walked alongside me, speaking in a lively tone, "Oh, I’m going to Windmere next month for a performance. I wanted to ask if you’re free to make me a Pleated apron Skirt. My brother said you already have the designs ready. Can I go check them out?"

I happily nodded, "Sure! Just come with me now."

"Alright, I’ll ride with you."

Melissa immediately linked her arm with mine and said to Daniel, "Brother, I’ll go with Lily, you can head back alone."

Daniel wore a warm indulgent smile and reminded her, "Don’t get into trouble, finish things as soon as possible and don’t delay Lily’s work."

"Got it! I’m not a three-year-old!"

"You’re more worrisome than a three-year-old." The siblings teased each other.

As we walked to the restaurant lobby, I saw Wennie Lane approaching us.

Melissa saw her and was surprised, "Ms. Wennie, what are you doing here?"

I smiled and explained, "Holburne is her family’s place."

"Wow~" Melissa was surprised, "That’s such a coincidence!"

Melissa spends almost half of her year abroad for studies or performances. Even when she returns to the country, she immerses herself in her music and arts circles and is not very familiar with other matters.

After attending Mrs. Carter’s birthday banquet, I learned of Melissa’s true identity and told my best friend about it.

So now, Wennie, seeing Melissa with us, wasn’t surprised and simply greeted with a smile, "Melissa, nice to meet you again."

Then she greeted Daniel, "Hello, Mr. Carter."

Daniel nodded gracefully, "Hello."

Melissa looked around at us in awe, "It turns out everyone is so fated to connect."

I said, "The head chef here at Holburne is also the personal chef for your Carter Manor."

"Really? Such fate!" Melissa was as joyful as a child.

Wennie smiled and said, "Next time you come, I’ll treat you. Order anything you’d like."

Then she turned to me and reminded, "Lily, arrange a time, and let me know once you’ve decided."

"Of course! I should have been the one treating today. Since I just got back, you’ve already finished eating."

We were still chatting when Daniel’s secretary, William, quickly approached, "Chairman Carter, the car is here."

Understanding the situation, Wennie immediately said, "Then it’s settled. You’re all busy, I won’t hold you up."

"Alright, see you next time, Ms. Wennie." Melissa waved her hand as we all left together.

Daniel was in a hurry, and his car was already parked at the restaurant entrance.

William opened the door for him in advance, and he bent down to get in, "I’ll leave first, you all enjoy yourselves."

"Goodbye." I looked at the handsome face in the lowered car window, restraining the surge of emotions in my heart.

The Audi A8 slowly drove away, and Melissa Chandler sighed with relief, "My brother’s finally gone, no one to control me now. Let’s go too!"

My car is an over three-hundred-thousand-yuan electric vehicle, quite cost-effective for driving around the city, and I like it a lot.

But thinking about Melissa Chandler’s status, I felt a bit embarrassed, "This car’s comfort doesn’t compare to your Porsche, it’s quite an imposition on the young lady."

Melissa Chandler said, "What are you talking about! I’m not some delicate young lady."

We both got in the car laughing and headed towards my company.

During the drive, there had to be some conversation. I thought about Melissa Chandler’s demeanor in front of Daniel Carter and asked curiously, "Melissa, why are you so afraid of your brother? He doesn’t seem like a scary person, quite easygoing instead."

"Ha!" Melissa Chandler gave a strange smile, "That’s just with you. You’re his lifesaver, of course, he’s kind and approachable to you. Outside, he’s formidable! You see who doesn’t act overly respectful around him? Only my parents dare to speak harshly to him and give him attitude—oh, and my grandfather!"

I remained silent, recalling the first time I went to his company to borrow money and happened to see him reprimanding his subordinates, who were sweating profusely and trembling.

"Who could have guessed, I thought he treated everyone the same, courteous and approachable."

Melissa Chandler turned around, looking intrigued, "Lily Miller, it seems... you have a good impression of my brother?"

I kept my eyes on the road, but my heart skipped a beat.

What does this mean? Is she probing?

"Haha... with your brother’s qualities, anyone would have a good impression of him, right?"

"Oh, I don’t care about others, I’m just asking about you—what do you think of him?"

I forced a smile, anxious for Melissa Chandler not to detect anything, and could only respond evasively, "He’s nice, helpful, and thankful."

Melissa Chandler stared at me, half-smiling, without saying a word.

I had to focus on driving, couldn’t turn back to look, but felt her observing me, so I covered it up with a fake smile, "What’s up? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Nothing," she withdrew her gaze and turned back properly, saying, "My brother sees you as more than just someone to feel grateful to."

"What else?" My heart raced, but I played dumb.

Sure enough, she directly asked, "Can’t you see?"

"Haha... you two just keep pretending, I wonder how long you’ll continue this act."

"..." I pressed my lips together, not daring to speak, my heart was pounding wildly.

Does this mean I could interpret this as Daniel Carter actually having feelings for me? He just hasn’t said it out loud?

Furthermore, Daniel Carter has also noticed that I feel the same for him?

This topic can’t go on, otherwise, once we break the silence, we wouldn’t even be able to be friends.

After a moment of silence, I changed the topic, "By the way, Wennie Lane just said she wants to treat us to a meal, when are you free?"

"The weekend, as long as you’re free."

"Okay, I’ll arrange it."

When we arrived at the company, I opened the computer and showed her an entire series of Pleated Apron Skirt designs, letting her pick whatever she liked.

Melissa Chandler was taken aback, "How did you design so many?"

"These are my design drafts for next February’s Veyrona Fashion Week, once I’m done with recent projects, I’ll start working on them."

"Wow... these are stunning!" Melissa Chandler exclaimed, touched, "These must be confidential, right? Showing them all to me ? You trust me so much."

"No worries, you’re an outsider. Besides, this is just one series for Fashion Week, I have other series as well." I truly trust her because she’s part of the Carter Family, Daniel Carter’s sister.

I knew I was getting into the love mindset again.

I also knew, having a love mindset is undesirable, I should have learned from the previous mistake.

But I just can’t control it.

Sincerity is always a killer strategy, that’s my weakness in character, but also my greatest strength in dealing with people.

Melissa Chandler picked her favorite style, and I promised to have the finished product ready before her performance, letting her awe the international stage with the pinnacle of Oriental fashion.

The news of Jason Miller’s arrest spread through the high society circles of Fallhaven.

I once again became the center of attention, with diverse opinions surrounding me.

But I had no time to care.

With the divorce case against Adrian Gordon about to go to trial, my primary focus now is dealing with him.

The day before the trial, he took the initiative to call me.

"You’re not going to tell me again that you can’t make it to the trial tomorrow, are you?"

Adrian Gordon coughed a couple of times, sounding like he was sick, "Lily Miller, I’m still in the hospital."

Upon hearing this, I immediately understood, he was indeed going to bail.

I sneered, "Adrian Gordon, didn’t your lawyer tell you that in a divorce lawsuit, the court can issue a subpoena?"

"Lily, I didn’t mean to, ever since Sophie’s funeral, I’ve been sick and haven’t been discharged." He explained in a low voice, sounding genuinely weak.

"So sick you can’t get out of bed?"

"Not quite, but my family believes health comes first and applied for a postponement."

Before he finished speaking, he coughed again.

Then I heard Olivia Gray’s voice, there was a mess of noise on the phone, and soon the call ended.

I stared at my phone, frowning slightly, deep in thought.

I know about his health issues, originally he would be as normal as anyone else if he took proper care according to his doctor.

But he had acted recklessly, donating blood to Sophie repeatedly, how many times and how much I don’t know.

Could it be... his old illness relapsed?

If that’s the case, it could be seriously problematic.

I focused on my work, waiting for Adrian to have time to call back and continue discussing this matter.

Finally, towards the end of the day, I received a call from my lawyer.

"Miss Miller, the court just informed me, the defendant has applied to postpone the trial, and the court has already accepted it."

After hanging up, I felt extremely displeased.