Caught off guard, Marissa paused momentarily. “Why would you ask such a question all of a sudden?”
Leila weighed her words carefully before replying, “It seems Mr. Daniels has been treating you better than he used to. For instance, at the medical conference, he defended you against Sansa. And at the welcome-back party, he even upset the Clifford family on your behalf. I was under the impression that things between you had been good.” She paused, frowning slightly. “But…”
Unsure how to proceed, she received an encouraging smile from Marissa. “But what? Please, continue.”
“But earlier today, I noticed Mr. Daniels treating Dr. Riss like she was someone special,” Leila confessed. “While I’m grateful to Dr. Riss for the surgery she performed on Aunt, I worry about the possibility of her wrecking your marriage. I’m at a loss about what to do.”
Marissa ran her fingers through her hair. “Is that what’s bothering you?”
Leila nodded. “Tiffany, when you pursued Mr. Daniels with such humility back then, none of us supported your decision to marry into the Daniels family. We feared you would suffer. Despite our concerns, you chose not to return to the Sanchez family, leaving us helpless and worried. Later, when you began to reconnect with us, we all hoped you would divorce him, believing you couldn’t possibly be happy with a man who didn’t love you. My parents and our grandma even discussed finding you a more suitable match in secret. Recently, however, Mr. Daniels has come to your defense multiple times. Everyone started to speculate that he had finally fallen for you. We hoped this would lead to a more harmonious relationship between you two. After all, a divorce would label you as a divorced woman, which isn’t ideal. But now… Tiffany, please forgive my bluntness, but Dr. Riss outshines you in many ways. Mr. Daniels has many reasons to favor her over you. I fear this marriage might not work eventually. Why not consider initiating the divorce yourself? That way, you wouldn’t be left humiliated and abandoned, as your previous fiances have done. It could also help preserve your dignity.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Marissa whispered, her voice low but firm. “Dr. Riss is now Connor’s brother’s attending doctor. It’s normal for Connor to treat her differently. I’ll divorce him one day, and it won’t involve anyone else.”
“Why? What happened?” Leila’s eyes widened in shock
“It’s true,” Marissa nodded calmly. “Our marriage is merely a deal. We both get what we need from it. Once our mutual interests are met, we’ll part ways.”
“I don’t understand, Tiffany. What kind of deal could possibly exist between you and Mr. Daniels?”
“You’re not privy to the intricacies of our relationship. Please, don’t fret over me. Whether he shows affection to another woman or falls for someone else, it won’t affect me.”
Leila felt at a loss for words. “Uh… OK.” She nodded, though she remained puzzled. While they conversed, they failed to notice Connor, who had quietly drawn near and overheard their discussion
Marissa’s words stung him deeply. Initially, he had agreed their relationship was just a deal. Yet, as time passed, their lives had intertwined more deeply, and they even shared the same bed occasionally. Despite this, she hadn’t altered her view. Connor realized he was the only one who had developed genuine feelings in their relationship. Always strong and decisive, he now felt a rare sense of self-doubt and sorrow, pondering why she couldn’t reciprocate his feelings. What was it about him that was so unlikable?
Unaware of Connor’s turmoil, Marissa ended her conversation with Leila. As she did, her phone chimed. Lowering her head, she saw it was a message from Aelfric, the deputy chief instructor of Doomsday Base to Black Mellow, the chief instructor
In the message, Aelfric said, “I’ve opened a branch of Doomsday Base in Blebert by King’s order. The preparations are now complete. I’ve heard from King that you’re currently in the city. Would you like to come and take a look?”
Marissa was taken aback. She couldn’t fathom why King had suddenly decided to establish a Doomsday Base branch in Blebert. After a brief pause, she sent a message to King. “Hey, Old Peacock, isn’t a large tropical island enough for you? What prompted you to open a Doomsday Base branch in Blebert?”
Zyair’s response came quickly. “Watch your tone, young lady. Have you forgotten who your mentor is?”
Marissa replied, “Explain why you’ve opened a branch in Blebert. If it’s because you don’t have enough money to spend, just let me know. You don’t have to work so hard at your age.”
Zyair was known for his extravagant spending on clothes and wine, indulging in luxuries that most could only dream of affording even with relentless work. That was how he got his nickname, Old Peacock
Marissa was well aware of King’s tastes. Each year, she generously provided him with over a billion dollars for personal use. She believed this more than covered his expenses; even if he donned a new outfit daily and savored fine wine with every meal, his coffers would remain amply stocked. Zyair replied with a tone of grievance, “It’s all because of you, you ungrateful girl. Ever since you wed in Blebert, you’ve neglected me. It’s been ages since your last visit, so I found myself compelled to come to you in Blebert.”
Marissa chuckled. “If it’s just to see me, why go through the hassle of running a branch? Just visit, and I’ll take care of everything. There’s no need for such an elaborate pretext.”
Zyair clarified, “The branch was Aelfric’s idea. I’m not in charge of things there. He’s quite the mischief-maker. You should keep an eye on him. I’ll go to Blebert now and then to visit you.”
Marissa inquired, “When do you plan to visit?”
Zyair responded, “It’s difficult to pin down a date right now. I’m tied up here.”
Marissa suggested, “Let me know before you set out. I’ll secure a spacious villa for you, stocked with the finest wines and designer clothes.”
Zyair sent a laughing emoji. “Having a wealthy apprentice is a blessing! I’ve skirted bankruptcy for most of my life, but now, in my old age, I get to live in luxury. I sure struck gold the day I took you under my wing!”
After their exchange, Marissa messaged Aelfric. “Please send over the address. I happen to be free this evening, so I’ll stop by.”
Aelfric promptly replied with the details and added, “I’ll be there waiting for you, chief instructor. I also have some new students I’d like you to meet.”
Marissa responded, “Okay.” She then pocketed her phone
She quickly discerned Aelfric’s underlying intentions. He had likely influenced King to open a Doomsday Base branch in Blebert, using it strategically to bolster the Warren family’s standing among the affluent circles of the city
It was ostensibly a branch of Doomsday Base, but with King distant and her own inability to remain in Blebert for an extended period, the management would fall solely to Aelfric. This autonomy could easily serve his personal ambitions
Determined to see the situation firsthand, she resolved to visit the branch later that evening. Preparing for her meeting with Aelfric meant leaving behind other engagements. After saying her goodbyes to the Sanchez family, she exited the hospital. As they left the building, Connor walked alongside her and quietly asked, “Will you be heading to my home or to the hotel?”
He presumed she might be weary after the lengthy procedure and in need of rest, with him beside her
Ignoring his inquiry, she posed her own question. “Didn’t you hire Lone Wolf to provide protection? Is he here?”
Connor pointed to his side and affirmed, “Yes.”
Following his gesture, Marissa noticed a tall figure in black, with a peaked cap and mask obscuring his features, crafting an almost menacing aura. She stared at the figure for a moment before the corners of her mouth twitched
As Marissa sized up the burly man clad in black, Connor watched her discreetly. A slight twitch of her lips prompted him to chuckle and inquire, “What’s on your mind?”
Shifting her attention to Connor, Marissa asked, “Is he really Lone Wolf? Have you confirmed his identity?”
“Yes,” Connor replied with a nod. “Absolutely. It’s Lone Wolf, no doubt about it.”
Upon hearing this, Marissa gave the man another look, a wry smile crossing her face. Lone Wolf seemed to have been doing well these past few years; he had put on a fair bit of weight. She had encountered him briefly years before, and he had made a lasting impression with his lean and toned physique, much like Connor’s current appearance, not the bulkier figure he now presented. Marissa was initially skeptical about whether this was really Lone Wolf, but her doubts were dispelled by Connor’s confirmation
Trusting his judgment implicitly, she believed that with Lone Wolf there to safeguard Connor, she could proceed with her plans to meet Aelfric that evening without concern. Resolving to go, she climbed onto her motorcycle and told Connor, “I need to handle something tonight. You don’t need to stay with me.”
Connor looked taken aback. “Where are you headed?”
Marissa shot him a glance. “Do I need to report my every move to you?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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