Chapter 336: Chapter 335: Little Puppy, Shameless Boasting
Daisy leaned against the back seat, her breath still not quite steady, her chest heaving slightly in urgency.
Little pup, so shameless...
What else could he do to her except use this method?
Though Daisy had to admit, this tactic was damn effective!
On the way back, with Edward driving, Daisy quieted down and stopped trying to provoke him on purpose.
Three hours later, they returned to the Stephens family home without incident.
The staff at the door had already received the news of Edward’s return, and as soon as the car arrived, they opened the door to welcome them in.
The car drove inside for nearly half an hour before finally reaching Edward’s former residence.
It was a small, charming villa that appeared very cozy. Compared to the vast estate, it wasn’t very large, but pink roses climbed on the fences, blooming profusely at this season, covering the garden in a dreamy, floral cascade.
Daisy jumped out of the car, a bit dazed by the sight of so many roses.
Like a place for a little princess.
She glanced at Edward.
He grew up here, huh?
"Second Young Master, Miss Ginger." Charlotte Smith emerged from the villa, respectfully addressing them, "The bedroom has been prepared. Everything is as you used to have it, and Miss Ginger’s clothes will arrive shortly. Please check inside to see if there is anything else you need, and I’ll have it brought over promptly."
Edward nodded, tugging Daisy along, noticing she was still staring blankly at the roses, and instructed Charlotte, "Find someone to remove the fence."
Charlotte paused, "But, Madam...
"She’s not coming back now. We can replant them when she returns."
It was his order, so Charlotte could only comply.
Daisy walked inside, glancing at the interior decor, realizing it resembled Lady Stephens’ place in Banyan City.
Even the sofa was from the same brand.
Though unfamiliar, it felt oddly familiar.
Daisy remarked, "You grew up here?"
She had thought he lived somewhere lavish and extravagant.
"I lived with my mom." Edward said casually, taking off his jacket, "She liked small courtyards like this, so my dad had this villa built for her in the estate."
It was the first time Daisy heard him mention his dad.
"Where’s your dad?"
"In Italy managing the company." Edward glanced at her, "You want to meet him?"
"No need." Daisy shrugged, slightly curious. From what Edward mentioned, his parents seemed to have a loving relationship, and Lady Stephens’ carefree personality arose from Mr. Stephens’ protection. So why did they end up raising a twisted son like Robert Stephens?
Daisy sat on the sofa, legs dangling, idly observing the surroundings.
This little house bore traces of Lady Stephens and their stay.
Old but well-kept furnishings, timeless.
Daisy recalled how, as a child, she would sometimes not see Lady Stephens for days or weeks, leaving only Edward at home, which amused her.
A mother raising two sons in different places, with the same name, running between the two.
"Your family is truly messed up."
She commented.
Edward narrowed his eyes slightly, watching the smile on her face, he stroked her cheek softer than rose petals.
"You’re also part of my family," Edward remarked, "When insulting, don’t include yourself."
Bah, she wasn’t part of his family.
Daisy shot him a glance, brushing his hand away, giving him a hard look, then stood up from the sofa, "I’m going upstairs to rest."
Edward stood and watched her silhouette for a while, the dark emotions in his eyes slowly fading.
Never mind, she’s here now, nurturing the relationship can be done gradually. No rush.
Edward changed into casual clothes, stepping out of the changing room, to find Charlotte waiting at the door.
With a calm face, he glanced at her, speaking indifferently, "What is it?"
"Sir invites you for tea." Charlotte said softly, bowing her head.
Edward acknowledged with a hum, making his way outside.
Charlotte followed behind him, keeping her pace.
The spring light was bright.
The estate was flourishing with vitality.
As Edward walked ahead, he suddenly asked in a faint voice, "Do you plan to continue like this?"
Charlotte, head down, seemed briefly stunned and hesitated, instinctively pausing.
By the time she came to her senses, Edward had taken ten steps forward.
She caught up, saying nothing.
Near Robert’s residence, she finally spoke softly, "...this is already very good."
Edward turned his head slightly, only to see the obedient side of her chin and her soft hair on the crown of her head as she bowed.
Is this really good enough?
He said nothing more; everyone has their own goals, and her matters had nothing to do with him anymore.
*
Daisy was trapped in Edward’s embrace, living days as if intoxicated in a dream.
Upon her arrival in Chicago, Oliver Rubio called, informing her that a mysterious mogul had injected five billion into the Ginger Group, reviving the barely-surviving corporation overnight, its stocks soaring even more than when Daisy was managing.
Daisy didn’t want to tell him that the so-called mysterious mogul was none other than this rich pup, Edward.
This guy was truly loaded, having casually tossed her an investment of over a billion in the past, and now effortlessly handed her five billion, making Daisy feel like even a billion or two seemed insignificant.
Her Chicago branch had also prepared her office, and she could return whenever she wished.
Life felt no less different than in Banyan City, even more relaxed.
But the strings around her hands and feet were all too clear.
She was now Edward’s puppet, wherever his fingers moved, she had to follow, completely losing independence.
Sooner or later, she might truly succumb to this reality?
In one or two years, she might still maintain her selfhood, but in five or ten, she might have been tamed to docility, no longer having the will to resist his captivity.
She might forget why she came to Chicago, and the humiliation of being forced into submission, and the eight years of indelible waiting, she might...
Truly fall in love with him.
Fall in love with this deceiver, this executioner, this man who was both tender and brutally extreme to her.
If she fell for him, how could she face the youth who died for her?
Even if everyone thought it was understandable for her to fall for someone else, she stubbornly believed that to love someone was to do so for a lifetime.
At the very least, she couldn’t fall in love with his brother.