"Alright, that's enough," Graham said, furrowing his brows but still looking indulgent as he gazed at the woman.

The woman was tall and curvy, dressed provocatively even in the cold winter with black tights and a short skirt. Her heavy makeup and wavy hair made her look alluring and foxy. Leaning against Graham, she added a touch of seductive allure.

With Graham's indulgence, the woman's actions grew more unrestrained. She didn't mind the passersby's glances as she kissed Graham on the lips.

Graham gently pushed her away, somewhat helpless. "I promise I'll find the right time to explain to my family."

"Will your family be okay with me?"

"Don't worry. With me around, they'll have to be."

The woman smiled, took the car keys, and waved to him before driving away in the sports car.

Daniel's gaze darkened.

If he hadn't mistaken the car, it belonged to the Bayers. Wasn't Graham the kind of man who even insisted on splitting expenses in his marriage? Would he be so generous as to let someone else use his car? Daniel continued watching.

Instead of going upstairs, Graham made a few phone calls, and a car arrived to pick him up shortly after.

Daniel took out his phone and instructed his subordinate in a low voice, "Check Graham Bayer's spending records."

The subordinate seemed puzzled. "Sir..."

"Just for the past three months."

After the call, Daniel quickly went upstairs.

He carefully applied the burn ointment to Maisie's injury, fearing it would leave a scar. He advised her to go to the hospital for a checkup.

Maisie smiled. "It'll be fine. I've burned myself while cooking before. With my experience, it should heal in two or three days."

Daniel suddenly felt a pang of sadness. He recalled the days when she stayed at their home, always cooking delicious meals and finding the most happiness when he returned home from work. He remembered her running to him like a cheerful bird, helping him take off his coat and fetch his slippers. He remembered her fingers becoming sensitive from preparing food and washing dishes. People often realized the value of the seemingly insignificant past only after losing it.

Daniel fell silent for a moment and softly said, "Don't cook by yourself anymore. I'll have the hotel deliver your meals on time."

"No need, Mr. Quimby..."

He gently held her hand, careful not to squeeze her injured hand, but she still felt his warmth.

Maisie's face burned, and she wanted to pull her hand away.

Daniel did not let go.

"Mr. Quimby..."

"Maisie, actually..."

Daniel was so close to telling Maisie about their past, but he hated his old self the moment he met Maisie's clear eyes.

"What is it?"

Daniel let go quietly with a somewhat awkward smile. The hot pot on the table had cooled down, and only half a bottle of wine was left. "Your hand is injured. Leave these things," he said, looking at her. "Let me clean up."

Maisie remained silent, just sitting there quietly.

She watched him busily tidy up the living room, wash dishes, and clean the kitchen, then take out the trash before leaving.

For some reason, she had an inexplicable feeling that made her want to cry.

Daniel left Maisie's home and walked along the street alone. Because he had been drinking, he didn't drive, and his subordinate was stuck in traffic during rush hour.

He strolled and looked at the sunset and the birds returning home, feeling a tinge of melancholy. Maisie had lost their child on such a winter day, and he couldn't imagine how desperate she must have felt lying in the cold wind.

His subordinate's car pulled up next to him.

"Mr. Quimby!" As soon as he got in, the subordinate hurriedly explained, "We just finished investigating Mr. Bayer, which took some time."

"Mm." Daniel was somewhat tired as he leaned back in his seat. "What's the result?"

"It's all here."

The subordinate handed him a folder containing the spending records for the past three months, most of which were at high-end hotels, shopping malls, and jewelry stores.

"We also did some additional investigation," the subordinate added. "Mr. Bayer's expenses include... children's items."

"What?" Daniel was taken aback.

"Perhaps he bought them for other kids in the family?" the subordinate wondered aloud.

Daniel closed the folder.

Other kids? The Bayers had many relatives but very few children. Moreover, according to what he knew, Josiah and family rarely visited their relatives. Why would his son buy things for some relatives' children for no reason?

The only possibility was that woman who had driven his car downstairs...

There was no true splitting of expenses fairly. Men seemed to go to great lengths to avoid sharing their resources with someone they didn't like, but when they cared for someone, they wanted to give them the world!

Ruth summoned Maisie to her office one day.

As soon as Maisie entered, she saw a woman sitting on the sofa with a young boy. The woman was strikingly beautiful and stylishly dressed. The boy had curly hair, fair skin, and big eyes, resembling a mixed- race child. He sat silently next to his mother.

Maisie wasn't sure what was happening when Ruth smiled and said, "This young boy is named James. He and his mother have just returned from abroad. He'll be joining your class from now on."

Then Ruth introduced Maisie to the woman, "Ma'am, this is Ms. Squire. She's an excellent teacher at our kindergarten, so you can feel at ease with your child in her class."

The woman smiled at Maisie, who nodded slightly. But in the woman's proud gaze, she sensed something different.

Maisie handed her a form. "Please fill out this enrollment application."

"Oh..." The woman glanced at it. "Parents' names and occupations?"

"The enrollment form is just a formality," Ruth explained with a smile. "You can start by enrolling your child, and the form can be completed later."

"In that case, thank you, Ms. Corbin!" The woman smiled. "Ms. Squire, I'll take the form home and complete it in a few days before returning." "A few days?" Maisie seemed puzzled.

"Yeah," the woman replied with her arms crossed. "Because James doesn't have a father, but... in a few days, he will!"

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